What is better Forward Networks or OpenNMS? We are here to streamline the cumbersome process of comparing Network Management Software products for you. For example, on this page you can verify the overall performance of Forward Networks (7.0) and compare it with the overall performance of OpenNMS (8.4). You may also match their overall user satisfaction rating: Forward Networks (86%) vs. OpenNMS (N/A%).
Furthermore, you can read their functions in detail to see which product can better address your company’s needs. Generally, any business app should allow you to comfortably see the big picture, at the same time offering you easy access to the details.
As of now, the best products in our Network Management Software category are: Network Configuration Manager, Zabbix, NetFlow Analyzer.
Forward Networks is available in two editions, namely Forward Essentials and Forward Enterprise. The Forward Essentials edition offers the basic features and functionalities of the software and is deployed only in the cloud. Meanwhile, the Forward Enterprise edition can be deployed either on-premises or in the cloud; providing advanced features, functionalities, and capabilities.
To get more information about Forward Networks’ SMB and enterprise pricing plans for these editions, please contact the company’s sales team and ask for a quote. Here are some details of each edition:
Forward Essentials
Modern, web-based, easy-to-use interface with
Instant search of state and configuration across switches, routers, firewalls and load balancers
Automated network diagram tool
Network topology and mapping software
Inventory reporting and management
Diff capability for change management
Forward Enterprise
Forward Search
All Forward Essentials functionality
A powerful path analysis capability highlights network behaviors across heterogeneous environments, including firewalls and load balancers
Forward Verify
A fast interface validates network intent, network connectivity, and security policy correctness
A built-in library validates the hygiene of your network configuration using predefined checks
Forward Predict
A sandbox environment that predicts the outcome of network configuration changes on a safe software copy of your network
An innovative network search and verification solution used by network teams, engineers, and operators to monitor the health of complex intent-based networks, confirm compliance with network audit and security policies, and predict the impact of network changes and configurations to how networks behave.
OpenNMS is available in two releases and distributions, namely, OpenNMS Meridian and OpenNMS Horizon. Meridian is the version of OpenNMS which is dedicated to enterprises and businesses looking for stable platforms with long-term support. You can avail this version by purchasing an enterprise pricing plan which is paid annually.
Meanwhile, Horizon is free to download and use; and this version is ideal for monitoring new technologies and IT ecosystems. You can also avail support, consulting, and training packages. Give the details a look, and select the version that suits your needs:
OpenNMS Meridian
OpenNMS Meridian is a subscription service that provides access to an optimized and very stable version of OpenNMS that maximizes the platform’s value and minimizes the effort required to maintain it. Features that have proven to be stable and effective in Horizon will eventually be merged into Meridian.
Features Selection – Features chosen for level of stability, usefulness and quality of integration with existing code.
Configuration – Preconfigured events, notices, data collection, workflows and reports.
Support – Several options available, access to the OpenNMS Connect forums.
Maintenance – Access to update server for latest bug fixes and performance enhancements.
Price – Yearly subscription per management server.
OpenNMS Horizon
Horizon contains all of the newest features developed for the platform. Horizon is freely available to download and contains the newest features that are updated on a rapid release schedule.
Features Selection – Exploration of new technologies to test value to drive rapid advances in management technology.
Configuration- User and community configured and maintained.
Support – Community supported mailing lists and wiki, OpenNMS ULTRA support product.
Maintenance – Community driven.
Price – Free download.
Meridian Subscription
Instance #1
$6,000/yr. – Billed Annually
Instances #2 – 5
$4,000/yr. – Billed Annually
Instances 6+
$2,000/yr. – Billed Annually
Support Options
Prime Support
$20,000/yr.
Available to Meridian customers, the Prime support option covers unlimited support issues for one year.
Response Times
Non-Urgent Issue – 24 hrs
Urgent Issue – 4 hrs
Application Outage – 4 hrs
Add 24×7 Support: $15,000
Ultra Support
$45,000/yr.
The ULTRA package combines higher response levels, development support, and a dedicated OpenNMS consultant. Optional support for Horizon with longer response times.
You can integrate OpenNMS into your existing infrastructure. The platform also works with the following management agents and collectors:
NMP
JMX
WMI
NRPE
NSClient++
XMP
TTP
JDBC
XML
JSON
Languages Supported
English
Chinese
German
Hindi
Japanese
Spanish
French
Russian
Italian
Dutch
Portugese
Polish
Turkish
Swedish
Arabic
Prominent Clients
Towerstream, Hershey Medical Center, Papa John’s International
Available Devices
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone/iPad
Mac
Web-based
Windows Mobile
Company Size
Small Business
Large Enterprises
Medium Business
Freelancers
Available Support
email
phone
live support
training
tickets
General Info
An open source and award-winning network management platform that assists network operators, server administrators, and engineers in monitoring service availability and response times; solving service, node, and interface outages, and optimizing the performance of their applications.
Almost as essential as features and customer support responsiveness are pricing packages offered by Forward Networks and OpenNMS. Although cost should not be the only element it’s surely a key thing to think about. You should try to find a flexible pricing plan that can be matched with your business size and painlessly scaled up if your team develops. Make sure you don’t opt for packages that have complex features that you won’t find useful and always try to contact with the vendor directly as enterprises can often benefit from special pricing. You should also check out a free trial or demo of each service to spend at least some time working with it. It’s a helpful experience that doesn’t ask you to spend any money and offers a practical overview of what it’s like to work with Forward Networks and OpenNMS.
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