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Top 10 Best Network Change Management Software of 2026

Discover the top network change management software to streamline IT operations, minimize downtime, and enhance efficiency. Compare features & choose the best fit today.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In modern digital environments, network change management is critical to reducing risk, ensuring operational continuity, and maintaining compliance. With a range of tools designed to automate, track, and validate changes, selecting the right solution can streamline workflow and enhance security—options from this curated list offer diverse capabilities to meet varying organizational needs.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager - Automates discovery, backup, comparison, and compliance enforcement of network device configurations to minimize change-related risks.
  2. 2#2: ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager - Provides automated configuration backups, change detection, compliance auditing, and firmware management for network devices.
  3. 3#3: Infoblox NetMRI - Delivers network assurance through automated change detection, configuration analysis, and predictive impact assessment.
  4. 4#4: Cisco DNA Center - Centralizes network automation, assurance, and change management with intent-based networking for Cisco environments.
  5. 5#5: BMC TrueSight Network Automation - Orchestrates multi-vendor network changes with policy-based automation, compliance, and rollback capabilities.
  6. 6#6: HPE Intelligent Management Center - Offers unified network management with configuration automation, change tracking, and topology visualization for HPE networks.
  7. 7#7: NetBrain - Visualizes dynamic network maps and automates change management through real-time topology and troubleshooting.
  8. 8#8: Progress WhatsUp Gold - Monitors networks with built-in configuration management, backups, and change alerting for hybrid environments.
  9. 9#9: Forward Networks - Provides digital twin network modeling for verifying changes, predicting outcomes, and ensuring compliance pre-deployment.
  10. 10#10: BlueCat Integrity - Automates DDI configuration management, change control, and integrity checks for IP address and DNS infrastructure.

Tools were evaluated and ranked based on feature depth (including automation, compliance, and impact assessment), usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust support for complex network change scenarios.

Comparison Table

Effective network change management is vital for maintaining operational stability, and choosing the right software requires evaluating key features and capabilities. This comparison table explores leading options like SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager, Infoblox NetMRI, Cisco DNA Center, and BMC TrueSight Network Automation, equipping readers to identify the best fit for their network management needs.

Automates discovery, backup, comparison, and compliance enforcement of network device configurations to minimize change-related risks.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
9.2/10

Provides automated configuration backups, change detection, compliance auditing, and firmware management for network devices.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.6/10
Value
9.0/10

Delivers network assurance through automated change detection, configuration analysis, and predictive impact assessment.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.1/10

Centralizes network automation, assurance, and change management with intent-based networking for Cisco environments.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.7/10
Value
7.9/10

Orchestrates multi-vendor network changes with policy-based automation, compliance, and rollback capabilities.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.8/10

Offers unified network management with configuration automation, change tracking, and topology visualization for HPE networks.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
6.8/10
Value
7.9/10
7NetBrain logo8.2/10

Visualizes dynamic network maps and automates change management through real-time topology and troubleshooting.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.8/10

Monitors networks with built-in configuration management, backups, and change alerting for hybrid environments.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
7.6/10

Provides digital twin network modeling for verifying changes, predicting outcomes, and ensuring compliance pre-deployment.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
8.1/10

Automates DDI configuration management, change control, and integrity checks for IP address and DNS infrastructure.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.0/10
Value
7.2/10
1
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager logo

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

enterprise

Automates discovery, backup, comparison, and compliance enforcement of network device configurations to minimize change-related risks.

Overall Rating9.5/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
9.2/10
Standout Feature

Real-time config change detection with automated alerts and one-click rollback

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) is a leading network change and configuration management solution that automates backups, detects changes, and enforces compliance across multi-vendor devices. It enables secure config editing, deployment, and rollback while providing detailed auditing and reporting to minimize downtime and errors. Integrated with the SolarWinds platform, NCM offers holistic visibility into network configurations and performance.

Pros

  • Comprehensive multi-vendor support for over 500 device types
  • Powerful automation for backups, compliance checks, and rollbacks
  • Seamless integration with SolarWinds Observatory for unified monitoring

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for advanced customization
  • High resource requirements for large-scale deployments
  • Pricing scales quickly with node count

Best For

Enterprise IT teams and MSPs managing complex, multi-vendor networks requiring robust change control and compliance.

