Item: Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Rating: 10
Author: Thomas Osborne

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We are using ISE for identity management as it was intended. We have ISE authenticating and authorizing users as they log onto the network. We also use ISE for authentication and authorization of network device access. This way we can keep accountability and be notified on when and what device was logged onto as well if anything was changed.

Pros and Cons

Security
1X
Device management

Cheaper
Easier implmentation
Better UI navigation

Most Important Features

1X
Device/network authentication
Device/network authorization
Device/network accounting

Return on Investment

Costly
A lot of initial configuration

Alternatives Considered

I haven't tried any other vendor when it comes to AAA. It seems that ISE was preceded by Cisco ACS. Cisco seems to be the front runner when it comes to this level of security and implementation. Why would you go to another vendor if you know Cisco is the vendor setting the bar?

Key Insights

Do you think Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)'s feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

ISE is well suited for companies that wish to keep their access restricted. ISE is great at AAA (authentication, authorization, and accounting) of users who log in either physically, or virtually via a client remote access VPN. ISE might be less appropriate for those who are on a strict budget or don't necessarily care about security.

ISE is a must for enterprise networks needing AAA

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)