GigaOm Radar for Network Validationv3.0

1. Executive Summary

Historically, network engineers relied on manual processes and ad hoc testing to verify network configurations and troubleshoot issues. However, as networks evolved and became increasingly complex, this approach was error-prone, time-consuming, and often inadequate for dynamic environments. As networks became more critical to business operations and security threats increased, organizations recognized the need for more systematic and automated validation approaches.

Modern network validation solutions leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation to provide comprehensive and proactive validation capabilities. These solutions can automatically discover and map network resources, simulate network behavior under various scenarios, and continuously monitor for compliance with security policies and industry standards.

Most network validation solutions use configuration analysis, data plane testing, and active monitoring to assess network health, performance, security, and compliance:

• Configuration analysis scans network device configurations to check for errors, inconsistencies, and deviations from defined standards and policies.
• Data plane testing generates synthetic traffic to verify end-to-end network paths, access control lists (ACLs), quality of service (QoS), and other data plane functions.
• Active monitoring continuously polls network devices and services to validate availability, reachability, and performance against baselines.

The importance of network validation cannot be overstated. It helps organizations:

• Reduce the risk of network outages and security breaches by identifying misconfigurations and vulnerabilities before they impact business operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards by continuously verifying network configurations against established policies.
• Accelerate network changes and deployments by providing a way to test and validate changes before implementation.
• Improve overall network performance and user experience by identifying and resolving issues proactively.
• Provide a common understanding of network behavior and dependencies to enhance collaboration among network, security, and application teams.

Overall, network validation is a dynamic and iterative process that requires constant refinement to adapt to changing network conditions and technological advancements. It is essential for maintaining network integrity, optimizing performance, and ensuring security in today’s complex and distributed network environments. Organizations that invest in robust network validation processes and tools will be better positioned to manage their networks effectively, reduce risks, and align their network operations with business objectives.

This is our third year evaluating the network validation space in the context of our Key Criteria and Radar reports. This report builds on our previous analysis and considers how the market has evolved over the last year.

This GigaOm Radar report examines 15 of the top network validation solutions and compares offerings against the capabilities (table stakes, key features, and emerging features) and nonfunctional requirements (business criteria) outlined in the companion Key Criteria report. Together, these reports provide an overview of the market, identify leading network validation offerings, and help decision-makers evaluate these solutions to make a more informed investment decision.

2. Market Categories and Deployment Types

To help prospective customers find the best fit for their use case and business requirements, we assess how well network validation solutions are designed to serve specific target markets and deployment models (Table 1).

For this report, we recognize the following market segments:

• Cloud service provider (CSP): Providers delivering on-demand, pay-per-use services to customers over the internet, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).
• Network service provider (NSP): Service providers who own, operate, and sell network services, such as network access and bandwidth, backbone infrastructure, or network access points, with other Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 service providers as primary customers. NSPs include data carriers, ISPs, telcos, and wireless providers.
• Managed service provider (MSP): Service providers delivering managed application, communication, IT infrastructure, network, and security services and support for businesses at either the customer premises or via MSP (hosting) or third-party data centers (colocation).
• Large enterprise: Enterprises of 1,000 or more employees with dedicated IT teams responsible for planning, building, deploying, and managing their applications, IT infrastructure, networks, and security in either an on-premises data center or a colocation facility.
• Small-to-medium business (SMB): Small businesses (fewer than 100 employees) to medium-sized companies (100-999 employees) with limited budgets and lean in-house resources for planning, building, deploying, and managing their applications, IT infrastructure, networks, and security in either an on-premises data center or a colocation facility.

In addition, we recognize the following deployment models:

• On-premises software: Network validation components are deployed on a physical server located on-premises.
• On-premises virtual: Network validation components are deployed in a virtual machine (VM) running on a server located on-premises.
• Cloud-based (private): Network validation components are deployed in a private cloud managed in-house.
• Cloud-based (public): Network validation components are deployed in a public cloud managed by a cloud vendor.
• Cloud-based (SaaS): Network validation components are hosted by the provider and delivered as a service on a subscription basis.

Table 1. Vendor Positioning: Target Market and Deployment Model

Table 1 components are evaluated in a binary yes/no manner and do not factor into a vendor’s designation as a Leader, Challenger, or Entrant on the Radar chart (Figure 1).

“Target market” reflects which use cases each solution is recommended for, not simply whether that group can use it. For example, if an SMB could use a solution but doing so would be cost-prohibitive, that solution would be rated “no” for SMBs.

3. Decision Criteria Comparison

All solutions included in this Radar report meet the following table stakes—capabilities widely adopted and well implemented in the sector:

• Automated pre-deployment checks
• Automated post-deployment checks
• Scheduled state validation
• Automatic trouble ticketing
• Automated remediation

Tables 2, 3, and 4 summarize how each vendor in this research performs in the areas we consider differentiating and critical in this sector. The objective is to give the reader a snapshot of the technical capabilities of available solutions, define the perimeter of the relevant market space, and gauge the potential impact on the business.

• Key features differentiate solutions, highlighting the primary criteria to be considered when evaluating a network validation solution.
• Emerging features show how well each vendor implements capabilities that are not yet mainstream but are expected to become more widespread and compelling within the next 12 to 18 months.
• Business criteria provide insight into the nonfunctional requirements that factor into a purchase decision and determine a solution’s impact on an organization.

These decision criteria are summarized below. More detailed descriptions can be found in the corresponding report, “GigaOm Key Criteria for Evaluating Network Validation Solutions.”

Key Features

• Network source of truth: A network source of truth (NSoT) is a centralized repository that provides authoritative, up-to-date information about a network’s configuration, state, and intended design. It serves as the single point of reference for all network-related data, ensuring consistency and accuracy for network management, automation, and validation processes.
• Golden image creation: Golden image creation involves developing standardized, preconfigured templates for each device function and model. These templates serve as a consistent and secure baseline for deploying network configurations, ensuring adherence to best practices, and reducing the risk of misconfigurations.
• End-to-end validation: End-to-end validation in a network validation solution involves thoroughly examining the entire network infrastructure through unit testing, functional testing, and verification. This process ensures that all components and services are integrated and functioning correctly, meeting specified performance and security criteria, thereby reducing the risk of network issues and downtime.
• Validation approach: A validation approach encompasses techniques such as emulation, model-based analysis, operational state analysis, and text analysis to find different types of errors. Employing multiple approaches ensures comprehensive validation coverage and helps overcome incompatibilities in specific scenarios.
• Compliance verification: Compliance verification helps ensure network configurations and operations adhere to standard practices, organizational policies, and regulatory standards such as ECA, GDPR, GLBA, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOX. It allows organizations to maintain a secure and compliant network environment, avoiding potential legal and financial repercussions.
• Security verification: Security verification involves assessing network configurations and operations to ensure they meet established security standards and protect against vulnerabilities and threats. It helps organizations maintain a secure network environment, preventing potential data breaches, cyberattacks, and reputational damage.
• Hybrid multicloud awareness: Hybrid multicloud awareness enables the validation process to account for and adapt to the complexities and dynamics of environments spanning multiple cloud platforms and on-premises infrastructure. It ensures consistent and comprehensive validation across the entire hybrid multicloud network, reducing the risk of misconfigurations and performance issues.
• Network visualization: Network visualization provides graphical representations of the network’s structure and operations. It facilitates better understanding, monitoring, and validation of network configurations and performance, enabling network teams to identify issues and optimize the network more effectively.

Table 2. Key Features Comparison

Emerging Features

• Natural language processing: Natural language processing (NLP) addresses code verification, synthesis, and translation, enabling faster and error-free configuration and validation across vendor devices using proprietary languages. NLP helps bridge the gap between human-readable network requirements and device-specific configurations, improving efficiency and reducing misconfigurations.
• Server lifecycle management: Server lifecycle management oversees the deployment, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of servers to ensure they consistently meet validation standards and performance requirements. It is crucial to maintain a reliable, secure, and efficient network infrastructure that supports business objectives.
• Composable infrastructure support: Composable infrastructure support allows for the validation of dynamically allocated and managed IT resources spun up to optimize and adapt to changing workload demands. This capability is crucial for ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of modern, flexible data center environments.
• Application awareness: Application awareness enables the network validation process to recognize and optimize the performance and security of applications running on the network by understanding their specific requirements and behaviors. This capability is essential for ensuring the network can effectively support and deliver business-critical applications.
• Intelligent automation: Intelligent automation in network validation leverages AI and ML to autonomously identify and resolve issues, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of validation processes. This capability is crucial for managing the growing complexity of modern networks while ensuring optimal performance, security, and compliance.
• Network validation as a service: Network validation as a service (NVaaS) offers on-demand, SaaS-based tools and expertise to continuously assess and ensure the integrity, performance, and security of network infrastructure. It enables organizations to proactively validate their networks pre- or post-deployment, without the need for in-house tools or expertise, reducing risk and ensuring optimal network operations.

Table 3. Emerging Features Comparison

Business Criteria

• Configurability: Configurability refers to the ability to customize validation parameters and processes to meet specific organizational requirements and adapt to changing network environments. It is essential to ensure that the validation solution can effectively address the unique needs and challenges of each organization’s network infrastructure.
• Flexibility: Flexibility refers to the solution’s ability to adapt to diverse network architectures, technologies, use cases, and evolving requirements without compromising effectiveness. It is crucial to ensure that the validation solution can accommodate the organization’s current and future network needs, maximizing the return on investment.
• Interoperability: Interoperability refers to the solution’s ability to support a wide range of network devices, configurations, and connections from various vendors across diverse environments, including on-premises, co-location, and leading public cloud platforms. It is essential to ensure the validation solution can provide comprehensive coverage and integrate seamlessly with the organization’s existing network ecosystem.
• Manageability: Manageability refers to the solution’s ability to provide efficient oversight and control of validation processes across the entire network, spanning on-premises, cloud, multicloud, and hybrid environments. It is crucial for simplifying network operations, reducing administrative overhead, and ensuring consistent validation practices.
• Observability: Observability in network validation refers to the solution’s ability to provide comprehensive insights into network performance and behavior, facilitating effective validation and troubleshooting. It is essential for gaining visibility into complex network environments, identifying issues proactively, and making data-driven decisions to optimize network operations.
• Scalability: Scalability in network validation refers to the solution’s ability to seamlessly accommodate extensive network growth and complexity while maintaining high performance and ensuring robust security and compliance. It is crucial for future-proofing the organization’s investment and ensuring that the validation solution can keep pace with the network’s evolving needs.
• Support: Support refers to the vendor’s ability to provide round-the-clock assistance with the implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of their solution. It is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of the validation platform, minimizing downtime, and maximizing the value of the investment.
• Cost: Cost refers to the expenses associated with deploying, operating, and maintaining a network validation solution. It is crucial for organizations to carefully evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a solution, ensuring that it delivers comprehensive capabilities while minimizing expenses and maximizing return on investment.

Table 4. Business Criteria Comparison

4. GigaOm Radar

The GigaOm Radar plots vendor solutions across a series of concentric rings with those set closer to the center judged to be of higher overall value. The chart characterizes each vendor on two axes—balancing Maturity versus Innovation and Feature Play versus Platform Play—while providing an arrowhead that projects each solution’s evolution over the coming 12 to 18 months.

