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What is Network Management Software?

Network management software helps to monitor and manage all parts of your network such as the documents, files, chats, servers, emails, WAN link, and applications used. It also helps to maintain your devices like printers, switches, wireless routers, load balancers, and CPU.Show more In short, you can use network management software to maintain and run your whole IT infrastructure. This is important in today’s cyber-age as you might lose vital business dealings if your network slows down or crashes even for a few minutes. To avoid this, invest in a quality network management software tool to monitor, coordinate, and control your network resources effectively. Start by checking our leader Network Configuration Manager, and other recommended solutions in this category.Show less

How was this ranking made?

In order to devise this list of best Network Management Software we have researched 58 leading systems currently available on the market, contrasting their features, how easy are they are to learn, client service, available integrations with other systems and mobile device support using our unique SmartScoreTM rating system. This list has been created by Louie Andre, our B2B authority responsible for the Network Management Software category.

List of Top 12 Network Management Software

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1. Network Configuration Manager

Our score: 9.4 User satisfaction: 80%

A feature-rich network change, configuration, and compliance management (NCCCM) software for IT administrators. This solution helps automate routine tasks and ensures the accuracy of compliance, inventory, and configuration management. Network Configuration Manager also provides a detailed audit trail of configuration changes including who, what, and when the changes were made.

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2. ManageEngine OpManager

Our score: 8.8 User satisfaction: 95%

OpManager is an integrated network management software for out-of-the-box network monitoring, flow-based bandwidth analysis, and change management. It is easy to set up and highly configurable with real-time, in-depth performance monitoring. This software solution is ideal for business with multi-vendor enterprise IT networks.

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3. NinjaOne (Formerly NinjaRMM)

Our score: 8.6 User satisfaction: 93%

An IT service management software that offers a comprehensive IT monitoring and remote management toolset. Ideal for IT professionals and managed service providers, NinjaRMM provides all the essential tools you need for endpoint management, from integrated remote control and remote software deployment to automated configuration management.

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4. NetFlow Analyzer

Our score: 9.6 User satisfaction: 95%

A complete network bandwidth and traffic analytics solution that provides companies with visibility into their bandwidth and traffic utilization and helps them optimize network performance. NetFlow Analyzer also comes with a reliable security threat detection and isolation feature and a mobile-based application for monitoring your network’s status remotely.

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5. Zabbix

Our score: 9.4 User satisfaction: 97%

An enterprise-grade, open-source network monitoring solution for businesses of all sizes. Zabbix comes with robust tools for managing servers, network devices, CPUs, etc. It also comes with powerful modules and a GUI that gives you a complete view of the entire IT environment using graphs, widget-based dashboards, granular reports, etc.

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6. Atera

Our score: 9.0 User satisfaction: 100%

Atera brings the entire IT business together by its unique combination of RMM, remote control, and PSA in one system. This innovative network management solution is capable of remotely monitoring an unlimited number of servers and workstations, as well as powerful ticketing and customer satisfaction surveying and billing and invoicing.

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7. Site24x7

Our score: 9.0 User satisfaction: 100%

Unified cloud monitoring solution with full-stack monitoring capabilities that analyze customer insights and activity for better perspectives for the business. It can give you an all-encompassing view of website performance from over 100 locations worldwide and in multiple cloud environments.

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8. PagerDuty

Our score: 8.9 User satisfaction: 97%

An incident management platform that provides reliable incident notifications via email, push, SMS, and phone. It also enables automatic escalations, on-call scheduling, and other functionality to help teams detect and fix infrastructure problems quickly. PagerDuty leverages machine learning in aggregating and correlating events and turning them into actionable alerts.

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9. GlassWire

Our score: 8.8 User satisfaction: 94%

A firewall and networking monitoring tool for detecting threats to your computer and network. It utilizes visualizations tools and dashboards so users can quickly gauge the health of their networks and devices. It includes a bandwidth usage monitor and an app info change detection.

