Item: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use SolarWinds Network Performance Manager (NPM) to manage our control system for our public safety radio system and call recording. The NPM allows me to instantly capture the system health at a glance, and be notified in or out of the office of any current or impending issues.

Pros and Cons

Pros

System monitoring
System inventory
Notification

Cons

Better performance of screen refreshes for network maps

Return on Investment

By being able to virtualize the NPM server we were able to utilize existing hardware
We have been able to capture data showing future imminent failure and take action.

Alternatives Considered

Opsview Monitor

SolarWinds has more features and is easier to set up/install

Likelihood to Recommend

Inventory and control and system wide health status

SolarWinds NPM Feature Ratings

SolarWinds NPM ROI Questions

Products Replaced

Yes - Nagios

Key Differentiators

Product Features
Product Usability
Product Reputation
Third-party Reviews

The product features and useability we both very important in determining purchase. This product has both amazing features and an easy intuitive interface .

Feature Questions

Usability

It’s intuitive yet detailed enough and granular enough to get what you want in a short amount of time.

Business Processes Supported

Server uptime
IP Endpoint uptime
Hardware performance
Notifications

Checking remote network gateways for our provincial radio system
Checking health and uptime of remote radio controllers for provincial radio system

Future Planned Uses

Monitoring other agencies in our dispatch radius

Likelihood to Renew

It’s what we know, and nothing else comes close

Other Software Used

AutoCAD, HxGN SDx Operations (formerly Intergraph Smart Digital Asset)

Evaluating SolarWinds NPM and Competitors

Evaluation Lessons Learned

Confirm service agreements

SolarWinds NPM Implementation

Implementation Rating

Needed to make sure the OS had the proper version and the DB was installed correctly

Implementation Details / Implementation Partner

Third-party professional services

Westcan ACS

Proper server OS versioning

SolarWinds NPM Training

Training Types Used

Online training
Self-taught

SolarWinds NPM Support

Support Rating

Great support. I don’t give 10s unless they pay me!! :)

SolarWinds NPM Customer Support Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response	None

Using SolarWinds NPM

Usability Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar	None