Figure 1. GigaOm Radar for Network Validation

The network validation market is witnessing several key trends, including the adoption of AI/ML for enhanced analytics and automation, support for complex hybrid and multicloud environments, integration with intent-based networking, and a focus on comprehensive security validation. Additionally, solutions are moving towards real-time monitoring, improved visualization and reporting, and better integration with other network management tools. There’s also a shift towards validation as a service and a proactive approach to validating network changes before deployment, reflecting the need for more efficient and automated validation to meet the needs of increasingly complex network environments.

As shown in Figure 1, Forward Networks, Gluware, Juniper Networks (Apstra), and NetBrain Technologies are recognized as Outperformers in this sector. Furthermore, Forward Networks, Juniper Networks (Apstra), and NetBrain Technologies have moved from the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant in the previous October 2023 Radar report to the Innovation/Platform Play quadrant, due to their increased focus on innovation to create differentiation aligned with market trends and customer demand. Furthermore, OpenText has moved from the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant to the Maturity/Feature Play quadrant due to its offering network validation capabilities as part of a broader platform. Northern.tech has been removed from this year’s report since it no longer positions itself as a vendor in this sector. Five vendors (Anuta Networks, Gluware, Itential, OpenText, and NetBrain Technologies) offer no-code/low-code capabilities for increased agility and extensibility.

FirstWave is the only vendor that uses open-source components and offers free licenses for limited deployments. Lower acquisition costs make Network Management Information System (NMIS) affordable for SMBs but may require advanced programming skills to implement.

The quadrants balance Maturity versus Innovation and Platform Play versus Feature Play focus, enabling organizations to select network validation solutions aligned with their specific requirements, risk tolerance, and pace of adoption. It should be noted that Maturity does not exclude Innovation. Instead, it differentiates a vendor enhancing existing capabilities from one innovating by adding new capabilities. Furthermore, with each vendor focusing on different ecosystems, technologies, target markets, or use cases, positioning in each quadrant is determined as follows:

Maturity/Platform Play

This quadrant contains established, comprehensive network validation solutions that offer a wide range of features and capabilities across multiple network domains. These solutions are characterized by stability, reliability, and a proven track record in large enterprise environments.

• Pros:
  • Stable and reliable with extensive ecosystem support
  • Comprehensive functionality covering most network validation needs
  • Well-suited for large enterprises with complex network environments
• Cons:
  • May lack cutting-edge features or rapid innovation
  • Could be more expensive or complex to implement
  • Might have slower release cycles for new capabilities

Innovation/Platform Play

This quadrant features solutions that incorporate emerging technologies while maintaining broad functionality for network validation. They balance established features and innovative capabilities, catering to organizations seeking to adopt new approaches to network management.

• Pros:
  • Broad functionality with a focus on new approaches to network validation
  • Good balance of established features and innovative capabilities
  • Often more adaptable to emerging network technologies
• Cons:
  • May have less mature or proven components
  • Could require more frequent updates or changes
  • Potential for integration challenges with legacy systems

Innovation/Feature Play

This quadrant represents solutions focusing on specific, cutting-edge features or specialized capabilities in network validation. These solutions are characterized by rapid innovation and agility and address emerging network challenges and new technologies.

• Pros:
  • Cutting-edge features and specialized capabilities
  • Rapid innovation and adaptation to new network technologies
  • Often more agile and responsive to market changes
• Cons:
  • May lack the breadth of a complete platform solution
  • Could require integration with other tools for comprehensive coverage
  • Potentially a less well-established vendor or product stability

Maturity/Feature Play

This quadrant includes focused, well-established solutions that excel in specific areas of network validation. These solutions have a proven track record in specialized areas and are known for their reliability and stability.

• Pros:
• • Proven track record in specialized areas of network validation
  • Often easier to implement and use for targeted requirements
  • Typically more cost-effective for specific use cases
• Cons:
• • Limited scope compared to platform solutions
  • May not address all aspects of network validation
  • Could require multiple tools to cover all validation needs

In addition, the color of the arrow (Forward Mover, Fast Mover, or Outperformer) is based on execution against roadmap and vision (according to vendor input from the previous report and in comparison to industry innovation in general).

When reviewing solutions, it’s important to remember that there are no universal “best” or “worst” offerings; every solution has aspects that might make it a better or worse fit for specific customer requirements. Prospective customers should consider their current and future needs when comparing solutions and vendor roadmaps.

5. Solution Insights

Anuta Networks: Anuta ATOM

Solution Overview
Founded in 2010, Anuta Networks is a leading provider of multivendor automation and orchestration solutions for enterprise branch, campus, data center, and service provider networks. In June 2020, Anuta Networks partnered with Juniper Networks to integrate the Anuta ATOM platform into Juniper’s network automation portfolio.

Built from the ground up on an extensible and scalable microservices-based architecture, ATOM balances established features like configuration management and compliance with a cloud-native architecture and cross-domain automation. Delivering automated device onboarding, configuration management, and compliance enforcement across physical, virtual, and cloud environments, ATOM’s closed-loop automation archives device configurations, detects out-of-band changes, and triggers automated remediation to fix non-compliance issues through predefined workflows and compliance policies.

Supporting a modern approach to network management, ATOM includes active service assurance for Layer 2 to Layer 7 performance validation and a built-in compliance module for defining golden configuration standards. An intuitive drag-and-drop, low-code workflow automation framework automates complex workflows. ATOM also provides drill-down visualization capabilities, including network topology views and compliance dashboards, and leverages AI/ML for anomaly detection and predictive analytics.

Anuta Networks is actively innovating and adding emerging features to its ATOM platform, introducing new capabilities like AI-powered virtual assistance (AVA), cross-domain automation, and active service assurance.

Anuta Networks is positioned as a Leader and Fast Mover in the Innovation/Platform Play quadrant of the Radar.

Strengths
Anuta Networks scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• End-to-end validation: Anuta ATOM supports unit testing, functional testing, and verification across multiple scenarios. It ensures that configurations meet the desired state through automated pre- and post-deployment checks, leveraging its compliance module to validate against golden configurations and running SLA compliance tests like Y.1731 and RFC2544 for performance validation, which enhances reliability and reduces manual intervention.
• Validation approach: The solution employs a multifaceted approach, including text analysis, operational state analysis, simulation, and model-based analysis. This strategy enables ATOM to proactively identify and resolve configuration errors and misconfigurations, ensuring network stability and performance. The integration of AI/ML techniques further enhances its ability to predict and mitigate potential network issues, providing a robust validation framework.
• Interoperability: Anuta ATOM offers above-average interoperability by supporting the discovery, identification, and mapping of network devices and configurations from over 60 vendors across diverse environments, including on-premises and cloud. Its robust abstraction layer simplifies validation, and extensive integration capabilities with external tools and platforms ensure seamless operation in multivendor, multidomain networks, making it highly adaptable and versatile.

Challenges
Anuta Networks has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Security verification: Anuta ATOM’s security verification capabilities are limited by its current reliance on a narrow set of vendor-specific vulnerability databases, such as Cisco, Juniper Networks, and Palo Alto Networks PSIRTs, which restricts its ability to provide a comprehensive view of security vulnerabilities across all devices and platforms. This limitation affects its ability to offer detailed insights into the overall security posture of the network and prioritize remediation efforts effectively. However, recent support for the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) should enable improved security verification.
• Hybrid multicloud awareness: While Anuta ATOM supports deployment in major public clouds like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), its hybrid multicloud awareness is limited by the need for more advanced features for seamless integration and traffic optimization across diverse cloud environments. Its capabilities in dynamically managing and validating complex multicloud interactions and dependencies are not as robust as those of some competitors, impacting its effectiveness in fully leveraging hybrid cloud infrastructures.
• Network visualization: Though advanced in some respects, Anuta ATOM’s network visualization capabilities are limited by the lack of comprehensive real-time interactive dashboards that can provide a holistic view of both underlay and overlay networks. The platform could benefit from enhanced visualization tools that offer more intuitive insights into network topology and performance, which are essential for quick decision-making and troubleshooting in complex network environments.

Purchase Considerations
Anuta ATOM employs a flexible pricing model with both platform and device-based subscription licensing. The platform offers four tiers—Standard, Advanced-1, Advanced-2, and Premium—each providing different features. Device-based licensing is categorized by device size and type, providing additional pricing granularity. This tiered approach, combined with the option for 1, 3, or 5-year subscription terms, ensures that customers can align their costs with their consumption patterns and business objectives.

Key considerations include various deployment options, such as on-premises, private, and public cloud environments, which offer flexibility in aligning with existing infrastructure. Migration complexity is mitigated by ATOM’s support for multivendor environments and its microservices architecture, which facilitates integration with existing systems and simplifies scaling. However, customers should consider the potential need for professional services for complex deployments and the importance of understanding the specific licensing tier that best fits their operational needs to avoid unexpected costs.

Use Cases
Anuta ATOM targets a range of industry sectors and customers, including CSPs, NSPs, MSPs, and large enterprises, supporting multivendor environments across branch, campus, data center, and service provider-managed networks. Critical use cases include automating secure access service edge (SASE) as a service for branch and campus networks, multidomain automation for enterprises, multicloud on-ramp and policy updates for Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), and active service assurance. ATOM also enables zero-touch provisioning for 5G open radio access network (O-RAN), configuration and compliance management, and closed-loop automation, making it suitable for complex network environments that require robust validation and management solutions.

BMC Software: TrueSight Automation for Networks

Solution Overview
Founded in 1980, BMC Software develops software that enables an autonomous digital enterprise. In April 2024, BMC announced plans to acquire Netreo, an IT network and application observability solutions vendor providing full-stack, open observability, and AIOps capabilities.

TrueSight Automation for Networks includes comprehensive network validation within the broader automation platform, focusing on configuration validation, compliance, and security vulnerability management. It uses SmartMerge technology to auto-generate and validate configuration scripts, implementing or rolling back changes without rebooting. The platform also provides real-time, scanless detection of security vulnerabilities and automates the creation of remediation actions based on Cisco security advisories and the NIST NVD.

The validation process integrates with BMC Helix Configuration Management Database (CMDB) to understand the business service context before impacting device configurations. It also includes compliance, using built-in templates for regulatory standards such as CIS and DISA while also supporting customized rule sets. Furthermore, it offers closed-loop change tracking for compliance management, scalability through multiserver administration, and support for a wide range of physical and virtual network devices across various infrastructures.

BMC Software is pursuing a multifaceted approach, improving existing features while integrating capabilities from acquired solutions, such as Netreo’s, which enhances BMC Software’s observability and AIOps capabilities.

BMC Software is positioned as an Entrant and Forward Mover in the Maturity/Feature Play quadrant of the Radar.

Strengths
BMC Software scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• Compliance verification: TrueSight Automation for Networks offers a robust compliance engine that applies standards for regulatory and security regulations such as CIS and DISA. The solution can also create customized rule sets for other regulations or internal policies. The solution automates audit preparation activities and provides built-in, customizable reports to demonstrate compliance, ensuring that organizations can maintain adherence to various industry standards and internal policies efficiently.