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10. N-able RMM

Our score: 8.8 User satisfaction: 89%

A remote monitoring and management software for IT professionals and MSPs. SolarWinds RMM ensures the safety of IT environment via patch management, especially when managing multiple workstations and servers. You can also create help desk workflows and customer portals accessible to customers via phone, email, or Twitter.

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11. Uptrends

Our score: 8.6 User satisfaction: 90%

A complete and reliable website monitoring tool which utilizes 179 monitoring checkpoints across the world to aid teams in tracking the uptime, performance, and functionality of their websites, APIs, servers, web applications, and services globally.

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12. BLËSK

Our score: 6.5 User satisfaction: N/A

A revolutionary network monitoring solution that integrates major open source technologies for a comprehensive service.

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Network Management Software Guide

Table of contents

Industry Report - Network Management Software for 2022

CloudRank™ system is a unique algorithm that our research team uses to evaluate Network Management Software solutions in a detailed and accurate way. The Spring 2022 edition of the ranking was prepared by Louie Andre, our leading expert in the field of Network Management Software, who has authored 1380+ product reviews in this category. The goal of CloudRank™ is to present an unbiased, multi-layered perspective on Network Management Software, considering a wide range of metrics and factors, and educating potential customers about both opportunities and challenges associated with each piece of software.

In order to achieve full objectivity the position in our CloudRank™ is based on:

  • Expert Score: which involves extensive analysis by our internal team which carefully examined all key elements of each software and testing it in real-life situations
  • User Score: which involves an aggregated opinion of actual users of each product whose identity was properly verified
  • Market Position: which involves general recognition of a given vendor on the market and reflects its overall popularity and reach
What do the tiers in CloudRank™ mean?

What do the tiers in CloudRank™ mean?

We’ve calculated a score for each product based on the average experience shared by our users in their product reviews and arranged the list in three tiers. You can see the methodology below on how the calculations were made.

  • Leaders: those with a User Score of 7.7 or higher; this tier includes products that are currently leaders on the market and are appreciated by both experts and actual users. They always represent the best of what the Network Management Software market has to offer and are all worth trying out if you’re looking for a reliable solution.
  • Contenders: those with a User Score between 6.4 and 7.7; this tier includes high-quality products that still have some minor drawbacks that prevent them from becoming leaders on the market. They always represent well-designed tools that, over time, will most likely develop into market leaders as the missing features are added.
  • Rising Stars: those with a User Score between 5.3 and 6.4; this tier includes products that have high-potential but still lack some crucial features or services expected from a leading solution. They are products with solid foundations and a vision that makes us eager to see what they will become as their solution improves in the future.

Regardless of their tier, all products included in our CloudRank™ are popular, quality products considered top-performers by our team of experts. Make sure you read a more detailed review of each solution to find one that will work best for your specific needs and budget.

Show less
Rising Star
Contenders
Front-Runners

MARKET POSITION

A score between 1 and 10 based on popularity and market reach of each product.

TOTAL score

A score between 1 and 10 based on the average of our Expert Score and User Score.

How does CloudRank™ work?

Arrow top

Market Position

A score between 1 and 10 based on popularity and market reach of each product.

Arrow right

Total Score

A score between 1 and 10 based on the average of our Expert Score and User Score.

CloudRank™ tier

Based on product's total score.

