Robust, high-grade network visualizer you'll want to check out
March 05, 2019
Robust, high-grade network visualizer you'll want to check out
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
NPM is the primary tool I use to track up/down status for all workstations, network device, and IP addressable equipment owned by our organization. I also like the added features to track storage information on systems and bandwidth usage. I am the primary user of the system, but the IT team has made use of it from time to time as well. I also use the system to send myself email alerts when designated events occur so that I do not have to be in the NPM page at all times.
- The ability to track nodes by IP address or DNS name
- Custom Property control (ability to give nodes new categories/types/locations, etc.)
- Customizable pages for viewing only important information about a device, several devices, or scope of devices
- The DNS-tracking node feature takes some time to update. This can make outages look longer, not fail to notice them at all
- The license count can be too easily eaten up with tracking interfaces. In a switch-dense network, NPM can be an expensive tool
- Every module (network mapper, configuration management, etc) is another purchase. I appreciate the ability to not pay for what you don't need, but some things should be a given that they are needed by network administrators
- NPM saves me approximately 40-50 hours of work I would otherwise have to do each year. This can translate to actual dollars when set against the salary/pay you would invest in having an employee do the same work without SolarWinds NPM.
I have used SNMPc in the past and it is fine for tracking up/down status, but it hasn't been updated in years. Despite NPM's higher cost, the support and community forums provide continuous support for the long-term use of the product in our environment.