• Security verification: The solution includes automated security vulnerability management with real-time, scan-less detection of security vulnerabilities and automated remediation actions. It integrates with the NIST NVD for vulnerability remediation and leverages out-of-the-box content for Cisco security advisories, allowing organizations to proactively address potential security risks and improve the network security posture.
• Interoperability: TrueSight Automation for Networks supports multiple vendors and virtualization platforms, including SDN controllers and wireless devices. It can import and manage devices from various discovery tools and integrates with other BMC products and third-party tools, providing a broad range of interoperability and enabling seamless management of complex IT infrastructures. The platform also integrates with open-source projects like Chef, Docker, and Puppet, working across diverse network environments and technologies.

Challenges
BMC Software has room for improvement in several areas, including:

• Network source of truth: TrueSight Automation for Networks lacks a centralized, dedicated NSoT component that provides comprehensive real-time network topology mapping and state validation. While it integrates with BMC Helix CMDB for inventory management, it does not offer federated inventory or digital twin functionality, limiting its ability to serve as a robust source of truth across diverse network environments.
• Golden image creation: The solution provides some OS image management capabilities with a built-in library and deploy actions, but it lacks explicit features for advanced golden image creation, such as real-time validation, automated rollback, and seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines. This restricts its ability to fully automate and manage baseline configurations across multivendor and multidomain environments.
• Validation approach: TrueSight Automation for Networks offers syntax validation and compliance checks but does not provide comprehensive emulation, model-based analysis, or operational state analysis. The absence of these advanced validation techniques results in a more reactive approach to network validation, limiting its ability to proactively identify and address complex configuration issues and network disruptions.

BMC Software has earned Forward Mover status, given its steady pace of updates and long-term support. However, the lack of standout innovations or major announcements suggests a moderate pace of innovation compared to the general network validation landscape.

Purchase Considerations
TrueSight Automation for Networks pricing is available only on request. Compared to other solutions, it supports a limited selection of hardware devices, and while it includes REST APIs and offers advantages for customers using other BMC Software solutions in Cisco and Juniper Networks environments, some customers find it complex and challenging to use, with limited out-of-the-box integrations.

The solution does not offer a free trial, though there are no setup fees, which may simplify initial deployment costs. However, the overall price can be significant, especially when considering licensing fees and support costs that cover multiple BMC Software tools. Customers should know that while the pricing structure for TrueSight Automation for Networks may be higher, it includes comprehensive network automation, compliance, and security management features, providing value for complex enterprise network environments.

Key purchase considerations include the on-premises and virtual deployment options, with the potential for private cloud deployment. Migration complexity may arise due to the need for integration with existing network management systems and the potential requirement for scripting to customize certain functionalities. Moreover, the lack of a free trial means that prospective buyers should carefully evaluate the solution’s fit for their specific needs before committing to a purchase.

Use Cases
TrueSight Automation for Networks is designed for medium to large enterprises that need to automate and accelerate network management tasks across large, complex multivendor environments to frequently adapt to new applications, services, and security threats. Critical use cases include implementing policy-based configuration management, provisioning and configuring physical, virtual, and cloud network devices, automating security vulnerability detection and remediation, and ensuring continuous compliance with regulatory standards.

Cisco: Cisco Lifecycle Services

Solution Overview
Founded in 1984, Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells a wide range of networking hardware, software, and high-tech services and products. On August 28, 2023, Cisco announced the general availability of Cisco Lifecycle Services as an expansion of its Customer Experience (CX) services portfolio to help shorten test cycles for network transformations and technology adoptions.

The Cisco Solution Validation Service (SVS) simulates customer network environments in a Cisco-provided lab, offering comprehensive test lifecycle support for design validation, performance and scalability tests, high availability, interoperability, software certification, and migration validation. The service provides customized testing based on specific network environments, timetables, and business goals, with a turnkey lab environment for ongoing testing.

Cisco Continuous Automation and Integration Testing (CAIT) provides full IT lifecycle validation through a service and test automation framework called CX Test Automation Manager (CXTM), which is integrated into the customer’s environment to support NetDevSecOps. The service covers core networking, data center, security, collaboration, and service provider architectures, transforming legacy manual testing into reusable automation to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and IT services.

Cisco appears to be incrementally improving existing features while also innovating to add emerging capabilities to its network validation services, leveraging its expertise and tools to enhance testing efficiency and expand coverage across various technologies.

Cisco is positioned as a Challenger and Fast Mover in the Innovation/Feature Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
Cisco scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• Validation approach: SVS simulates the customer’s network environment in a Cisco-provided lab, offering comprehensive test lifecycle support for design validation, performance and scalability tests, high availability, interoperability, software certification, migration validation, and compatibility testing with third-party platforms. In addition, CAIT provides full IT lifecycle validation through the CX Test Automation Manager framework, which is integrated into the customer’s environment to support NetDevSecOps and transform manual testing into reusable automation.
• Compliance verification: Cisco Lifecycle Services identifies compliance gaps and provides recommendations and remediation steps to address them. The services use telemetry-based AI/ML insights, tools, and automation to deliver faster time to value from Cisco technology investments.
• Security verification: Cisco Lifecycle Services offers security assessments that identify technical and human weaknesses within individual systems or interconnected networks, identifying potential areas of breach and prioritizing remediation. CAIT covers security architectures and related technologies as part of the testing process, enhancing the overall security posture, improving security configurations, policies, and controls, and identifying gaps in the security portfolio and architecture.

Cisco has earned a Fast Mover designation. It keeps pace with market trends—rather than significantly outpacing them—by focusing on business outcome-driven services and continuous engagement aligned with industry expectations.

Challenges
Cisco has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Network source of truth: Cisco Lifecycle Services lacks a comprehensive, real-time digital twin of the network with full Layer 2 to Layer 4 visibility. The current implementation does not provide a federated inventory of all network assets across physical, virtual, hybrid, and multicloud environments, limiting its ability to maintain a dynamic and continuously updated network source of truth.
• Golden image creation: CAIT and SVS do not demonstrate a fully developed capability for creating and managing golden configurations. While there are mentions of baseline configuration enforcement, the solution lacks advanced features such as real-time validation against templates, automated rollback, comprehensive integration with CI/CD pipelines, and declarative provisioning across multivendor environments.
• Network visualization: Cisco Lifecycle Services offers minimal interactive features for drilling down into specific network components, relying on Cisco and non-Cisco solutions to provide advanced visualization features for multidomain networks. The solution lacks advanced visualization elements such as a Google-like search for device configurations, comprehensive views of underlay and overlay connectivity, and intuitive modeling of workflow designs and compliance dashboards.

Purchase Considerations
Cisco Lifecycle Services, including SVS and CAIT, is offered as an annual subscription service via Cisco Lifecycle Services or through Advanced Services—transactional engagements for one-time projects. The pricing structure is designed to align with the customer’s consumption patterns and business needs, offering some flexibility.

While compatibility testing with third-party platforms is part of its comprehensive test lifecycle support, Cisco Lifecycle Services, including the SVS and CAIT, primarily focuses on Cisco validating and optimizing Cisco-based network architectures and solutions.

Key purchase considerations include deployment options. SVS is primarily delivered remotely but offers on-site installation and configuration of the test automation validation environment when needed. CAIT is designed to be integrated into the customer’s environment, supporting NetDevSecOps practices. Migration complexity is addressed through comprehensive test lifecycle support, including migration validation and deployment assurance.

Customers should consider their specific technology coverage needs, as the services span core networking, data center, security, collaboration, and service provider architectures. Additionally, the level of engagement required (Advise Me, Do It With Me, or Do It For Me) and the desired balance between Cisco-provided and customer-managed testing should be evaluated when making a purchase decision.

Use Cases
Cisco Lifecycle Services targets medium to large enterprises across various industries, including education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, public sector organizations, retail, and telecom service providers. Key use cases include accelerating the deployment of new technologies, optimizing existing infrastructure, improving network security and compliance, and aligning IT initiatives with business outcomes. The services are of value to organizations undergoing digital transformation, migrating to cloud or hybrid environments, implementing complex networking solutions like SD-WAN or intent-based networking, or seeking to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.

FirstWave: Network Management Information System

Solution Overview
Founded in 2004, FirstWave is a global technology company offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution for network discovery, management, and cybersecurity. In January 2022, FirstWave acquired Opmantek, a leading provider of open-source network management, automation, and IT audit software. In September 2023, it acquired Saisei Networks, a network automation software company.

Originally released as an open-source network management system in 1998, Network Management Information System (NMIS) offers network validation capabilities through fault, performance, and configuration management features. The platform uses Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) polling, trap handling, and syslog monitoring to gather real-time network device data. The data is stored in a time-series database for historical analysis and reporting, with an event management system for alerting and a web-based interface for visualization and control.

NMIS’s network validation capabilities include automated discovery, topology mapping, and configuration management. It can validate network configurations against predefined policies and standards, identifying deviations or non-compliant settings. It also monitors network performance, availability, and security posture, enabling proactive identification and remediation of issues before they impact business operations. NMIS integrates with other IT management systems via APIs for unified network oversight.

The company is integrating features from acquired solutions to expand its capabilities, grow its customer base, and accelerate growth in key markets.

FirstWave is positioned as a Challenger and Fast Mover in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
FirstWave scored in the mid-range on several decision criteria, including:

• Network source of truth: A robust backend polling engine uses SNMP to collect comprehensive interface and health statistics from various devices, including Cisco routers, switches, and generic SNMP devices. This capability allows NMIS to maintain a detailed and centralized repository of network device data, serving as an effective source of truth for network configurations and performance metrics.
• Network visualization: The opCharts module provides dynamic charting and the ability to quickly build and share custom dashboards. A REST API enhances the visualization of NMIS data, allowing users to create interactive and intuitive visual representations of their network’s performance and status, facilitating better network management and decision-making.
• Flexibility: NMIS is highly flexible, offering complete scalability through a multiserver architecture and centralized node management. It supports fast deployment and easy integration into existing business processes, making it adaptable to various network environments and requirements. Its centralized poller configuration enables efficient management of diverse network setups.

FirstWave has earned a Fast Mover designation due to its strategic acquisitions and active expansion of its feature set to keep pace with market demands.

Challenges
FirstWave has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Golden image creation: NMIS lacks dedicated features for creating or managing golden images, which are essential for ensuring consistency and compliance in network configurations. The platform focuses primarily on network monitoring and management but lacks specific tools for establishing and enforcing baseline configurations across devices, leading to a lower score in this area.
• Security verification: NMIS lacks advanced security verification capabilities, focusing primarily on network performance and configuration management. The absence of advanced security assessments, integration with vulnerability databases, and proactive threat detection and remediation capabilities limits its effectiveness in security verification compared to more specialized solutions.
• Hybrid multicloud awareness: NMIS scores lower for hybrid multicloud awareness because it does not explicitly support or integrate with multiple cloud environments. While it offers some flexibility in deployment, there is no clear indication of features designed to manage or validate networks across diverse cloud platforms, limiting its effectiveness in hybrid multicloud settings.

Purchase Considerations
FirstWave offers a flexible pricing model with a free, open-source core under the GNU General Public License, making it accessible for organizations with budget constraints. For those requiring additional features, FirstWave offers a free 20-node license and one-year device-based subscription licensing for extra modules. This pricing structure allows organizations to start with the free version and scale up with paid modules as their needs grow, offering a cost-effective solution.