Rising Star

Contender

Front Runners

24 Most Popular Network Management Software

Here is a list of all 24 Network Management Software solutions evaluated with our CloudRank™ analysis. We have compared their features, user satisfaction, market presence and other key factors in an in-depth analysis you can find below:

1. Atera

8.22
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:8.22
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Performance monitoring

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Real-time notifications

%

Security management

%

Mobile interface

%
Worst features

Log files

%

2. PagerDuty

7.99
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.99
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Security management

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Real-time notifications

%

Mobile interface

%
Worst features

3. NinjaOne (Formerly NinjaRMM)

7.90
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.90
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Real-time notifications

%

Performance monitoring

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Log files

%

Traffic analysis

%
Worst features

Mobile interface

%

Security management

%

Traffic monitoring

%

4. Site24x7

7.83
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.83
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Email & SMS alerts

%

Mobile interface

%

Log files

%

Traffic analysis

%

Real-time notifications

%
Worst features

Security management

%

Performance monitoring

%

5. Domotz

7.60
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.60
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Performance monitoring

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Real-time notifications

%

Security management

%

Mobile interface

%
Worst features

6. LogicMonitor

7.55
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.55
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Email & SMS alerts

%

Performance monitoring

%

Real-time notifications

%

Traffic analysis

%

Traffic monitoring

%
Worst features

Log files

%

Mobile interface

%

7. WhatsUp Gold

7.46
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.46
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Real-time notifications

%

Performance monitoring

%

Traffic monitoring

%

Log files

%
Worst features

8. ManageEngine OpManager

7.45
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.45
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Performance monitoring

%

Mobile interface

%

Traffic monitoring

%

Security management

%

Email & SMS alerts

%
Worst features

Log files

%

Real-time notifications

%

9. Zabbix

7.23
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.23
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Email & SMS alerts

%

Traffic monitoring

%

Real-time notifications

%

Traffic analysis

%

Mobile interface

%
Worst features

Security management

%

10. Paessler

7.16
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.16
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Performance monitoring

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Real-time notifications

%

Mobile interface

%

Security management

%
Worst features

Traffic monitoring

%

11. NetFlow Analyzer

7.05
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.05
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Email & SMS alerts

%

Security management

%

Component scanning

%

Compliance support

%

Log files

%
Worst features

Mobile interface

%

Performance monitoring

%

Traffic monitoring

%

Real-time notifications

%

Traffic analysis

%

12. N-able RMM

6.99
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.99
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Performance monitoring

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Real-time notifications

%

Log files

%

Compliance support

%
Worst features

Security management

%

13. Nagios XI

6.97
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.97
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Performance monitoring

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Security management

%
Worst features

14. Auvik

6.95
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.95
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Performance monitoring

%

Traffic monitoring

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Real-time notifications

%

Compliance support

%
Worst features

Mobile interface

%

15. Network Configuration Manager

6.89
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.89
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Real-time notifications

%

Performance monitoring

%

Log files

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Security management

%
Worst features

Compliance support

%

Traffic monitoring

%

16. GlassWire

6.85
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.85
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Traffic monitoring

%

Log files

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Mobile interface

%

Security management

%
Worst features

Real-time notifications

%

Traffic analysis

%

17. Germain APM

6.64
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.64
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Security management

%

Performance monitoring

%

Compliance support

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Real-time notifications

%
Worst features

Traffic monitoring

%

18. WebSitePulse

6.36
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.36
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Log files

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Security management

%

Performance monitoring

%

Compliance support

%
Worst features

Real-time notifications

%

Mobile interface

%

Traffic analysis

%

Traffic monitoring

%

19. NetCrunch

6.30
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.30
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Log files

%

Performance monitoring

%

Traffic monitoring

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Security management

%
Worst features

Compliance support

%

Real-time notifications

%

20. PingPlotter

6.22
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.22
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Traffic monitoring

%

Log files

%

Security management

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Compliance support

%
Worst features

Component scanning

%

Performance monitoring

%

Real-time notifications

%

Traffic analysis

%

21. Flowmon

6.17
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.17
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Performance monitoring

%

Log files

%

Traffic monitoring

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Traffic analysis

%
Worst features

Compliance support

%

Real-time notifications

%

Security management

%

22. Panopta

6.08
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.08
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Compliance support

%

Real-time notifications

%

Email & SMS alerts

%

Performance monitoring

%

Security management

%
Worst features

Traffic analysis

%

Log files

%

Traffic monitoring

%

Fault management

%

23. Total Network Inventory

5.88
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:5.88
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Email & SMS alerts

%

Compliance support

%

Performance monitoring

%

Security management

%

Traffic monitoring

%
Worst features

Traffic analysis

%

Real-time notifications

%

24. Spiceworks Security

5.60
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:5.60
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Real-time notifications

%

Performance monitoring

%

Security management

%

Log files

%

Mobile interface

%
Worst features

Our report covered 24 most popular products from the Network Management Software category. We’ve analyzed their features, performance, integration, customer support, pricing, and several other key buying factors and combined it with feedback from user reviews to come up with the current list of best solutions:

With over a decade of experience under its belt, Atera managed to best the competition for our top spot in this year’s Network Management CloudRank. This software is a cloud-based all-in-one remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform for IT professionals and MSPs and has received various accolades including our 2021 Great User Experience Award, 2021 Supreme Software Award, and 2021 Expert’s Choice Award.

Atera includes all the things users need to solve the most challenging IT problems of clients in one, centralized location for unlimited devices at a fixed cost. This platform is perfect for businesses of all sizes including small to medium enterprises. Staff onboarding is also made easy because Atera comes with a user-friendly interface that poses little to no learning curve. Moreover, the mobile app can be used for 24/7 remote monitoring, report submission, and performance auditing.

The software can also act as a customer relationship management software and is able to measure customer satisfaction, support load, support team performance, and activities. Lastly, the vendor offers a free trial of their software with priced plans that start at $69 per month per technician.

Most users of Network Management Software solutions confirm that in most cases these tools allow them to reach the following business goals:

  • It assists us in improving productivity. [ 86.9% of users ]
  • It enables us to save money. [ 85.8% of users ]
  • It helps us avoid business disruption. [ 88.0% of users ]
  • It helps us to save time. [ 85.6% of users ]
  • It minimizes security risks. [ 87.3% of users ]

How did we select products for this Network Management Software report?

The Spring 2022 version of the report includes a total of 24 Network Management Software products that were compared and analyzed by our team. We selected them based on the following factors:

  • Popularity of a given brand in the SaaS market (based on our own market research)
  • How popular a given brand is among FinancesOnline users (based on number of mothly readers for each review page)
  • Availability of statistical data generated from user reviews of a particular product (we excluded products with not enough data to draw meaningful conclusions)
  • The current listing reflects the state of our database and research as of May 2022. An updated version of the report will be released quarterly to keep data fresh and incorporate information about shifts and changing trends in the market.

What are the current Network Management Software trends?

In 202, enterprise network managers have the chance to build up solutions that were implemented in response to the unprecedented environment of 2020. With the transition from temporary to permanent remote working advancing, speed, stability, and network security are top concerns.

Let’s look at the top technology to watch this coming 2021.

SASE

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture adds an additional layer of security that is especially applicable in remote work and edge networking environments. SASE gives IT with full visibility of traffic as it moves across the network. The ability to manage and monitor endpoints, network traffic, and users in real time has become more and more important as the shift to remote works becomes permanent.

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Global network management market 2017-2024

Global network management market 2017-2024
2017: 5.36

2017

Global network management market 2017-2024
2018: 6.17

2018

Global network management market 2017-2024
2019: 7

2019

Global network management market 2017-2024
2023: 10.2

2023

Global network management market 2017-2024
2024: 11

2024

Statista

Designed by

SD-WAN

The implementation of the SDN concept into WAN topologies can help enterprises can help solve the issue with businesses seeking to ensure security and productivity in their branch offices in various geographical locations. SD-WAN fully supports public cloud infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), on-premise data centers, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications and can help optimize their performance.