Pricing

Subscription-based, starting at ~$2,995/year for 25 nodes; scales per additional node/license.

Visit SolarWinds Network Configuration Managersolarwinds.com/network-configuration-manager
2
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager logo

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager

enterprise

Provides automated configuration backups, change detection, compliance auditing, and firmware management for network devices.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.6/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Advanced workflow-based change management with multi-level approvals, automated compliance checks, and one-click rollbacks.

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager (NCM) is a robust solution for automating network configuration backups, change detection, compliance auditing, and firmware management across multi-vendor devices from Cisco, Juniper, HP, and more. It streamlines network change management with approval workflows, rollback capabilities, and real-time notifications to minimize errors and downtime. The tool also offers discovery, inventory tracking, and detailed reporting to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Pros

  • Broad multi-vendor support for over 300 device types
  • Powerful workflow automation for change approvals and rollbacks
  • Comprehensive compliance management with custom rules and reports

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for advanced customization
  • Pricing scales steeply with larger device counts
  • On-premises deployment requires significant setup resources

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, multi-vendor networks needing automated change management and compliance auditing.

Pricing

Free edition for up to 30 devices; Professional edition starts at ~$395/year for 50 devices, with Enterprise edition scaling per node (contact for quotes).

Visit ManageEngine Network Configuration Managermanageengine.com/network-configuration-manager
3
Infoblox NetMRI logo

Infoblox NetMRI

enterprise

Delivers network assurance through automated change detection, configuration analysis, and predictive impact assessment.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Change Planning Wizard with simulation to preview and validate network changes before deployment

Infoblox NetMRI is a robust network change and configuration management (NCCM) solution that automates discovery, monitoring, and compliance across multi-vendor networks. It detects configuration changes in real-time, performs policy-based audits, and enables safe change planning with simulation capabilities to minimize downtime. By integrating network automation with troubleshooting and reporting, it helps enterprises maintain network integrity and operational efficiency.

Pros

  • Comprehensive multi-vendor support with real-time change detection and automated backups
  • Strong compliance and policy enforcement tools for regulatory adherence
  • Advanced analytics and forensic tools for rapid issue resolution

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for smaller teams
  • High enterprise-level pricing that may not suit mid-sized organizations
  • Limited native cloud integration compared to modern DevOps-focused tools

Best For

Large enterprises with complex, multi-vendor on-premises networks requiring stringent change control and compliance.

Pricing

Custom enterprise licensing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on device count and features.

Visit Infoblox NetMRIinfoblox.com/products/netmri
4
Cisco DNA Center logo

Cisco DNA Center

enterprise

Centralizes network automation, assurance, and change management with intent-based networking for Cisco environments.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.7/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Intent-based change validation with preview, simulation, and automated rollback for error-free deployments

Cisco DNA Center is a centralized network management platform that delivers intent-based networking, automation, assurance, and analytics primarily for Cisco enterprise environments. For Network Change Management, it offers robust capabilities including configuration templates, change planning with preview and diff tools, compliance auditing, drift detection, and automated remediation to ensure safe and policy-aligned changes. It integrates AI/ML-driven insights to predict change impacts and maintain network health across wired, wireless, and SD-WAN fabrics.

Pros

  • Deep integration and automation optimized for Cisco hardware and software
  • Advanced compliance checking, configuration drift detection, and closed-loop remediation
  • Comprehensive analytics and assurance for visibility into change impacts

Cons

  • Limited multi-vendor support, favoring Cisco ecosystems
  • Steep learning curve and complex initial deployment
  • High licensing costs tied to device scale and subscription tiers

Best For

Large enterprises with Cisco-dominant networks needing scalable, automated change management with policy enforcement.

Pricing

Subscription-based DNA licensing tiers (Essentials ~$100/device/year, Advantage ~$200, Premier ~$400+), scaled by device count and features; requires Cisco Smart Accounts.