Optional NMIS modules include opConfig (automated configuration management), opAddress (IP address management and auditing), opEvents (centralized log and event management), opReports (advanced analysis and reporting), and opCharts (interactive, actionable dashboards). NMIS also integrates with Open-AudIT for network discovery, inventory, and audits to capture what is attached to the network, how it’s configured, and when it changes. Additionally, FirstWave’s CyberCision cybersecurity-as-a-service platform enables service providers to deliver enterprise-grade security at affordable prices for end-users without their own cybersecurity infrastructure.

Deployment options range from on-premises installations on Linux servers to virtual appliances deployed in virtual environments. Migration complexity is relatively low for organizations with Linux expertise, as NMIS is built on a Linux platform and offers comprehensive documentation and support. However, those unfamiliar with Linux may face a steeper learning curve. Customers should also consider the potential need for commercial modules to access advanced features, which may impact the total cost of ownership.

Use Cases
NMIS primarily targets telecommunications carriers, MSPs, and IT departments within large enterprises. Its robust network management capabilities make it ideal for organizations with complex network infrastructures that require robust monitoring and management solutions. The platform’s scalability allows it to manage networks ranging from small office setups to large, distributed global environments, making it a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes.

Key use cases for NMIS include network monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance optimization, enabling organizations to maintain network health and efficiency. NMIS is also used as a business management tool, providing valuable insights into network performance and facilitating strategic planning and decision-making.

Forward Networks: Forward Enterprise

Solution Overview
Founded in 2013, Forward Networks is a leader in intent-based verification and network assurance. In April 2024, the company achieved SOC 2 Type II Compliance attestation, demonstrating its commitment to data security and transparency.

Forward Enterprise creates an always-accurate software model of the entire network, including on-premises, cloud, and virtual overlay environments. It collects configuration and state data to generate a vendor-neutral digital twin, enabling powerful capabilities like end-to-end path analysis, network-wide search, security posture verification, and behavior diffs to compare network changes over time.

The platform offers pre- and post-change validation checks using NQE (Network Query Engine), predefined intent-based policies, and custom queries, supporting end-to-end network validation through sophisticated path analysis and NLP via AI Assist for querying the network. Security verification features include attack surface management, vulnerability analysis, security posture assessment, and exposure analysis. Additionally, Forward Enterprise delivers scalability, multivendor support, and seamless integration with existing network and security workflows through REST APIs.

Forward Networks is innovating by adding emerging AI and security features to its core network modeling platform, as evidenced by its recent product releases, AI Assist launch, and future roadmap focused on expanding AI capabilities and security features.

Forward Networks is positioned as a Leader and Outperformer in the Innovation/Platform Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
Forward Networks scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• Network source of truth: Forward Enterprise’s digital twin is a comprehensive NSoT, collecting configuration and state data from all network elements, including physical, virtual, and multicloud environments. It provides a complete, always-current model with visibility into every possible traffic path, enabling users to visualize topology, search the network like a database, verify security policies, compare changes over time, and enhance security posture.
• End-to-end validation: The solution delivers end-to-end validation across on-premises, hybrid, and public clouds through its Forward Verify application. It uses sophisticated path analysis technology to provide highly detailed reports of end-to-end network behavior, comparing it to intended security and connectivity requirements. Forward’s data-plane verification tests the alignment between network intent and implementation based on forwarding state, offering scalable, comprehensive, and direct analysis of end-to-end behavior.
• Network visualization: Forward Enterprise automatically builds a fully interactive, accurate, and up-to-date topology map with each network data collection. Users can view the global network or drill down to specific devices and traffic flows, including configuration and state data. The platform provides Google-like search capabilities for instant access to device information and supports protocol-specific views, such as Layer 2, Layer 3, multicast, VPNs, overlay, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), or Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) layout.

Forward Networks has earned an Outperformer designation due to its innovative features, rapid release cadence, and comprehensive product roadmap.

Challenges
Forward Networks has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Application awareness: Forward Enterprise provides network validation only for applications identified using Layer 4 or Layer 7 parameters. While the platform can search and analyze network behavior related to these applications, it does not offer comprehensive application-specific insights or detailed performance metrics. The planned integration with application performance monitoring (APM) tools via REST APIs is intended to enhance application awareness, but this capability is still in development and not yet fully implemented.
• Intelligent automation: Forward Enterprise scores lower for intelligent automation because, although it includes AI Assist for natural language queries and some automation features like automated pre- and post-deployment checks, it does not currently offer full automated remediation capabilities. The platform can identify and alert non-compliance issues but does not autonomously resolve them without human intervention. Automated remediation is on the long-term roadmap but not yet available.

Purchase Considerations
Forward Enterprise’s pricing model is based on a yearly licensing fee per network device (physical or virtual) or per compute instance in the cloud. The solution offers flexibility through multiyear and Enterprise License Agreements (ELAs), providing predictability in costs as the network scales. Forward Enterprise can be deployed on-premises or as a SaaS offering, catering to diverse customer preferences and infrastructure requirements.

When considering purchasing Forward Enterprise, customers should evaluate their network complexity, growth plans, and potential ROI. The platform is designed to support multivendor environments and empower early-career staff, leading to significant cost reductions across NetOps, SecOps, and cloud teams. Customers should also assess the ease of migration and integration with their existing network management tools and workflows. Forward Enterprise’s REST APIs and out-of-the-box integrations with popular platforms like Ansible, ServiceNow, and Slack streamline migration and extend the single source of truth across the ecosystem.

Use Cases
Forward Enterprise is a comprehensive network modeling and verification platform for large enterprises across various industry sectors. The platform’s key use cases include network security and compliance verification, change management, vulnerability management, and troubleshooting. By creating a digital twin of the network, Forward Enterprise enables network, security, and cloud teams to search and analyze network behavior, visualize topology, and perform end-to-end path analysis across on-premises and cloud infrastructure. The solution is particularly valuable for organizations with complex, multivendor network environments that require a single source of truth for efficient network operations and security management.

Gluware: Gluware Intelligent Network Automation

Solution Overview
Founded in 2007, Gluware provides intelligent network automation solutions for enterprise networks, including automating network configuration changes, performing OS upgrades at scale, and conducting recurring audit and compliance checks.

Leveraging a modular, microservices-based architecture, Gluware Intelligent Network Automation offers comprehensive network validation capabilities through its suite of applications. The platform includes Config Drift and Audit for configuration monitoring and compliance checks, OS Manager for software upgrades with pre- and post-checks, and Network RPA for no-code workflow automation. Gluware’s validation approach incorporates model-based, operational state, and text analysis.

The platform’s Device Interaction and Automation Layer (DIAL) enables multivendor intent-based data modeling, ensuring seamless integration and validation across diverse network environments. The platform supports multivendor environments and provides a centralized repository for network configuration and state. Its Config Model Editor allows for standardized configurations across global networks, while the Topology application offers network visualization. Gluware also integrates with third-party systems and monitoring tools to enable intelligent automation and self-remediation capabilities.

Gluware is incrementally improving core functionalities like network discovery, expanding vendor support, and integrating new technologies like Ansible Playbook execution, demonstrating a balanced approach to product development.

Gluware is positioned as a Leader and Outperformer in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
Gluware scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• Golden image creation: Gluware Intelligent Network Automation’s Config Model Editor uses JSON-based vendor-agnostic data modeling to enforce configuration policies over CLI and API-based devices across global, multivendor networks. The intelligent model discovery feature ingests current configurations into the Gluware data model, offering a modular templating system that allows users to automate specific parts of the configuration, such as QoS, NetFlow, and SNMP, or the entire configuration.
• Validation approach: Gluware offers a robust validation approach by integrating model-based analysis, operational state analysis, and text analysis. The Config Modeling feature uses data models to compare current and desired states, Node State Assessment (NSA) allows users to execute commands and assess results, and Network RPA enables users to perform validations through ad hoc queries, state assessments, and operational commands, with results assessable as text strings or JSON objects.
• Intelligent automation: Gluware leverages its Network RPA feature, which provides a no-code, drag-and-drop workflow builder for automating end-to-end processes. Gluware’s development of AI-powered copilot features for operations and development enhances its intelligent automation capabilities, promising to change the way users interact with and manage networks at scale, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving operational efficiency.

Gluware has earned an Outperformer designation due to its consistent release cadence, significant updates, and forward-looking product roadmap.

Challenges
Gluware has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Hybrid multicloud awareness: Gluware’s hybrid multicloud awareness is limited by its reliance on existing cloud platform support and integration methods. While it provides automation capabilities for AWS, Azure, and GCP through Terraform integration, its native support for hybrid multicloud environments is not as comprehensive as that of some competitors. Reliance on third-party tools for cloud management can lead to gaps in seamless integration and dynamic resource management across diverse cloud platforms.
• Network visualization: Gluware’s Topology application focuses on OSI Layer 1 to Layer 3 representations, offering basic connectivity insights. However, it lacks advanced features like real-time operational state monitoring or application flow visualization. The visualization tool is primarily designed for generating documentation and does not provide comprehensive interactive features or insights into higher layer protocols and application behaviors.
• Application awareness: Gluware’s application awareness capabilities are limited, as the platform does not natively recognize or optimize application performance and security. Instead, it relies on integration with external application monitoring systems to trigger network-level actions. This lack of native application-level insights may not fully support environments where application performance and security are critical to network operations, potentially requiring organizations to use additional tools or custom integrations to achieve desired outcomes.

Purchase Considerations
Gluware Intelligent Network Automation employs a flexible pricing model based on a per-device, per-application structure, allowing customers to tailor their purchases according to their specific network automation needs. This model is complemented by optional “Service Packs” integration for additional features, such as ServiceNow support. Deployment options include on-premises VMs and cloud-based solutions, both private and public, although SaaS deployment is not currently offered. The pricing structure accommodates various network sizes and complexities, offering scalability without significant cost escalation.

Key purchase considerations include the complexity of migration and integration with existing systems. While Gluware’s no-code and low-code capabilities facilitate easier onboarding and reduce the need for extensive scripting, organizations should assess their existing infrastructure, the customization required to fully leverage Gluware’s capabilities, and the level of support and training needed during deployment to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the solution’s benefits.

Use Cases
Gluware Intelligent Network Automation primarily targets large enterprises, MSPs, and specific industries such as pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Key use cases include automating network configuration changes, performing OS upgrades at scale, and conducting recurring audit and compliance checks. The platform is designed to support complex, multivendor networks, offering solutions that streamline operations, enhance security, and ensure compliance. Gluware’s capabilities are particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to reduce manual network management tasks and improve operational efficiency through automation.

IP Fabric: Automated Network Assurance Platform

Solution Overview
Founded in 2015, IP Fabric provides an automated network assurance platform that discovers, models, and visualizes complex networks, giving organizations end-to-end visibility and control over their network infrastructure.

IP Fabric’s Automated Network Assurance Platform automatically discovers, maps, and models complex multivendor networks to create an end-to-end view of network state, configurations, and interdependencies. The platform validates network behavior pre and post-change, identifies security vulnerabilities and compliance gaps, and exposes actionable insights through advanced analytics, an intuitive UI, and APIs for integration into existing management systems.

Key components include automated discovery via a CLI, a normalized vendor-agnostic data model, over 150 built-in intent checks for configuration compliance, end-to-end path lookups, flexible network visualization, an open API and Python SDK for integration, and a flexible data model supporting cloud constructs. The platform normalizes data from multiple domains and layers into a consumable format for easy sharing across teams. Customizable dashboards, topology visualizations, and reports provide essential insights for network validation. Recent enhancements expanded cloud visibility, particularly for multicloud, and refined security verification to help customers remediate vulnerabilities.

