Item: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM)
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use it to maintain CIP-governed assets environment and non-CIP ones. It allows us to monitor our many assets connected on our network. We can deploy agents via Orion and monitor them all in one dashboard. It is used only in our department while Corporate IT uses another tool.

Pros and Cons

NCM grants admins easy to use dashboard for all facets of monitoring.
It has many built-in templates that can implemented easily for polling.
Offers users canned reports and alerts.

Some reports were created in old proprietary software that is now obsolete.
Is somewhat of a bear to set up.
Has many different modules that can be used but may require additional licensing.

Alternatives Considered

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (npm)

They are used in tandem. Our organization uses many modules within the dashboard of NCM (Orion).

Other Software Used

Nessus, ManageEngine OpManager, Sophos SG Firewall Appliances

Likelihood to Recommend

SolarWinds NCM is well-suited for most small to large sized companies. It could help technicians and admins monitor the network at their organizations. There is some efficiency in the deployment of the agents to all connected endpoints which makes it great for medium to large networks. For networks with less than 25 endpoints, it would be overkill. Time to setup, implement, and maintain would take away from all other tasks during the day for a single admin or tech.

Products Replaced

Not Sure

Key Differentiators

Product Features
Product Usability

I believe that my supervisor had prior experience with one of the products that was incorporated into NCM by SolarWinds. The company that made the product had been acquired by SolarWinds and he really liked it so he requested the purchase. He said that it was easy to use and flexible.

NCM is Kinda Cool!

Overall Satisfaction with SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM)