Cisco Aci and Vmware Nsx-T

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.