Focusing on usability and integration, IP Fabric incrementally improves existing features while innovating to add emerging ones with an 8-week release cycle.

IP Fabric is positioned as a Leader and Fast Mover in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
IP Fabric scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• Network source of truth: IP Fabric provides a comprehensive model of the observed network state, configurations, policies, and topology at a specific point in time, establishing the ground truth. This includes devices in the production environment that customers are unaware of and missing regulatory, configuration, and security policies. The platform integrates with tools like NetBox and Nautobot to populate and maintain the source of truth, and its intent checks enable continuous validation against the defined ideal state.
• End-to-end validation: IP Fabric holistically validates the network state across all domains, from wireless and WAN to data center, campus, branch, and cloud. It normalizes disparate information into a consumable, uniform format, allowing for like-for-like comparisons and troubleshooting without requiring subject matter expertise in every technology or vendor.
• Validation approach: IP Fabric employs a range of validation approaches, including simulation to replicate real-world conditions, model-based analysis to compare actual performance against expected behavior, operational state analysis to detect misconfigurations, and text analysis to identify inconsistencies. This integrated, layered approach within a single platform provides comprehensive error detection and deeper insights across complex environments.

IP Fabric has earned a Fast Mover designation due to its regular 8-week release cycles and robust roadmap, but lacks some advanced features like fully automated remediation and comprehensive AI/ML-driven automation.

Challenges
IP Fabric has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Golden image creation: IP Fabric’s Automated Network Assurance Platform does not directly create or manage golden images. Instead, it uses intent checks and snapshots as proxies to define the desired network state, which can highlight deviations from the ideal configuration. While this approach allows for flexibility in defining standards, it lacks the comprehensive templating and configuration management capabilities typically associated with golden image creation.
• Hybrid multicloud awareness: Although IP Fabric supports discovery and validation across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, its capabilities in this area are still evolving. Despite integration with major cloud providers, IP Fabric’s cloud capabilities are primarily focused on visibility and basic integration rather than providing advanced features like cloud-native policy enforcement, automated cloud resource provisioning, or comprehensive cloud security posture management.
• Intelligent automation: IP Fabric’s automation capabilities are primarily focused on providing high-quality data to external AI models rather than incorporating native AI/ML capabilities. While it offers basic chatbot integration and single-device predictive modeling for specific use cases like ACL changes, it lacks advanced features such as autonomous decision-making, comprehensive predictive analytics, and automated remediation capabilities.

Purchase Considerations
IP Fabric’s Automated Network Assurance Platform employs a straightforward per-device licensing model, charging based on the number of active network devices, excluding wireless access points. Deployment options are flexible, supporting on-premises VMs and public cloud environments, which allows customers to choose the setup that best fits their infrastructure needs. However, the lack of a SaaS-based deployment option might limit flexibility for some organizations seeking cloud-native solutions.

Key purchase considerations include the ease of deployment because IP Fabric provides a downloadable OVA file for quick setup, typically taking about 15 minutes. The platform’s ability to integrate with existing network management and security tools through its open API is a significant advantage, facilitating seamless migration and reducing complexity. However, customers should be aware that the platform’s reliance on a single collector for data gathering may pose scalability challenges in extremely large environments until the planned multicollector architecture is implemented. However, this is expected to be addressed in the next release. Moreover, the lack of native AI-driven automation features requires external solutions for advanced automation needs.

Use Cases
IP Fabric’s Automated Network Assurance Platform primarily targets large enterprises and MSPs that require comprehensive network visibility and validation across complex, multivendor environments. Critical use cases include network discovery, topology mapping, and intent-based verification, which are essential for ensuring compliance, security, and optimal performance. The platform mainly benefits financial services, healthcare, large-scale enterprise IT, logistics and transport, and manufacturing sectors, where network complexity, robust automation, and assurance are critical.

Itential: Itential Cloud

Solution Overview
Founded in 2014, Itential is a multivendor, multidomain network automation and orchestration software company with a mature workflow engine for operationalizing network configuration, automation, and orchestration across network and cloud infrastructures.

Itential Cloud is a low-code network orchestration and automation platform designed to simplify network management and operations across hybrid cloud environments. Leveraging a patented method for performing data model translation and integration across platforms, Itential uses out-of-the-box adapters to integrate with any IT system or network technology within a customer’s ecosystem, enabling engineers to extend the reach of their pipelines across disparate network technologies and domains.

Itential’s solution enables a distributed source of truth management, golden image creation for both CLI and API-based systems, and end-to-end validation across hybrid and multicloud environments. It supports various validation approaches, including model-based analysis, operational state analysis, and text analysis. The platform’s modular architecture enables flexible workflow design and integration with third-party tools, enhancing its validation capabilities across diverse network infrastructures.

Itential’s roadmap reflects a commitment to filling feature gaps and adapting to evolving network environments, ensuring comprehensive validation across hybrid and multicloud infrastructures.

Itential is positioned as a Leader and Fast Mover in the Maturity/Feature Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
Itential scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• Golden image creation: Itential Cloud provides comprehensive configuration template capabilities, supporting traditional network elements and API-based systems. This enables users to define standardized, preconfigured templates for diverse environments. This flexibility allows for consistent deployment across various devices and cloud services, providing a secure baseline and reducing configuration errors.
• End-to-end validation: The platform provides comprehensive end-to-end validation through unit testing, functional testing, and verification processes that ensure all network components and services are integrated and functioning correctly. It integrates with other network systems to enhance validation activities and supports multivendor environments, ensuring performance and security criteria are met across the entire network infrastructure.
• Compliance verification: Itential Cloud offers extensive compliance verification capabilities, supporting automated compliance checking, reporting, and remediation processes across multivendor environments. The platform’s ability to manage configurations for both physical and cloud infrastructure ensures adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies, maintaining network integrity and security.

Challenges
Itential has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Network source of truth: Itential relies on a distributed model rather than a centralized repository, which can complicate data consistency and management across diverse network environments. This approach, while flexible, may lead to challenges in maintaining a cohesive and authoritative source of truth, especially as networks grow in complexity.
• Security verification: The platform’s security verification capabilities are limited by its focus on creating security-specific validation objects without native integration of advanced threat intelligence or comprehensive vulnerability management. This can result in less robust security assessments compared to solutions that offer integrated, real-time security monitoring and proactive threat detection.
• Network visualization: Itential Cloud does not provide native network visualization capabilities. Instead, it relies on integrations with third-party tools for graphical representations of network structures. This reliance can limit the immediacy and depth of insights available directly within the platform, impacting the overall user experience for network monitoring and validation.

Purchase Considerations
The Itential Cloud pricing model is based on two components: software and device licenses. The software component includes the Itential Platform, Itential Automation Gateway, and applications running on the platform. Licenses are required for both production and non-production instances. The device component is based on the number of devices onboarded to the platform, scaling with incremental value as more devices are added. Itential does not charge for users, transactions, or integrations. The platform offers flexible deployment options, including on-premises, private cloud, public cloud, and SaaS models, with subscription-based pricing available for one-, two-, or three-year terms.

Key purchase considerations include the deployment model aligned to the organization’s needs and security requirements. The platform’s low-code approach and pre-built integrations can reduce implementation complexity and time-to-value. Customers should consider their network size and growth projections as pricing scales with device count. Additionally, potential buyers should evaluate the platform’s capabilities for integration with their existing IT systems and workflows and its support for emerging technologies like AI/ML. Itential’s continuous delivery for cloud customers versus bi-annual major releases for on-premises deployments should also factor into the decision-making process.

Use Cases
Itential Cloud targets large enterprises, NSPs, CSPs, managed service providers, and public sector organizations with complex network environments and is particularly suited to organizations managing multivendor networks spanning traditional data centers, SD-WAN, and public/private clouds. Key use cases include network configuration management, compliance verification, multidomain orchestration, and lifecycle management across hybrid cloud infrastructures. Industries with stringent compliance requirements, like financial services, government, healthcare, and telecommunications, are prime targets for Itential’s solutions.

Juniper Networks: Apstra

Solution Overview
Founded in 1996 and acquired by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (the deal is expected to close in late 2024 or early 2025), Juniper Networks develops networking hardware, software, and security products. In January 2021, Juniper acquired Apstra, a pioneer of intent-based networking (IBN), to strengthen its data center networking offerings.

Apstra is an IBN solution that automates and validates the design, deployment, and operation of data center networks from Day 0 through Day 2+. It translates business intent into network configurations and policies and continuously validates the network state against this intent. Apstra provides closed-loop assurance, identifying configuration drift and non-compliance in real time.

Key validation capabilities include pre-change analysis, ongoing real-time validation against intent, predictive analytics, and incident management. Apstra’s components include extensible on-box or off-box device agents, a graph database and query engine, and a single source of truth for intent and policies. The platform supports multivendor environments, allowing seamless integration across network devices and architectures.

Juniper Networks is incrementally improving Apstra’s existing features while also innovating to add emerging capabilities like AI/ML insights, multivendor flow visibility, and edge data center support.

Juniper Networks (Apstra) is positioned as a Leader and Outperformer in the Innovation/Platform Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
Juniper Networks scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• End-to-end validation: Apstra provides continuous validation against intent and policy assurance from Day 0 through Day 2+ operations, identifying configuration drift in real-time and confirming that security policies are enforced as intended. It automates and validates data center network design, deployment, and operation, offering end-to-end verification across various network scenarios.
• Validation approach: Apstra employs intent-based networking principles, translating business objectives into network policies and configurations and continuously validating the network against this intended state. It leverages advanced analytics and telemetry for proactive issue identification and resolution, ensuring compliance with business intent.
• Intelligent automation: Apstra uses AI/ML algorithms and advanced heuristics to automate decision-making and operational tasks, efficiently processing large amounts of data to streamline network lifecycle management. Its closed-loop automation and assurance capabilities continuously self-validate and resolve issues, significantly enhancing service delivery, operational resiliency, and complexity reduction with minimal manual intervention.

Juniper Networks (Apstra) has earned an Outperformer designation due to its rapid release cadence and continuous innovation, including adding AI-driven analytics and multivendor support. The product roadmap consistently introduces new features, like intent-based analytics and enhanced telemetry, to streamline data center operations and maintain Apstra’s competitive edge in the rapidly evolving network validation landscape.

Challenges
Juniper Networks (Apstra) has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Security verification: Apstra’s security verification capabilities are limited by the need for more comprehensive security assessments and integration with broader security frameworks. While it offers policy assurance and role-based access control (RBAC), the solution lacks advanced threat detection and response features, which are increasingly important in the network validation landscape.
• Hybrid multicloud awareness: Apstra’s hybrid multicloud capabilities are constrained by its primary focus on on-premises data center environments. Although it supports integration with some cloud services like VMware NSX-T, Apstra does not explicitly address the complexities of managing hybrid multicloud environments, which limits its effectiveness in scenarios where seamless cloud integration is critical.
• Composable infrastructure support: Apstra’s support for composable infrastructure is not explicitly detailed, which suggests limitations on its ability to manage and allocate resources across diverse environments dynamically. The lack of specific features for composable infrastructure management indicates that Apstra may not fully support the flexible and modular infrastructure needs of modern data centers.

