Quick Overview
- 1#1: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager - Automates discovery, backup, comparison, and compliance enforcement of network device configurations to minimize change-related risks.
- 2#2: ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager - Provides automated configuration backups, change detection, compliance auditing, and firmware management for network devices.
- 3#3: Infoblox NetMRI - Delivers network assurance through automated change detection, configuration analysis, and predictive impact assessment.
- 4#4: Cisco DNA Center - Centralizes network automation, assurance, and change management with intent-based networking for Cisco environments.
- 5#5: BMC TrueSight Network Automation - Orchestrates multi-vendor network changes with policy-based automation, compliance, and rollback capabilities.
- 6#6: HPE Intelligent Management Center - Offers unified network management with configuration automation, change tracking, and topology visualization for HPE networks.
- 7#7: NetBrain - Visualizes dynamic network maps and automates change management through real-time topology and troubleshooting.
- 8#8: Progress WhatsUp Gold - Monitors networks with built-in configuration management, backups, and change alerting for hybrid environments.
- 9#9: Forward Networks - Provides digital twin network modeling for verifying changes, predicting outcomes, and ensuring compliance pre-deployment.
- 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.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Automates discovery, backup, comparison, and compliance enforcement of network device configurations to minimize change-related risks. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager Provides automated configuration backups, change detection, compliance auditing, and firmware management for network devices. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Infoblox NetMRI Delivers network assurance through automated change detection, configuration analysis, and predictive impact assessment. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Cisco DNA Center Centralizes network automation, assurance, and change management with intent-based networking for Cisco environments. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | BMC TrueSight Network Automation Orchestrates multi-vendor network changes with policy-based automation, compliance, and rollback capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | HPE Intelligent Management Center Offers unified network management with configuration automation, change tracking, and topology visualization for HPE networks. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | NetBrain Visualizes dynamic network maps and automates change management through real-time topology and troubleshooting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Progress WhatsUp Gold Monitors networks with built-in configuration management, backups, and change alerting for hybrid environments. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Forward Networks Provides digital twin network modeling for verifying changes, predicting outcomes, and ensuring compliance pre-deployment. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | BlueCat Integrity Automates DDI configuration management, change control, and integrity checks for IP address and DNS infrastructure. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
Automates discovery, backup, comparison, and compliance enforcement of network device configurations to minimize change-related risks.
Provides automated configuration backups, change detection, compliance auditing, and firmware management for network devices.
Delivers network assurance through automated change detection, configuration analysis, and predictive impact assessment.
Centralizes network automation, assurance, and change management with intent-based networking for Cisco environments.
Orchestrates multi-vendor network changes with policy-based automation, compliance, and rollback capabilities.
Offers unified network management with configuration automation, change tracking, and topology visualization for HPE networks.
Visualizes dynamic network maps and automates change management through real-time topology and troubleshooting.
Monitors networks with built-in configuration management, backups, and change alerting for hybrid environments.
Provides digital twin network modeling for verifying changes, predicting outcomes, and ensuring compliance pre-deployment.
Automates DDI configuration management, change control, and integrity checks for IP address and DNS infrastructure.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
enterpriseAutomates discovery, backup, comparison, and compliance enforcement of network device configurations to minimize change-related risks.
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.
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager
enterpriseProvides automated configuration backups, change detection, compliance auditing, and firmware management for network devices.
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).
Infoblox NetMRI
enterpriseDelivers network assurance through automated change detection, configuration analysis, and predictive impact assessment.
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.
Cisco DNA Center
enterpriseCentralizes network automation, assurance, and change management with intent-based networking for Cisco environments.
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.
BMC TrueSight Network Automation
enterpriseOrchestrates multi-vendor network changes with policy-based automation, compliance, and rollback capabilities.
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.
HPE Intelligent Management Center
enterpriseOffers unified network management with configuration automation, change tracking, and topology visualization for HPE networks.
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.
NetBrain
enterpriseVisualizes dynamic network maps and automates change management through real-time topology and troubleshooting.
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.
Progress WhatsUp Gold
enterpriseMonitors networks with built-in configuration management, backups, and change alerting for hybrid environments.
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.
Forward Networks
specializedProvides digital twin network modeling for verifying changes, predicting outcomes, and ensuring compliance pre-deployment.
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.
BlueCat Integrity
enterpriseAutomates DDI configuration management, change control, and integrity checks for IP address and DNS infrastructure.
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.
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.
Take the first step toward more efficient network management—try SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager to streamline changes and protect your infrastructure.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