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WLAN connected devices worldwide 2016-2021

WLAN connected devices worldwide 2016-2021
2016: 8.36

2016

WLAN connected devices worldwide 2016-2021
2017: 10.14

2017

WLAN connected devices worldwide 2016-2021
2018: 12.31

2018

WLAN connected devices worldwide 2016-2021
2019: 14.96

2019

WLAN connected devices worldwide 2016-2021
2020: 18.21

2020

WLAN connected devices worldwide 2016-2021
2021: 22.2

2021

Source: Statista

Designed by

Wifi 6 and 6E

In 2020, wireless speeds increased dramatically when Wi-Fi 6 debuted as the technology allowed more data to flow through wireless routers. Wireless speeds with wifi 6 are approximately 30% greater than Wi-Fi 5. Adoption of this standard will continue to expand in 2021 so as the move toward Wi-Fi 6E (E stands for expanded), which opens up the 6GHz band.

Aside from increased speed, Wi-Fi 6 also supports more users and connected devices without sacrificing performance. For businesses that expect their employees to return to the offices in 2021, faster, more reliable Wi-Fi will be a crucial component in the approach of a safe return.

You can use network management software to monitor and manage your network tools, applications, and resources smartly. There a number of high-quality platforms in this category. So how do you select the best network management software for your specific needs? We help you in your quest by detailing the main features and benefits you should look for.

Get to know each product with free trial

The ideal way to start your search for the best network management software is to register for the free trial or demo of leading programs. Top network management software providers offer this facility to enable you check out their application’s features and do a comparison with other tools. We recommend you check out Groundwork MonitorvRealize Hyperic, Icinga, Nagios, and NetXMS. These programs have received impressive rankings and ratings in network management software reviews.

Targeted Businesses

Network management tools can be utilized by small, medium-sized, and large companies to monitor and manage their network resources efficiently to minimize downtime and system and device crashes. Network monitoring systems are also utilized by academic institutions, government agencies, and other organizations.

Examples of Network Management Software

  1. Groundwork Monitor: A robust IT monitoring software for cloud-based, virtual, and physical infrastructures. It can monitor your whole IT environment and brings together availability and performance for your entire infrastructure and application stack. The tool offers customizable and flexible workflows, as well as robust integrations. It tracks application health and identifies network problems.
  2. vRealize Hyperic: Empowers you to manage the availability and performance of a wide range of applications, middleware, and operating systems running in your cloud, virtual, and physical environments. You can understand availability, utilization, performance, logs, changes, and events across all layers of your virtualization stack. In addition, you can gather a wide range of performance data—50,000 metrics across over 70 application technologies—and effortlessly extend the data to track all components in your middleware and application stack.
  3. Icinga: You can use Icinga to monitor any application and infrastructure. Use the tool’s object-based configuration or utilize the REST API to provision your monitoring code. Monitor infrastructures of any size by utilizing the integrated cluster system secured by SSL. Finally, you can integrate with popular DevOps apps and extend the capabilities of Icinga to meet your requirements.
  4. Nagios: Offers enterprise-class open source monitoring of servers and applications, network, and IT resources and tools. Use Nagios to monitor your network for issues caused by overloaded network connections or data links, and also monitor your switches, routers and more. The software monitors response time, uptime, and availability of all nodes on the network and delivers the results in a range of visual reports and representations.
  5. NetXMS: A multi-platform open source network monitoring and management solution. It offers comprehensive performance monitoring, event management, graphing, reporting, and alerting for all layers of IT infrastructure — from business application layer to network devices. The software is designed for maximum scalability and performance. The best part is you can deploy it quickly with minimum time and effort needed for configuration. Plus, you can easily integrate NetXMS with related platforms.

Types of Network Management Software

There are 3 main types of network management software:

  • Tools that act mainly as antivirus software
  • Those that allow users on the same network to send and receive messages with others internally, and
  • Software that is based on server applications

A typical network management solution will offer at least two of these modules.