Purchase Considerations
Apstra employs a subscription-based pricing model with three tiers: Standard, Advanced, and Premium. The Standard tier includes basic configurations and operations, while the Advanced tier adds full operation, assurance, and advanced intent-based analytics. The Premium tier supports large-scale multivendor environments and policy control, offering the most comprehensive features. Additional licenses may be required for specific integrations, such as VMware vCenter and NSX-T. The pricing structure is designed to align with the scale and complexity of the customer’s network environment, providing flexibility in terms of subscription duration (one, three, or five years) and feature access.

Key purchase considerations include deployment options, primarily on-premises virtual machines, offering flexibility regarding infrastructure setup. Migration complexity is addressed through Juniper Network’s Automated Data Center Deployment and Migration Services, which provide a structured approach to transitioning existing networks to Apstra’s intent-based framework. Customers should consider the need for additional professional services for complex deployments or customizations, compatibility with existing network devices, and the specific licensing tier required for their multivendor environment.

Use Cases
Apstra’s key use cases include lifecycle management, network operational visualization, and security policy assurance, making it ideal for industries undergoing digital transformation and facing increased data center traffic. The solution primarily targets large enterprises, cloud service providers, and telecommunications companies that require robust data center management solutions. Apstra’s multivendor support and intent-based networking capabilities cater to organizations with complex, heterogeneous network environments, enabling them to automate and optimize network operations across diverse infrastructures. Furthermore, the solution’s ability to integrate with modern technologies like VMware NSX-T and Kubernetes also positions it well for sectors embracing hybrid and private cloud strategies.

Juniper Networks: Paragon Active Assurance

Solution Overview
Founded in 1996 and acquired by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (the deal is expected to close in late 2024 or early 2025), Juniper Networks develops networking hardware, software, and security products.

Formerly known as Netrounds, Paragon Active Assurance is a programmable, active test and service assurance platform that uses synthetic traffic to verify application and service performance across physical, hybrid, and virtual networks. A cloud-ready multitenant control center provides a user-friendly web GUI for setting up on-demand tests and continuous monitoring, while test agents generate real-world packets on the data plane to measure service quality in real time across multiple layers (Layer 2 to Layer 7) and technology domains.

The test agents can be deployed as software appliances, containers, or VMs and are updated and maintained remotely through the control center. Paragon Active Assurance offers real-time and aggregated result metrics, enabling network operations teams to identify, understand, troubleshoot, and resolve issues before they impact end users. The solution integrates with external Operational Support Systems (OSS) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) orchestrators via REST, NETCONF, and YANG APIs, facilitating automated testing and monitoring scenarios.

Juniper Networks is incrementally improving Paragon Active Assurance by enhancing existing features, such as integrating test agents into ACX routers, while innovating with new capabilities like 5G traffic simulation.

Juniper Networks is positioned as a Challenger and Fast Mover in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
Juniper Networks’ Paragon Active Assurance scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• End-to-end validation: Paragon Active Assurance uses active, synthetic traffic to verify application and service paths across physical, hybrid, and virtual networks. It provides in-depth insights from Layer 2 to Layer 7, enabling service activation testing, quality monitoring, and troubleshooting throughout the entire service lifecycle. This approach ensures that services are validated from the end user’s perspective, offering a more accurate representation of the customer experience.
• Validation approach: The solution employs a programmable, active test and service assurance platform that contrasts with traditional passive monitoring techniques. Using synthetic traffic, Paragon Active Assurance automates initial service verification and testing, enabling real-time insights and proactive issue resolution and supporting multilayer, multidomain service lifecycle management.
• Flexibility: Paragon Active Assurance supports physical, hybrid, and virtual networks and is cloud-ready for easy deployment and scaling. Its open API allows integration with external OSS and NFV orchestrators, enabling seamless automation and monitoring across diverse network environments. The solution’s ability to start small and scale as business needs grow further enhances its adaptability to various operational requirements.

Juniper Networks’ Paragon Active Assurance has earned a Fast Mover designation due to its regular updates and enhancements, including support for 5G and multicloud environments and the use of active, synthetic traffic for comprehensive service validation.

Challenges
Paragon Active Assurance has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Golden image creation: Paragon Active Assurance does not explicitly support golden image creation, as its primary focus is on active testing and service assurance rather than configuration management. It lacks features for creating, managing, and validating baseline configurations across network devices, limiting its applicability for tasks requiring standardized configurations.
• Security verification: While Paragon Active Assurance provides visibility into service performance and can help troubleshoot network issues, it does not explicitly offer advanced security verification capabilities. The solution lacks integration with security compliance frameworks and does not provide detailed features for vulnerability assessments or security posture management, which are critical for comprehensive security verification.
• Natural language processing: The solution does not incorporate NLP capabilities. Its functionality centers around active testing and monitoring using synthetic traffic without features for interpreting or processing natural language commands or queries. This limits its ability to enhance user interaction through NLP-driven automation or insights.

Purchase Considerations
Paragon Active Assurance employs a subscription-based pricing model, offering flexibility to accommodate different deployment needs and business scales. Customers can choose between on-premises and cloud-based deployments, with options to run test agents as VMs, containers, or software appliances. The SaaS model is available via AWS public cloud, while on-premises installations can be set up in private cloud environments. This flexibility allows businesses to start small and scale as needed, reducing initial capital expenditure and aligning costs with growth. The pricing structure includes different tiers, such as the Premium 2 subscription, which offers bundled customer support and licenses for multiple tenants.

When considering Paragon Active Assurance, key factors include the complexity of migrating to this solution and the integration with existing systems. The platform is designed to be easy to deploy and adopt, with automation capabilities that reduce manual testing efforts. However, integrating Paragon Active Assurance into existing network OSS and NFV orchestrators may require additional configuration using REST, NETCONF, and YANG APIs. Customers should also evaluate the need for training to effectively use the platform’s features and the ongoing costs associated with subscription renewals and support services.

Use Cases
Paragon Active Assurance primarily targets CSPs, NSPs, and large enterprises. Its critical use cases include verifying service configurations, ensuring service quality, and reducing service delivery times by automating initial service verification and testing. The platform supports physical, hybrid, and virtual networks, making it suitable for organizations that manage complex network environments and meet demanding service level objectives across 5G and multicloud networks.

ManageEngine: Network Configuration Manager

Solution Overview
Created in 2002, when Zoho (then AdventNet) diversified into enterprise IT management, ManageEngine develops on-premises and cloud solutions for IT operations management.

Network Configuration Manager offers automated compliance checks and configuration change monitoring. It provides automated backup, baseline configuration comparison, and customizable compliance policies. The solution can detect rule violations and automatically remediate issues by executing predefined commands. It also includes end-of-life information for network devices and vulnerability management using data from the NVD and vendor-specific APIs.

The product supports automated pre- and post-deployment checks, scheduled state validation, and integration with ticketing systems. OpManager Plus and Site24x7 extend these capabilities with full-stack observability features, providing application awareness, traffic analysis, and customizable dashboards for holistic network monitoring. These solutions support hybrid environments, offering visibility across on-premises and cloud infrastructures. The solution is scalable, supporting up to 40,000 devices, and provides customizable dashboards for comprehensive network visibility.

ManageEngine is incrementally improving and innovating its Network Configuration Manager solution, with quarterly releases to add capabilities like workflow-based compliance and programmable configlets.

ManageEngine is positioned as a Challenger and Forward Mover in the Maturity/Feature Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
ManageEngine scored average or higher on several decision criteria, including:

• Network source of truth: Network Configuration Manager provides a centralized repository that serves as a single source of truth for network configurations, state, and intended design. It includes firmware vulnerability data and end-of-life information, ensuring consistency and accuracy for network management processes. Integrating compliance policies into this repository enables the comprehensive management and validation of network configurations.
• Compliance verification: The solution supports multiple compliance standards, including GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOX, and offers automated compliance checks against these standards. It provides detailed reports on compliance status and can automatically remediate non-compliant configurations. The upcoming workflow-based compliance feature will further enhance its capabilities by allowing users to define and validate complex conditions, ensuring stringent adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Network visualization: Network Configuration Manager offers advanced network visualization capabilities, including automated Layer 2 maps, business views, and 3D rack and floor views. These provide a detailed and intuitive graphical representation of the network structure and operations, improving the understanding, monitoring, and validation of network configurations and performance. Additionally, it enables administrators to quickly identify and troubleshoot issues across the network, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making.

Challenges
ManageEngine has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Golden image creation: Network Configuration Manager currently lacks the capability for model-level golden image creation, which is essential for ensuring consistent and optimal settings across multiple devices of the same model. This feature is planned for future development, indicating that the current offering is limited to device-level configurations, which restricts its ability to provide comprehensive baseline management across diverse network environments.
• End-to-end validation: The solution does not currently offer end-to-end validation capabilities, such as unit testing, functional testing, and verification across the entire network infrastructure. This absence means it cannot thoroughly examine all components and services to ensure they meet specified performance and security criteria, which is crucial for comprehensive network validation.
• Validation approach: Network Configuration Manager lacks a robust validation approach that includes emulation, model-based analysis, operational state analysis, and text analysis. The absence of these multiple validation methodologies limits its ability to address incompatibilities and complex scenarios effectively, reducing its capability to proactively identify and resolve network issues.

ManageEngine has earned a Forward Mover status, given its steady but conservative approach to innovation. It focuses on incremental improvements and gradual adoption of emerging technologies rather than pioneering cutting-edge capabilities.

Purchase Considerations
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager is available in three editions: Free (for up to 2 devices), Professional, and Enterprise, accommodating various organizational needs. The Professional and Enterprise editions are based on the number of devices managed, with both perpetual and subscription-based licensing models available. ManageEngine also offers a 30-day free trial with unlimited device support to allow customers to evaluate the complete feature set before purchasing.

Key purchase considerations include deployment options (on-premises, virtual, private cloud, or public cloud), integration capabilities with existing IT infrastructure, and the level of technical support required. While the solution is generally praised for its ease of setup and use, some customers note that certain templates may require customization for specific device versions. The pricing structure is considered competitive, but potential buyers should be aware that technical support often carries an additional cost. Organizations should also consider their long-term scalability needs, as the solution’s pricing tiers are based on the number of managed devices. Migration complexity is generally low, but customers should factor in time for initial configuration and template adjustments.

Use Cases
Network Configuration Manager primarily targets medium to large enterprises across various industries that rely heavily on network infrastructure, such as finance, healthcare, IT services, manufacturing, and telecommunications. Key use cases include automating configuration backups, ensuring compliance with industry standards (such as PCI DSS and HIPAA), managing firmware vulnerabilities, streamlining change management processes, and providing centralized control over multivendor network devices. The solution is particularly valuable for organizations with complex, distributed networks that must maintain high visibility, control, security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

NetBrain: Next-Gen

Solution Overview
Founded in 2004, NetBrain provides no-code network automation and dynamic mapping solutions for hybrid cloud-connected networks.

NetBrain Next-Gen is a no-code network automation platform that leverages a live digital twin for dynamic mapping and real-time observability. It features a Triggered Automation Framework (TAF) for automated diagnostics and remediation via API calls and chatbots and a Preventive Automation Framework (PAF) for proactive validation through adaptive monitoring. The Interactive Automation Framework (IAF) facilitates collaboration across teams via a sharable Incident Portal and a natural language AI copilot. The platform’s Application Assurance ensures consistent application performance by monitoring paths and verifying network intents.

