The Best Network Management Software (NMS) in 2021

Network management software (NMS) plays a crucial role in monitoring, maintaining, and optimizing network performance. With the ever-increasing complexity of modern networks, having the right NMS tool is essential for IT professionals to ensure smooth operations. Here are some of the top NMS software solutions that stand out in 2021:

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

SolarWinds NPM is a comprehensive network monitoring tool that provides real-time insights into network performance and helps identify and resolve issues quickly. With features like customizable dashboards, automated network discovery, and intelligent alerts, SolarWinds NPM is a favorite among IT professionals.

PRTG Network Monitor

PRTG Network Monitor offers a user-friendly interface and powerful monitoring capabilities for networks of all sizes. It supports a wide range of devices and protocols, making it a versatile solution for monitoring complex networks. PRTG’s customizable alerts and reporting features make it a popular choice for IT teams.

ManageEngine OpManager

OpManager from ManageEngine is a feature-rich NMS tool that provides comprehensive network monitoring, performance analysis, and fault management capabilities. With its intuitive interface and automation features, OpManager simplifies network management tasks and helps IT teams stay ahead of potential issues.

Nagios XI

Nagios XI is an open-source network monitoring solution that offers scalability and flexibility for organizations of all sizes. With its robust monitoring engine and extensive plugin support, Nagios XI allows users to monitor virtually any aspect of their network infrastructure effectively.

Cisco Prime Infrastructure

Cisco Prime Infrastructure is a unified network management tool designed specifically for Cisco networks. It offers end-to-end visibility into network devices, applications, and users, allowing IT administrators to optimize performance and ensure the security of their Cisco-powered infrastructure.

Choosing the right NMS software depends on your organization’s specific needs and requirements. Whether you prioritize ease of use, scalability, or advanced features, there is a wide range of options available to help you effectively manage your network infrastructure in 2021.

 

9 Essential Tips for Choosing the Best Network Management Software

1. Look for NMS software with a user-friendly interface for easy navigation.
2. Ensure the NMS software supports monitoring of various devices and network elements.
3. Choose a scalable NMS solution that can grow with your network requirements.
4. Consider NMS software that offers customizable alerts and notifications for proactive monitoring.
5. Select a vendor with good customer support to assist with any issues or questions.
6. Prioritize security features in the NMS software to protect your network from threats.
7. Opt for NMS software that provides detailed reports and analytics for performance evaluation.
8. Evaluate the compatibility of the NMS software with your existing network infrastructure.
9. Compare pricing plans and licensing options to find the best value for your organization.

Look for NMS software with a user-friendly interface for easy navigation.

When considering the best NMS software for your network management needs, it is essential to prioritize tools with a user-friendly interface that facilitates easy navigation. A well-designed interface can streamline the monitoring process, enabling IT professionals to access critical information quickly and efficiently. By opting for NMS software with an intuitive layout and clear navigation paths, you can enhance productivity, reduce the learning curve for new users, and make network management tasks more straightforward and effective.

Ensure the NMS software supports monitoring of various devices and network elements.

When selecting the best Network Management Software (NMS), it is crucial to ensure that the chosen software supports monitoring of various devices and network elements. A robust NMS should be capable of monitoring a diverse range of devices, such as routers, switches, servers, and applications, across different vendors and platforms. By having this capability, IT professionals can gain comprehensive visibility into their network infrastructure and effectively manage performance and security across all elements. The ability to monitor various devices and network elements ensures that potential issues are identified promptly and allows for proactive management to maintain a healthy network environment.

Choose a scalable NMS solution that can grow with your network requirements.

When selecting the best network management software (NMS), it is crucial to opt for a scalable solution that can adapt and expand alongside your network’s evolving needs. By choosing an NMS tool that can grow with your network requirements, you ensure that your monitoring capabilities remain effective and efficient as your infrastructure expands. Scalability in NMS software allows for seamless integration of new devices, increased data volume handling, and enhanced performance monitoring without the need for frequent software changes or replacements. Prioritizing scalability ensures long-term viability and flexibility in managing the complexities of modern networks.

Consider NMS software that offers customizable alerts and notifications for proactive monitoring.

When selecting the best NMS software for your network management needs, it is essential to consider options that provide customizable alerts and notifications for proactive monitoring. By choosing NMS software with this feature, IT professionals can set up tailored alerts based on specific criteria, such as performance thresholds or security incidents. This proactive approach allows for early detection of issues, enabling swift resolution before they escalate and impact network operations. Customizable alerts and notifications enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of network monitoring, ensuring a smoother and more reliable network performance.

Select a vendor with good customer support to assist with any issues or questions.

When selecting the best network management software (NMS), it is crucial to choose a vendor that offers excellent customer support to assist with any issues or questions that may arise during implementation or ongoing usage. A vendor with responsive and knowledgeable customer support can provide timely assistance, troubleshoot problems effectively, and offer guidance on optimizing the NMS tool for your specific network environment. By partnering with a vendor known for its exceptional customer service, you can ensure a smoother and more successful experience with your chosen NMS software.

Prioritize security features in the NMS software to protect your network from threats.

When selecting the best NMS software for your network, it is crucial to prioritize security features to safeguard your infrastructure from potential threats. By choosing an NMS tool that offers robust security capabilities such as real-time threat detection, encryption, access control, and compliance monitoring, you can proactively protect your network from cyberattacks and unauthorized access. Investing in NMS software with advanced security features not only enhances the overall security posture of your network but also helps ensure the integrity and confidentiality of your data.

Opt for NMS software that provides detailed reports and analytics for performance evaluation.

When selecting the best network management software (NMS), it is advisable to choose a solution that offers comprehensive reports and analytics for evaluating network performance. Detailed reports and analytics provide valuable insights into the health and efficiency of your network infrastructure, enabling you to identify trends, pinpoint potential issues, and make informed decisions to optimize performance. By opting for NMS software with robust reporting capabilities, you can effectively monitor and assess the performance of your network, ensuring smooth operations and proactive maintenance.

Evaluate the compatibility of the NMS software with your existing network infrastructure.

When considering the best network management software (NMS) for your organization, it is crucial to evaluate the compatibility of the software with your existing network infrastructure. Ensuring that the NMS tool seamlessly integrates with your current systems, devices, and protocols is essential for effective monitoring and management. Compatibility issues can lead to inefficiencies, data discrepancies, and potential disruptions in network operations. By carefully assessing how well the NMS software aligns with your network environment, you can make an informed decision that maximizes the utility and benefits of the chosen solution.

Compare pricing plans and licensing options to find the best value for your organization.

When considering the best NMS software for your organization, it is essential to compare pricing plans and licensing options to ensure that you are getting the best value for your investment. By evaluating different pricing structures and licensing models, you can determine which NMS solution aligns most closely with your organization’s budget and requirements. This careful assessment will not only help you optimize costs but also ensure that you are selecting a solution that meets your network management needs effectively.