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Solarwinds - great product with a few small flaws.
Updated December 08, 2020

Solarwinds - great product with a few small flaws.

Joseph Crook | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM)

SolarWinds has been implemented across our network as a systems management platform for server, applications and high value workstations. I assisted it's implementation with the systems that I administer across the region. It allows us to track the health of critical services and to quickly identify and address problems as they occur.
  • We use the client on register systems as event forwarders and log collection.
  • It enables us to verify the access security to high value workstations and register systems.
  • It provides a repository storage for log files so that they do not solely exist on workstations.
  • It helps us ensure PCI standards are being maintained and track security risk issues as well as system health.
  • Within the scope of my role I have noticed that the client can be problematic during system startup - some of the register systems we use are older and have lower resolution screens. When the client loads it pops up on screen but completely out of scale (to clarify, it may open a window that is 14x14 inches on a screen that only displays 10x10 inches. This is more frustration than a functional problem.
  • Automated rollout would be useful but it is outside of my scope in my job to even know if it already has automated install capability.
  • The GUI itself is a little clunky and there is somewhat of a learning curve - training is provided to clients however a friendlier interface would be helpful.
  • This is a little outside of my level of involvement to answer adeptly. That being said I do know that it has been instrumental in allowing our organization to implement a central storage for log files and it's something we have wanted to implement for a long time.
For medium to large scale business that incorporate high-value resources and need a central log repository I think SolarWinds is fantastic. It may be overkill for smaller businesses however.

SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM) Feature Ratings

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
6.2
Centralized event and log data collection
10
Event and log normalization/management
10
Deployment flexibility
4
Integration with Identity and Access Management Tools
5
Custom dashboards and workspaces
2

SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM) Premier Support

ROI

  • Price
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
  • Product Reputation
The NEED of a solution that would provide monitoring, event forwarding and logging for asset security was paramount to my organizations selection.