Core components of NetBrain Next-Gen include Network Intents for defining desired behaviors without coding, continuous network assessment technology for ongoing validation, and summary dashboards for visualizing results. It also features a Golden Engineering Studio for auto-discovery and automation creation and integrations with IT Service Management (ITSM) systems. NetBrain Next-Gen’s intent-based automation maintains network integrity and performance across hybrid environments, ensuring compliance and security.

NetBrain has a focused approach to network validation, enhancing existing capabilities and filling feature gaps while innovating with emerging features like continuous network assessment, no-code automation, AI integration, and digital twin technology.

NetBrain is positioned as a Leader and Outperformer in the Innovation/Platform Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
NetBrain scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• Golden image creation: NetBrain Next-Gen excels in golden image creation by auto-discovering and decoding network designs to establish a golden design intent repository, allowing for standardized, preconfigured templates specific to each device function and model. This capability ensures network configurations consistently align with predefined standards, enhancing deployment reliability and reducing configuration drift.
• Security verification: NetBrain Next-Gen provides robust security verification capabilities by continuously automating security assessments across network zones, borders, edges, and clouds. It transforms security rules into network intents, allowing for proactive identification and remediation of deviations from security configurations such as authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA), ACLs, and TACACs. This ensures compliance with critical security standards and protects against vulnerabilities.
• Application awareness: The platform’s Application Assurance feature enhances application awareness by dynamically mapping application paths across hybrid networks and benchmarking them against golden paths. This ensures that network performance aligns with business-critical application requirements, provides comprehensive visibility into application dependencies, and optimizes network paths for improved application performance and reliability.

NetBrain has earned an Outperformer designation due to its rapid pace of innovation, consistent release cadence, and robust product roadmap focused on integrating emerging technologies aligned with industry trends and customer needs.

Challenges
NetBrain has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Natural language processing: NetBrain Next-Gen’s NLP capabilities are still emerging, with the AI copilot bot only recently introduced in R12. While it can handle basic natural language queries for assessment, inventory, observability, and troubleshooting, it lacks advanced features like comprehensive code verification, synthesis, and translation across multiple vendor languages.
• Server lifecycle management: The platform scores low for server lifecycle management because it primarily focuses on network automation, offering only basic SNMP driver support for Windows server discovery. It lacks comprehensive tools for server provisioning, maintenance, and decommissioning, which are essential for full lifecycle management.
• Intelligent automation: While NetBrain Next-Gen employs advanced no-code automation and digital twin technology, its intelligent automation capabilities are limited by the absence of fully autonomous AI/ML-driven decision-making and predictive analytics. This restricts the platform’s ability to autonomously identify and resolve network issues without human intervention in complex scenarios.

Purchase Considerations
NetBrain Next-Gen employs a subscription-based pricing model structured around the number of managed devices, concurrent users, and extended feature modules, providing flexibility for customers wishing to scale their usage according to their network size and operational needs. The pricing includes access to updates and new features, ensuring that customers benefit from the latest innovations without additional costs. However, some customers have noted that the initial investment can be high compared to buying other network validation solutions, and additional fees may arise for advanced features or modules not included in the base package.

Key purchase considerations for NetBrain Next-Gen include its deployment options, which support on-premises, virtual, and private cloud environments, offering flexibility in the way the solution is integrated into existing infrastructures. Migration complexity is generally manageable, with NetBrain providing support and resources to facilitate the transition from legacy systems.

Customers should be aware that while the platform offers robust automation and observability capabilities, the learning curve associated with its use may require additional training to leverage its features fully. Moreover, while the platform’s no-code automation capabilities are designed to reduce manual intervention, some customization may require advanced configuration skills.

Use Cases
NetBrain Next-Gen is tailored for large enterprises and managed service providers, particularly those operating in hybrid and multicloud environments. Key use cases include automated troubleshooting, change management, and continuous network assessment and observability, leveraging its no-code automation capabilities to transform subject matter expertise into executable automation. The platform’s digital twin technology provides real-time visibility and dynamic mapping, aiding network observability and compliance verification across complex network infrastructures. NetBrain’s focus on security verification and compliance, coupled with its robust automation frameworks, supports industries with stringent regulatory standards.

NVIDIA: NetQ

Solution Overview
Founded in 1993, NVIDIA is a leading supplier of AI hardware and software. In 2024, NVIDIA made several acquisitions focused on AI and cloud, including Brev.dev, Deci, Run.ai, and Shoreline.io, which may influence NetQ’s future development.

NVIDIA NetQ is a modern network operations tool that provides real-time visibility, troubleshooting, and validation for data center networks, specifically for Cumulus fabrics. It collects fabric-wide telemetry data, which is processed by advanced analytics to deliver actionable insights into network health. Incorporating innovative technologies like hardware-accelerated anomaly detection through NVIDIA Spectrum ASICs and What Just Happened (WJH), NetQ enables network operators to proactively verify configurations, prevent misconfigurations, and quickly identify the root cause of issues.

NetQ’s validation capabilities span protocols like BGP, Ethernet Virtual Private Network (EVPN), OSPF, and Virtual eXtensible LAN (VXLAN) and elements like interfaces, Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MLAG), maximum transmission unit (MTU), and Network Time Protocol (NTP). It can run pre-deployment integrity checks in a CI/CD pipeline using NVIDIA Air to catch inconsistencies before production. Furthermore, NetQ performs scheduled and on-demand validations in the live network, comparing expected versus actual state to detect anomalies. Results are visualized in the NetQ UI and CLI for rapid troubleshooting.

NVIDIA is incrementally improving NetQ’s existing features while also innovating to add emerging capabilities like adaptive routing and RDMA over converged Ethernet (RoCE) monitoring.

NVIDIA is positioned as a Challenger and Fast Mover in the Innovation/Feature Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
NVIDIA scored well on several decision criteria, including:

• Network source of truth: NetQ provides a centralized repository of real-time telemetry data and configuration information across Cumulus Linux environments, ensuring accurate and up-to-date insights into network health and performance. The NSoT enables consistent network configuration management and streamlined troubleshooting, reducing errors and misconfigurations that could impact network reliability.
• End-to-end validation: NetQ leverages telemetry data to provide comprehensive visibility and validation of both overlay and underlay networks. It offers advanced features like flow telemetry analysis, RoCE validation, and real-time event correlation, enabling operators to proactively identify and resolve network issues, ensure that configurations meet intended operational standards, and improve overall network reliability.
• Validation approach: NetQ employs a multifaceted validation approach that combines real-time telemetry analysis, scheduled checks, and integration with CI/CD pipelines. It leverages NVIDIA’s WJH technology for hardware-accelerated anomaly detection and supports gRPC network management interface (gNMI) streaming of events. Additionally, NetQ supports pre-deployment checks, continuous monitoring, and post-deployment validation, allowing for dynamic adaptation to network changes and reducing downtime through proactive error detection and correction.

NVIDIA has earned a Fast Mover designation due to its release of new features and enhancements, such as RoCE validation, DPU monitoring, and advanced telemetry analysis. NVIDIA is aligned with industry trends and maintains a steady release cadence.

Challenges
NVIDIA has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Golden image creation: NetQ lacks features for creating and managing golden images, which are essential for consistent system deployment and configuration management. This absence limits its ability to automate and streamline the deployment of standardized configurations across network devices, resulting in potential inconsistencies and increased manual intervention for maintaining system uniformity.
• Security verification: While NetQ provides some security-related insights through telemetry and anomaly detection, it does not offer comprehensive security verification capabilities such as detailed vulnerability assessments or integration with security compliance frameworks. This limitation reduces its effectiveness in proactively identifying and mitigating security risks across the network, which is crucial for maintaining a secure network environment.
• Hybrid multicloud awareness: NetQ primarily focuses on data center networks running Cumulus Linux, with limited features explicitly supporting hybrid multicloud environments. Its capabilities are more aligned with traditional on-premises and single-cloud deployments, potentially hindering its ability to provide seamless visibility and management across diverse cloud platforms and hybrid network architectures.

Purchase Considerations
NetQ offers a subscription-based pricing model, which includes support for unlimited hosts. Since pricing varies based on deployment size, network complexity, and chosen features, customers should contact NVIDIA or authorized partners for specific pricing information tailored to their needs. In addition, customers should consider the compatibility of existing network infrastructure, as NetQ is designed primarily for Cumulus Linux fabrics.

Key purchase considerations for NetQ include deployment options, which range from on-premises installations using NVIDIA NetQ Appliances or customer-owned hardware with VMs (supporting both KVM and VMware hypervisors) to cloud-based deployments using NVIDIA NetQ Cloud Appliances or customer-managed cloud instances. Migration complexity can vary depending on the existing network architecture and the chosen deployment model. Transitioning to a cloud-based service may involve considerations around data integration and network configuration adjustments.

Use Cases
NetQ primarily targets large enterprises and data centers, offering real-time visibility, troubleshooting, and validation for complex network environments. It is particularly beneficial for industries that require robust network operations, such as CSPs and MSPs, due to its ability to integrate with DevOps workflows and manage Cumulus fabrics. Critical use cases for NetQ include enhancing network reliability through proactive validation and monitoring, reducing downtime with advanced telemetry and analytics, and simplifying network management with its intuitive GUI and cloud-based deployment options.

OpenText: OpenText Network Operations Management

Solution Overview
Founded in 1991, OpenText acquired Micro Focus in 2023 (following Micro Focus’ merger with HPE Software in 2017) to become one of the world’s largest enterprise software providers. OpenText Network Operations Management comprises OpenText Network Node Manager (formerly Micro Focus Network Node Manager i) and OpenText Network Automation (formerly HPE Network Automation). OpenText Network Operations Management Suite Ultimate includes OpenText’s Operations Orchestration (OO).

OpenText Network Operations Management provides comprehensive network validation capabilities through its integrated platform, validating network states against defined policies. OpenText Network Node Manager provides network health and performance monitoring, while OpenText Network Automation automates configuration, change, and compliance operations. A key feature is the patented spiral discovery process, which continuously and accurately maps network topology, enhancing visibility and supporting validation efforts by ensuring configurations align with compliance standards.

The solution integrates network health monitoring, performance analysis, and automated configuration management. It enables proactive policy enforcement, real-time security vulnerability detection, and automated remediation workflows. NOM’s unified approach enables holistic network diagnostics, including traffic analysis and compliance reporting, while facilitating cross-functional collaboration between network operations and engineering teams to isolate and resolve issues quickly.

OpenText is incrementally improving Network Operations Management’s existing features while also innovating to add emerging capabilities and integrating features from acquired solutions.

OpenText is positioned as a Challenger and Forward Mover in the Maturity/Feature Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
OpenText scored average on several decision criteria, including:

• Network source of truth: Network Operations Management provides a centralized and comprehensive source of truth by integrating monitoring, configuration, and compliance data into a unified platform. This enables efficient data correlation and management across diverse network environments, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of network operations and enabling rapid troubleshooting and resolution of network issues.
• End-to-end validation: The solution offers automated workflows that capture network diagnostics and detect device-reported issues, ensuring that network changes are validated both pre- and post-deployment. This capability allows for thorough verification of network configurations and performance, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing overall network stability and reliability.
• Validation approach: Network Operations Management employs a robust, multifaceted validation approach that combines model-based analysis, emulation, and operational state analysis. This approach allows for comprehensive testing of network configurations and behaviors, ensuring that network operations align with intended business objectives and minimizing the likelihood of disruptions.