Visit Cisco DNA Centercisco.com/c/en/us/products/dna-center/index.html
5
BMC TrueSight Network Automation logo

BMC TrueSight Network Automation

enterprise

Orchestrates multi-vendor network changes with policy-based automation, compliance, and rollback capabilities.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Advanced network change modeling and simulation to predict and mitigate risks before deployment

BMC TrueSight Network Automation is an enterprise-grade solution designed for automating and managing network configuration changes across multi-vendor environments. It enables safe change planning through modeling, simulation, pre- and post-verification, and automated rollback to reduce downtime and errors. The tool also ensures ongoing compliance with regulatory standards via policy enforcement and detailed audit trails.

Pros

  • Extensive multi-vendor device support for heterogeneous networks
  • Robust compliance management and automated verification workflows
  • Seamless integration with BMC ITSM tools and orchestration platforms

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to complex interface and setup
  • High licensing costs tailored for large enterprises
  • Limited out-of-the-box reporting customization

Best For

Large enterprises with complex, multi-vendor networks requiring rigorous change control and compliance automation.

Pricing

Quote-based pricing starting at around $50,000 annually, scaled by device count and modules; contact BMC for custom quotes.

Visit BMC TrueSight Network Automationbmc.com/it-solutions/true-sight-network-automation.html
6
HPE Intelligent Management Center logo

HPE Intelligent Management Center

enterprise

Offers unified network management with configuration automation, change tracking, and topology visualization for HPE networks.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
6.8/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Proactive change detection with automated compliance workflows and one-click rollbacks across physical, virtual, and SDN environments

HPE Intelligent Management Center (IMC) is a comprehensive network management platform that includes robust Network Change and Configuration Management (NCCM) capabilities for automating configuration backups, detecting unauthorized changes, ensuring compliance, and enabling rollbacks. It supports multi-vendor environments, providing topology visualization, fault management, and performance monitoring alongside change management. Designed for enterprise-scale networks, IMC streamlines IT operations by integrating change processes with overall network health oversight.

Pros

  • Extensive automation for change detection, compliance auditing, and firmware management across multi-vendor devices
  • Deep integration with HPE/Aruba hardware for seamless lifecycle management
  • Scalable for large enterprises with advanced reporting and rollback capabilities

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring specialized expertise
  • High resource demands on servers and potential performance issues in very large deployments
  • Custom pricing can be expensive without transparent public tiers

Best For

Large enterprises with complex, multi-vendor networks seeking integrated change management within a full network operations suite.

Pricing

Perpetual or subscription licenses customized by device count and modules; typically starts at $5,000+ annually for support, scaling to tens of thousands for enterprise deployments.

Visit HPE Intelligent Management Centerhpe.com/us/en/networking/intelligent-management-center.html
7
NetBrain logo

NetBrain

enterprise

Visualizes dynamic network maps and automates change management through real-time topology and troubleshooting.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Intent-based visual change simulation with dynamic maps that preview impacts before any changes are applied

NetBrain is a network mapping and automation platform designed for enterprise IT teams to visualize, plan, and manage network changes effectively. It dynamically maps networks in real-time, enabling users to simulate changes, verify compliance, and automate runbooks before deployment to minimize risks and outages. The tool emphasizes intent-based operations, comparing as-built networks against golden configurations for proactive management.

Pros

  • Dynamic, real-time network mapping for intuitive visualization
  • Powerful change simulation and pre-deployment verification
  • Strong integration with ITSM tools and runbook automation

Cons

  • Steep initial learning curve for complex setups
  • Pricing is enterprise-focused and can be costly for mid-sized orgs
  • Limited native multi-vendor device support compared to leaders

Best For

Large enterprises with complex, multi-site networks needing visual change planning and risk mitigation.

Pricing

Custom enterprise subscriptions, typically starting at $20,000-$50,000 annually based on network size and features.

