When it comes to network virtualization, two of the most popular options on the market are Cisco ACI and VMware NSX-T. Both solutions offer a number of benefits for businesses, but which one is the right fit for your organization?
Cisco ACI vs. VMware NSX-T: Overview
Cisco ACI is a software-defined networking (SDN) solution that uses a controller to manage network devices and traffic. ACI is designed to work with Cisco’s Nexus 9000 series switches, but it can also be used with other Cisco and third-party devices.
VMware NSX-T is a network virtualization platform that can be used to create virtual networks (VNs) on top of physical infrastructure. NSX-T can be used with a variety of hypervisors, including VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM.
Cisco ACI vs. VMware NSX-T: Features
Cisco ACI offers a number of features that can be beneficial for businesses, including:
Application-centricity: ACI uses an application-centric approach to networking, which simplifies network operations and reduces Costs.
Automation and orchestration: ACI includes tools for automating network provisioning and configuration tasks.
Policy-based networking: ACI lets you define networking policies that can be applied to groups of devices or applications.
VMware NSX-T also offers a number of features that can be beneficial for businesses, including:
Multi-hypervisor support: NSX-T can be used with a variety of hypervisors, making it a good choice for organizations that use multiple hypervisors or are planning to migrate from one hypervisor to another.
Application-aware networking: NSX-T includes features for creating virtual networks that are optimized for specific applications.
Security: NSX-T includes a number of security features, such as micro-segmentation, that can help to protect your infrastructure.
Cisco ACI vs. VMware NSX-T: Pricing
Cisco ACI is available in two editions: Standard and Enterprise. The Standard edition starts at $34,995, and the Enterprise edition starts at $69,995.
VMware NSX-T is available in three editions: Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise. The Standard edition starts at $6,995 per CPU, the Advanced edition starts at $25,995 per CPU, and the Enterprise edition starts at $125,995 per CPU.
Cisco ACI vs. VMware NSX-T: Support
Cisco offers a variety of support options for ACI, including a self-service support portal, online forums, and paid support plans.
VMware offers a variety of support options for NSX-T, including a self-service support portal, online forums, and paid support plans.
Cisco ACI vs. VMware NSX-T: Pros and Cons
Cisco ACI Pros:
Application-centricity simplifies network operations
Automation and orchestration features can save time and money
Policy-based networking lets you enforce consistent policies across your infrastructure
Cisco ACI Cons:
Requires Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches
Cisco Support can be expensive
VMware NSX-T Pros:
Multi-hypervisor support makes it a good choice for organizations that use multiple hypervisors
Application-aware networking lets you optimize virtual networks for specific applications
Security features can help to protect your infrastructure
VMware NSX-T Cons:
More expensive than Cisco ACI
Support can be expensive
Cisco ACI vs. VMware NSX-T: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Both Cisco ACI and VMware NSX-T have a lot to offer businesses, but which one is the right fit for your organization? If you’re looking for an SDN solution that is application-centric and includes features for automation and orchestration, Cisco ACI may be a good choice. If you’re looking for a network virtualization platform that supports multiple hypervisors and includes security features, VMware NSX-T may be a good choice.
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