Challenges
OpenText has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Golden image creation: Network Operations Management offers limited automation and flexibility in creating and managing golden configurations. It lacks comprehensive tools for handling complex deployment tasks and does not fully support declarative provisioning or advanced data modeling, requiring significant manual intervention for customization and updates.
• Natural language processing: The solution’s NLP capabilities are minimal. It is primarily focused on basic keyword-based search and retrieval without advanced understanding or automation features. It does not leverage sophisticated NLP techniques for configuration validation or error detection, limiting its ability to process and interpret complex network configurations effectively.
• Composable infrastructure support: Network Operations Management provides limited support for validating composable infrastructure, with basic API functionality and resource abstraction support. It lacks advanced performance testing and integration with existing systems, offering minimal insights into the efficiency and security of composable environments, which restricts its adaptability to dynamic infrastructure needs.

OpenText has earned a Forward Mover status due to its incremental updates and focus on integrating existing technologies rather than introducing groundbreaking innovations.

Purchase Considerations
OpenText Network Operations Management employs a tiered pricing model with three main editions offering different features: Suite Express, Suite Premium, and Suite Ultimate. The pricing model accommodates various deployment options, including on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud environments, providing flexibility for different infrastructure needs. However, customer reviews indicate that the solution can be costly, with some users noting that the pricing may not fully align with their consumption patterns, potentially leading to higher total costs compared to alternatives.

When considering Network Operations Management, customers should evaluate the complexity of migrating from existing solutions. The transition may involve significant planning and resource allocation and introduce challenges when aligning Network Operations Management with their current network management processes. Additionally, understanding the specific features included in each edition is important to avoid unexpected costs associated with add-ons for essential functionalities. Customers should also consider the level of technical support and training available, as these factors can impact the overall cost and ease of deployment.

Use Cases
OpenText Network Operations Management primarily targets large enterprises and MSPs that require comprehensive network management solutions for effective oversight and optimization. The software is designed to provide integrated monitoring, configuration, and compliance capabilities on a unified platform, making it suitable for industries that demand high levels of network control and security, such as finance, technology, and government sectors. Critical use cases include network performance management, traffic monitoring, and compliance management, enabling organizations to ensure network reliability and security across complex infrastructures.

SolarWinds: Network Configuration Manager

Solution Overview
Founded in 1999, SolarWinds delivers network configuration management through the SolarWinds Platform, which is deployed on the self-hosted SolarWinds Observability Self-hosted or SolarWinds Observability SaaS solutions.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) offers comprehensive network validation capabilities through automated configuration backups, real-time change detection, and compliance assessments. Automated network audits ensure compliance with regulatory standards and corporate policies using predefined and customizable rules. NCM provides multivendor support for routers, switches, and firewalls, allowing administrators to manage configurations, track changes, and ensure adherence to security policies and regulatory standards like DISA STIG, NIST FISMA, and PCI DSS.

NCM’s validation includes config-to-config diff views and multidevice baseline-to-config comparisons, vulnerability scanning using NIST CVE data to identify outdated or at-risk device software, and automated remediation scripts. It integrates with other SolarWinds tools like Network Performance Monitor for correlated performance and configuration analysis, offers customizable compliance reports, and supports on-premises and cloud deployments. NCM also features Network Insight for deep visibility into complex devices like Cisco ASA and Palo Alto Networks firewalls, enabling more thorough validation of security policies and network segmentation.

SolarWinds appears to be incrementally improving NCM’s existing features while also adding some new capabilities and integration with the broader SolarWinds Platform.

SolarWinds is positioned as an Entrant and Forward Mover in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant of the Network Validation Radar.

Strengths
SolarWinds scored average on several decision criteria, including:

• Network source of truth: NCM maintains an accurate and up-to-date inventory of network devices using network scanning and discovery, ensuring that the network source of truth is reliable and comprehensive. This capability is enhanced by automated configuration backups and real-time change detection, which help maintain the integrity of the network’s configuration data. Customer reviews highlight the ease of retrieving configurations and comparing them to previous versions, maintaining a consistent network source of truth.
• Validation approach: The solution automates configuration management tasks, such as monitoring for unauthorized changes and ensuring configurations comply with security policies. It also provides configuration baselines and automated compliance checks to help ensure network configurations meet predefined standards, reducing the risk of errors. Users appreciate the ability to push scripts and automate repetitive tasks, streamlining validation processes.
• Compliance verification: NCM offers strong compliance verification capabilities with out-of-the-box assessments and reports for industry standards like DISA STIG, HIPAA, NIST FISMA, and PCI DSS. It integrates with NIST’s NVD to detect and alert users about known vulnerabilities, facilitating timely compliance with security requirements. Customers value the tool’s ability to generate compliance reports and maintain audit trails, making it easier to prove adherence to regulatory standards.

Challenges
SolarWinds has room for improvement in a few areas, including:

• Golden image creation: NCM scores lower in golden image creation due to its limited capabilities in this area. It offers basic configuration templates rather than comprehensive golden image management. Creating and deploying golden images is not fully automated and can be cumbersome, requiring manual intervention and lacking integration with continuous deployment pipelines.
• End-to-end Validation: NCM’s end-to-end validation capabilities are limited by its focus on configuration management rather than holistic network validation. While it can automate configuration checks and backups, it lacks the ability to perform comprehensive network path analysis or data plane verification, which is essential for full end-to-end validation.
• Security verification: Although NCM integrates with the NVD to identify known vulnerabilities, its security verification capabilities are not as advanced as those of dedicated validation solutions. It primarily focuses on configuration compliance rather than real-time threat detection and response, limiting its effectiveness in providing comprehensive network security verification.

SolarWinds has earned a Forward Mover status, given its slower rate of development compared to the broader network validation market. It focuses primarily on incremental updates and bug fixes rather than introducing groundbreaking features or integrating emerging technologies like AI/ML.

Purchase Considerations
SolarWinds NCM follows a node-based subscription licensing model, where the cost is determined by the number of nodes managed by the software. Options range from small deployments to larger ones. While the tiered pricing structure allows organizations to scale their investment according to their network size, costs can increase significantly as the network grows.

When considering the purchase of NCM, customers should be aware of the deployment options and potential migration complexities. NCM is primarily designed for on-premises deployment, which may involve significant setup and maintenance efforts. Migration from existing network management solutions can be complex, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure a smooth transition. Customers should also consider the integration capabilities with other SolarWinds products and the potential need for additional resources or training to leverage NCM’s features fully.

Use Cases
NCM is used primarily for automating network configuration management tasks such as scheduling regular backups, highlighting configuration errors, and executing scripts across multivendor environments. It is designed for network administrators in large enterprises and medium-sized businesses requiring centralized network infrastructure control to ensure compliance, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency. Its ability to manage diverse network devices makes it suitable for sectors with stringent regulatory requirements and dynamic network environments.

6. Analyst’s Outlook

The network validation market is evolving rapidly due to the increasing complexity of modern networks, which now include numerous edge devices and cloud-based services. This necessitates a disciplined approach to network change management and validation to ensure compliance and security across all network devices and services. As a result, network validation is critical for verifying that a network meets user requirements and expectations, ensuring reliability, security, and performance.

The network validation market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the need for automated validation processes to manage complex, multivendor networking environments and ensure compliance with business, network, and security intents. There is also a shift towards lifecycle approaches that incorporate validation throughout a system’s entire lifespan, from design to retirement. Emerging technologies like AI/ML and robotic process automation are being leveraged to automate validation processes, which will further drive market growth.

Organizations can ensure that a network validation solution is a good fit for their needs by considering the following eight factors:

1. Objectives and metrics: Clearly define the goals and success criteria for network validation. This includes setting key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) that align with network design and strategy.
2. Tools and methods: Based on network size, topology, and technology, choose the right tools and strategies for network validation. Consider factors such as accuracy, reliability, scalability, and cost. Choose tools that can work across multivendor environments and different network domains.
3. Integration and compatibility: Look for solutions with open APIs that integrate with existing tools and workflows and are compatible with the organization’s network infrastructure.
4. Comprehensive validation: The solution should cover all validation aspects, including pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment stages, and validate across multiple network layers and domains.
5. Vendor-agnostic coverage: Choose tools that can work across multivendor environments and different network domains.
6. Ease of deployment and use: Prioritize solutions that are straightforward to implement and don’t create an excessive operational burden.
7. Scalability and flexibility: Select solutions that can scale with network growth and adapt to evolving network strategies and technologies.
8. Stakeholder engagement: Engage with various stakeholders to understand their expectations and communicate network validation metrics and results effectively.

By following these guidelines, organizations can select a network validation solution that aligns with their needs and supports their network’s reliability, security, and performance goals.

To learn about related topics in this space, check out the following GigaOm Radar reports:

• GigaOm Radar for NetDevOps v3.0
• GigaOm Radar for DDI (DNS, DHCP, and IPAM) v3.0
• GigaOm Radar for Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs) v4.0

7. Methodology

*Vendors marked with an asterisk did not participate in our research process for the Radar report, and their capsules and scoring were compiled via desk research.

For more information about our research process for Key Criteria and Radar reports, please visit our Methodology.

8. About Ivan McPhee

Formerly an enterprise architect and management consultant focused on accelerating time-to-value by implementing emerging technologies and cost optimization strategies, Ivan has over 20 years’ experience working with some of the world’s leading Fortune 500 high-tech companies crafting strategy, positioning, messaging, and premium content. His client list includes 3D Systems, Accenture, Aruba, AWS, Bespin Global, Capgemini, CSC, Citrix, DXC Technology, Fujitsu, HP, HPE, Infosys, Innso, Intel, Intelligent Waves, Kalray, Microsoft, Oracle, Palette Software, Red Hat, Region Authority Corp, SafetyCulture, SAP, SentinelOne, SUSE, TE Connectivity, and VMware.

An avid researcher with a wide breadth of international expertise and experience, Ivan works closely with technology startups and enterprises across the world to help transform and position great ideas to drive engagement and increase revenue.

9. About GigaOm

GigaOm provides technical, operational, and business advice for IT’s strategic digital enterprise and business initiatives. Enterprise business leaders, CIOs, and technology organizations partner with GigaOm for practical, actionable, strategic, and visionary advice for modernizing and transforming their business. GigaOm’s advice empowers enterprises to successfully compete in an increasingly complicated business atmosphere that requires a solid understanding of constantly changing customer demands.

GigaOm works directly with enterprises both inside and outside of the IT organization to apply proven research and methodologies designed to avoid pitfalls and roadblocks while balancing risk and innovation. Research methodologies include but are not limited to adoption and benchmarking surveys, use cases, interviews, ROI/TCO, market landscapes, strategic trends, and technical benchmarks. Our analysts possess 20+ years of experience advising a spectrum of clients from early adopters to mainstream enterprises.

GigaOm’s perspective is that of the unbiased enterprise practitioner. Through this perspective, GigaOm connects with engaged and loyal subscribers on a deep and meaningful level.

10. Copyright

© Knowingly, Inc. 2024 "GigaOm Radar for Network Validation" is a trademark of Knowingly, Inc. For permission to reproduce this report, please contact sales@gigaom.com.