Your IT team needs a network configuration management tool. Which one will work best for you?

1 Your network size and complexity

The first thing to consider is the size and complexity of your network. How many devices do you have? How are they connected? What protocols and standards do they use? How often do you need to update or change their configuration? The answers to these questions will help you determine the scalability, compatibility, and functionality of the NCM tool you need. For example, if you have a large and diverse network, you might need an NCM tool that can handle multiple vendors, devices, and protocols, and that can support bulk configuration changes and backups.

2 Your network security and compliance

The second thing to consider is the security and compliance of your network. How do you protect your network devices from unauthorized access or modification? How do you enforce policies and standards across your network? How do you audit and report on your network configuration and performance? The answers to these questions will help you determine the security, compliance, and reporting features of the NCM tool you need. For example, if you have a network that handles sensitive or regulated data, you might need an NCM tool that can encrypt, authenticate, and authorize configuration changes, and that can generate reports and alerts on compliance violations.

3 Your network automation and optimization

The third thing to consider is the automation and optimization of your network. How do you automate repetitive or complex tasks on your network devices? How do you optimize your network performance and availability? How do you troubleshoot and resolve network issues? The answers to these questions will help you determine the automation, optimization, and troubleshooting capabilities of the NCM tool you need. For example, if you have a network that requires frequent or dynamic changes, you might need an NCM tool that can use scripts, templates, or workflows to automate configuration changes, and that can use analytics, diagnostics, or simulations to optimize and troubleshoot your network.

4 Your network budget and resources

The fourth thing to consider is the budget and resources of your network. How much money and time can you spend on acquiring, deploying, and maintaining an NCM tool? How much training and support do you need to use the NCM tool effectively? The answers to these questions will help you determine the cost, ease of use, and customer service of the NCM tool you need. For example, if you have a limited budget and resources, you might need an NCM tool that has a low upfront and ongoing cost, that has a simple and intuitive interface, and that has a reliable and responsive customer service.

5 Your network goals and preferences

The fifth thing to consider is the goals and preferences of your network. What are the main objectives and challenges of your network management? What are the features and benefits that you value most in an NCM tool? The answers to these questions will help you determine the fit, satisfaction, and feedback of the NCM tool you need. For example, if you have a network that aims to improve efficiency and quality, you might need an NCM tool that has a high performance and reliability, that has a comprehensive and customizable functionality, and that has a positive and constructive feedback mechanism.

6 Your network evaluation and comparison

The sixth thing to consider is the evaluation and comparison of your network. How do you test and measure the effectiveness and efficiency of your network management? How do you compare and contrast different NCM tools and vendors? The answers to these questions will help you determine the trial, evaluation, and selection process of the NCM tool you need. For example, if you have a network that needs to verify and validate the results and benefits of your network management, you might need an NCM tool that has a free or low-cost trial period, that has a clear and objective evaluation criteria, and that has a fair and transparent selection process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?