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I like SolarWinds NCM
April 16, 2021

I like SolarWinds NCM

Fernando Villamil | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM)

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, NCM, is used by multiple departments to automate configuration backups. There is also a feature that checks for vulnerabilities based on standard compliance reporting. Another feature is the firmware upgrade deployment where you are able to update your device to the latest supported version. This is helpful because we have measured things like configuration standardization and version number compliance. Very helpful when it come to looking at the compliance of our hardware. The leadership team can have real data from the devices instead of spreadsheets.
  • Back up my configuration. Critical when system failures occur.
  • View firmware version(s) across multiple devices, then compare them for the same model or type.
  • Restore and apply changes for one or multiple devices.
  • Run reports on firmware version and compliance to standards.
  • Privilege management is lacking, do I want all my admins viewing sensitive data? Probably not. This certainly can be improved.
  • Everything is based on a windows server, we prefer other OSes. Not necessarily a con, but more of a longstanding request.
  • If you have other SolarWinds modules, it will integrate well with them. This is good, then you go back to my first point. Admin privileges allow access to sensitive data.
  • In the news with a big vulnerability, not my favorite mention.
  • The news revolving around the recent vulnerability is very upsetting. I want to trust the product again, but my guard is up and that is hard to come by.
  • The fact SolarWinds was not aware of the vulnerability for so long was a big let down especially for a product touting security.
  • Give it another try, is what I think and so far the new leadership appears to be doing that.
  • Rebuilding a device from a backup is a lifesaver! What else needs to be said.
We are looking at puppet just to keep our options open. This is more my area because I don't have to rely on windows. Sure there's some learning you need to do, but it runs on a solid system. Not much else we are looking at for comparison. Now if NCM moves to another OS, well maybe that would put an end my searching.
You can use it while you sleep. My favorite part. If you are not aware of your systems health, don't worry it will tell you. Well first you need other modules from the SolarWinds toolkit. Your other teams will like this because of the flexibility it provides integrating. You now have a centralize system with the ability to give you a good nights rest. If you have silos you will need to review how you can segment your systems, especially security from network.