Key Features of Network Management Software

  • Network performance monitor: Enables you to improve performance and minimize network outages.
  • Network bandwidth analyzer: Useful for network bandwidth analysis and performance monitoring. You can detect and resolve network performance problems. Track the uptime, availability, and response time of routers, switches and other devices. Identify which applications are hogging the most bandwidth.
  • IP address manager: Save time and avoid costly errors. This feature offers automated IP address tracking, IP troubleshooting, alerting, and reporting, and integrated IP, DNS, and DHCP address management.
  • Network configuration manager: Used for automated network configuration and compliance management. Offers vulnerability assessment, configuration backup, network compliance, and network automation.
  • User device tracker: Quickly locate users and devices on your network. Allows you to remotely turn ports on and off, detect rogue users and devices, manage switch and switch port capacity, and monitor and map ports, switches, and WAPs.
  • VoIP and network quality manager: Enables you to analyze WAN performance insights and important call QoS metrics. You can troubleshoot VoIP call quality issues.
  • Network topology mapper: Empowers you to automatically plot your network in a few minutes. You can address regulatory PCI compliance, execute multi-level network discovery, auto-detect alterations to network topology, create multiple maps from a single scan, and automate device discovery and mapping.
  • Compliance monitoring: Being at the forefront of network security, network management software must have the capability to detect and address compliance issues.
  • Reporting and analytics: Generating network performance reports, history, incidents, etc., must be fast and with accurate data.

Benefits of Network Management Software

It helps to save time 

You can use a central computer to manage even large network environments and thus save time. Plus, you can give your IT providers direct access to the data they need. They don’t have to travel to other locations to view a device’s status as they can access all devices from the central computer. In addition, your employees can use the network management tool to enter and retrieve data on their own computers.

It is cost-effective 

You can save money on IT staff as you only need a single system administrator who can manage and monitor your entire network from a central location.

It enhances productivity 

Network management software can monitor and manage all pieces of hardware and software in your network environment. All components are interlinked, so if one crashes, the entire system could be impacted. Network management software enables you to identify and resolve issues before they bloom into major problems and thus ensure there is minimal impact on productivity. This means your employees have more time to work on important tasks.

It helps to avoid business disruption 

Network downtime can have a big effect on productivity and lead to loss of revenue. Network management software helps you to proactively detect and resolve concerns, and ensure business carries on as usual without interruptions.

It reduces security risks 

Hackers are ever on the prowl to hack into vital company data. Network management software can protect your business from threats like hacking, viruses, and malware. Plus, it enables you to meet regulatory requirements and maintain compliance.

Increased automation: Vendors are using different types of automation to meet specific challenges. These include automated root cause analysis, automated actions to resolve common issues, automated compliance analysis and configuration auditing, and automated discovery. Automated tools help to deliver enhanced effectiveness and agility, and empower network managers to keep abreast of the fast-changing business environment and market dynamics.

Increased outsourcing: Margins are low in this software sector. So most vendors are outsourcing network maintenance and service functions to managed service providers and are focusing on their core business operations. They are also outsourcing software operation and implementation to managed service providers to maintain good SLA and high profit margins.  

Potential Issues

Transparency at scale: Network management tools can comfortably monitor dozens and even hundreds of nodes. However, as the network scale expands it can become difficult for the platform to achieve complete visibility across the entire network. The solution is to upgrade to a superior tool that can centralize management of multiple instances of infrastructure to provide sweeping control and visibility across the entire network expanse.

Security issues: In a large networking team, there is usually a lack of privacy rules among users. This means anyone can have full administrative control over the entire network and this leads to conflict with security considerations. Invest in a software that allows your CTO or IT director to create network privileges for user groups and ensure each team member is given access only to the network tools they need for their roles and tasks.

Autonomous Networks

Digital transformation is revolutionizing network operations and it will not be long before advanced automation tools become standard features of network management solutions. Advanced automation, however, is just a prelude to an even bigger innovation–the rise of autonomous networks.

Dubbed as the future of networking, autonomous networks are conceptualized to operate independently. Everything will be automated without human intervention necessary. This concept would also mean that network management will also be fully self-operational, untouched by NetOps and IT security teams that are currently in charge of running network management platforms.

Autonomous network management, however, is not a new concept. The idea was brought to reality by IBM back in 2001 when the company launched autonomic computing with hopes to develop it into a full-fledged self-managing system. Nowadays, with artificial intelligence and machine learning technology powering advanced automation features, the possibility of a fully operational autonomous network appears closer to the future.

Network technology is a dynamic and fast-growing industry. Whether we like it or not, businesses are leaning more and more into the digitization of their operations. In the list below, let us take a look at how network technology has grown and the latest developments that are currently reshaping our world:

  • The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of global network bandwidth management software market is projected to be at 12.2% within 2020-2025.
  • In 2019, banking, financial services, and insurance industries (BFSI) held more than 20% of the market revenue share in the US.
  • The Asia Pacific (APAC) regions held nearly 20% of the network monitoring market share in 2019.
  • Automation will leave the biggest impact on the networking industry for the next five years according to 25% of IT leaders.
  • AI is a priority investment according to 50% of network strategists.
  • 85% of the organizations using public cloud today are gearing toward a multi-cloud strategy.
  • Internet video will take 82% of the entire business Internet traffic by the year 2022.
  • 5G and Wi-Fi 6 will redefine network standards as both rolls out in 2020.
  • Businesses will re-map their networks following the implementation of SD-WAN technology, which will solidify virtual workspaces.
  • Network systems are now being used to function as intelligent sensors to monitor the physical environment.

List of Network Management Software Companies

Order by:

Newest
  • Newest
  • Score
  • User Score
Product name:
Category:
Smart Score:
Price:
User Satisf.
User reviews:
BlazingCDN reviews

BlazingCDN

Network Management Software
8.0
$0.005
98%
Portnox reviews

Portnox

Network Management Software
8.0
$260
98%
TraQSuite reviews

TraQSuite

Network Management Software
8.0
₹7,999
94%
Spiceworks Connectivity Dashboard reviews

Spiceworks Connectivity Dashboard

Network Management Software
8.7
Free
95%
PULScore reviews

PULScore

Network Management Software
8.0
By quote
100%
Atera reviews

Atera

Network Management Software
9
$99
100%
GlassWire reviews

GlassWire

Network Management Software
8.8
free
94%
Gradsgate reviews

Gradsgate

Network Management Software
8.0
By quote
-
Network Configuration Manager reviews

Network Configuration Manager

Network Management Software
9.4
$595
80%
Easy-IP reviews

Easy-IP

Network Management Software
6.8
$495
-
RoCKNet reviews

RoCKNet

Network Management Software
6.5
Free
-
BLËSK reviews

BLËSK

Network Management Software
6.5
By quote
-
Everest reviews

Everest

Network Management Software
6.5
$100
96%
CloudView NMS reviews

CloudView NMS

Network Management Software
6.7
$295
-
The Governor reviews

The Governor

Network Management Software
6.7
$49
91%

Things to consider when you invest in a SaaS

First, be clear about the reasons why you want to use a SaaS solution. You should also have a good understanding of your existing infrastructure and business processes. This information will help you to smoothly integrate the SaaS platform with your existing infrastructure without any difficulty.

The second consideration is a follow up to the first one. Ask yourself what you want the SaaS product to do for your company. Then, be clear about the functionality the system should have. For example, if you want improved data collaboration between different business units you need a system that can be accessed by multiple users. However, if you need a competent system that is similar to an on-premise solution, you need to invest in a SaaS product that can be accessed by only a few users at a time.

After you pick a suitable provider, do not sign an agreement before you take a good look at the Service Level Agreement (SLA). The SLA will clearly define what the SaaS vendor is offering and the reimbursement they will pay if they do not deliver the agreed services. Read and comprehend the SLA thoroughly to know what you are getting into and to avoid problems later.