Visit NetBrainnetbraintech.com
8
Progress WhatsUp Gold logo

Progress WhatsUp Gold

enterprise

Monitors networks with built-in configuration management, backups, and change alerting for hybrid environments.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Visual configuration change reports with before/after diffs and baseline comparisons

Progress WhatsUp Gold is a comprehensive network monitoring platform with integrated configuration management capabilities tailored for tracking and controlling network changes. It automates device discovery, configuration backups, change detection against baselines, and generates detailed reports on configuration drifts to ensure compliance and reduce outage risks. The tool provides visual comparisons of configs, scheduled backups, and alerting for unauthorized changes, making it suitable for proactive network change management.

Pros

  • Automated config backups and real-time change detection
  • Integrated with robust network monitoring and mapping
  • Detailed reporting and visual diff tools for compliance

Cons

  • Limited advanced workflow automation for change approvals
  • Scalability challenges in very large environments
  • Quote-based pricing lacks transparency

Best For

Mid-sized IT teams seeking integrated monitoring and straightforward configuration change tracking without complex dedicated NCM tools.

Pricing

Quote-based subscription or perpetual licensing; typically starts at $2,000+ per device annually for full features.

Visit Progress WhatsUp Goldprogress.com/whatsup-gold
9
Forward Networks logo

Forward Networks

specialized

Provides digital twin network modeling for verifying changes, predicting outcomes, and ensuring compliance pre-deployment.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Digital Twin technology that mathematically models network behavior for guaranteed verification of changes

Forward Networks offers a network assurance platform that creates a precise digital twin of the network to model intended versus actual behavior, enabling verification of configurations and predictions of change impacts before deployment. It supports multi-vendor environments, including traditional hardware, SDN, cloud, and SD-WAN, with tools for compliance checking, outage prevention, and path visualization. The solution excels in automating network audits and ensuring changes align with business intent in complex infrastructures.

Pros

  • Comprehensive digital twin modeling for predictive verification
  • Broad multi-vendor and multi-domain support (on-prem, cloud, SDN)
  • Powerful what-if analysis and automated compliance auditing

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for setup and advanced usage
  • Enterprise-level pricing can be prohibitive for smaller organizations
  • Limited out-of-box integrations with some niche tools

Best For

Large enterprises with complex, hybrid networks needing rigorous pre-change validation to prevent outages.

Pricing

Custom quote-based enterprise licensing; typically starts at $100K+ annually depending on network scale.

Visit Forward Networksforwardnetworks.com
10
BlueCat Integrity logo

BlueCat Integrity

enterprise

Automates DDI configuration management, change control, and integrity checks for IP address and DNS infrastructure.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.0/10
Value
7.2/10
Standout Feature

Advanced pre-change simulation engine that models and validates DDI configurations in a sandbox before live deployment

BlueCat Integrity is a specialized network change management solution focused on DNS, DHCP, and IPAM (DDI) environments, automating the planning, validation, and deployment of configuration changes. It features workflow orchestration, pre-change simulations, and rollback capabilities to minimize errors, downtime, and compliance risks. Integrated tightly with BlueCat's Address Manager, it provides detailed auditing and reporting for enterprise-scale networks.

Pros

  • Powerful DDI-specific validation and simulation to prevent change-related outages
  • Seamless integration with BlueCat ecosystem for streamlined workflows
  • Comprehensive audit trails and compliance reporting

Cons

  • Primarily tailored to BlueCat DDI, limiting multi-vendor flexibility
  • Steep learning curve and setup complexity for new users
  • Enterprise pricing may not suit smaller organizations

Best For

Large enterprises with BlueCat DDI infrastructure needing robust, automated IP network change management.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing upon request; typically annual subscriptions starting at $50,000+ depending on scale.

Visit BlueCat Integritybluecatnetworks.com/products/integrity

Conclusion

Across the reviewed tools, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager emerges as the top choice, excelling in automated discovery, backup, and compliance enforcement to reduce change-related risks. ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager and Infoblox NetMRI follow closely, with ManageEngine offering reliable backups and firmware management, and Infoblox delivering predictive impact assessment for network assurance. Each tool addresses unique needs, making SolarWinds the clear leader, though alternatives provide strong options for specific use cases.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager logo
Our Top Pick
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Take the first step toward more efficient network management—try SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager to streamline changes and protect your infrastructure.