Frequently asked questions about Network Management Software

What is the best network management software?

The best network management software is NetFlow Analyzer. This software solution is a complete traffic analytics tool that offers you real-time visibility into your network’s bandwidth performance. NetFlow analyzer provides system administrators with detailed reports of bandwidth usage, as well as conduct network forensics and analysis.

NetFlow Analyzer is capable of threshold-based alerting. All you have to do is define your threshold settings and the system will automatically send notifications once bandwidth usage exceeds the limit. Threshold configurations vary depending on your business needs.

One of NetFlow Analyzer’s standout features is how it enables users to monitor their network on the go. The software solution has a mobile application for iPhones, which allows business owners and system admins to keep track of the LAN WAN traffic from any location.

What are the benefits of network management software?

Using network management software comes with a number of benefits that keep your business operations smooth. Here are some of them:

Reduces cybersecurity risks. Protect your company’s data and valuable insights using network management software’s powerful threat detection tools.

Reduces network interruptions. Disruptions leave a negative impact on your business operations, especially when they lead to prolonged system downtimes. Network management software helps prevent these from happening and ensures smoother business operations and seamless experience for your customers.

Enhances proactive practices. With clear visibility into your network’s performance and with threat detection tools, you have the ability to see potential security risks and other disruptions that can affect your business operations.  This capability allows you to stay ahead and prevent these potential issues from taking place.

Time-saving. No need to search for data, reports, documentation, etc., because everything is stored in one location and easily accessible from anywhere.

Cost-effective. Investing in a network management solution is more cost-effective than maintaining a team of IT staff.

What are the features of network management software?

Here are the standard tools and features a good network management software must possess:

Network performance monitor: This feature gives you complete visibility of your network’s performance and lets you detect abnormalcies and potential issues.

Bandwidth analyzer: This gives you access to your bandwidth’s distribution and which applications, devices, etc., have the biggest bandwidth consumption.

Network configuration manager: Used to assess the vulnerability of your network, as well as setup configuration backup, analyzes network compliance and performs network automation.

IP address manager: Having an integrated IP, DNS, and DHCP manager helps enhance troubleshooting accuracy, IP tracking, alerting, and reporting.

Device tracker: Determine the location of specific devices within your network as well as their users.

Topology mapper: Automates network plotting processes, which include compliance, executing multi-level network discovery, automating device discovery among others.

What is the easiest network management software to use?

Network management solutions are designed to handle intricate network processes and issues, but it doesn’t mean that they should be complicated to use. Below are some of the user-friendly network management software:

NetFlow Analyzer. This network management solution utilizes easy to use dashboards and a suite of robust monitoring tools to help users keep track of network performance and identify issues such as abnormal traffic distribution, etc., with ease.

AteraAtera is not only easy to use, but it is also easy to deploy. This network management software combines remote control, PSA, and RMM functionalities in a way that even newly hired employees can learn to navigate even without extensive training.

SolarWinds RMMThis network management software utilizes patch management to enhance the security of online business environment. Deploying technicians is also made easier and faster by its dedicated mobile application that helps users track their technicians via GPS technology.

What is a good free network management software?

When it comes to a good free network management solutions, Zabbix takes the spot with its enterprise-grade, open-source platform. Zabbix is equipped with powerful tools and features that allow its users to monitor millions of metrics generated from various network devices, servers, and virtual machines in real-time.

Among its standout features are metric collection, visualization, auto-discovery, security authentication problem detection, and notification and remediation. Additionally, Zabbix is also easily deployed.

Louie Andre

By Louie Andre

B2B & SaaS market analyst and senior writer for FinancesOnline. He is most interested in project management solutions, believing all businesses are a work in progress. From pitch deck to exit strategy, he is no stranger to project business hiccups and essentials. He has been involved in a few internet startups including a digital route planner for a triple A affiliate. His advice to vendors and users alike? "Think of benefits, not features."

Updated

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