Introduction

Network Configuration Management (NCM) refers to the systematic process of discovering, monitoring, and managing the settings on network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers. At its core, it provides a “single source of truth” for the entire network infrastructure. Instead of an engineer manually logging into a device via a Command Line Interface (CLI) to make a change, an NCM tool allows for centralized control, automated backups, and instant rollbacks.

The importance of NCM cannot be overstated. Industry research suggests that up to 80% of network outages are caused by manual configuration errors. NCM mitigates this risk by enforcing consistency and providing visibility into every change made across the environment. Key real-world use cases include disaster recovery (restoring a failed switch in minutes), security hardening (ensuring all devices have the latest patches), and compliance auditing (verifying that the network meets standards like PCI-DSS or HIPAA).

When evaluating NCM tools, users should look for multi-vendor support, real-time change detection, automated compliance auditing, and scalability. A tool that works perfectly for a small office may crumble under the weight of a global enterprise network.

Best for: IT managers, network administrators, and security operations (SecOps) teams in mid-to-large enterprises, ISPs, and highly regulated industries like finance and healthcare. It is essential for any organization managing more than 50 network devices.

Not ideal for: Very small businesses (under 10-20 devices) where manual management is still feasible, or organizations that only use basic, unmanaged “plug-and-play” hardware that doesn’t support remote configuration.

Top 10 Network Configuration Management Tools

1 — SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM)

SolarWinds NCM is widely considered the industry standard for comprehensive, automated network configuration and compliance management in large-scale environments.

• Key Features:
  • Automated Configuration Backups: Schedule regular backups or trigger them based on change detection.
  • Multi-Vendor Support: Deep integration with Cisco, HP, Dell, Juniper, and hundreds of other hardware brands.
  • Compliance Auditing: Out-of-the-box reports for NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and DISA STIG.
  • Vulnerability Assessment: Scans for NIST CVEs to identify firmware risks automatically.
  • Real-Time Change Alerts: Instant notifications via email or SMS when an unauthorized change occurs.
  • Bulk Changes: Push script-based updates to thousands of devices simultaneously.
• Pros:
  • The most robust compliance and policy violation engine in the market.
  • Highly intuitive “Diff” view that highlights exactly what changed between two config versions.
• Cons:
  • Resource-heavy; requires a powerful dedicated Windows server and database.
  • Can be expensive for smaller teams due to its enterprise-focused pricing model.
• Security & Compliance: Supports SSO (SAML), 2FA, and FIPS-compliant encryption. Features granular Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
• Support & Community: Backed by “THWACK,” one of the largest IT communities in the world, along with 24/7 technical support.

2 — ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager

ManageEngine provides a highly intuitive, web-based NCM solution that focuses on ease of use and rapid deployment for IT generalists and specialists alike.

• Key Features:
  • Configuration Versioning: Stores a full history of all changes with the ability to rollback in one click.
  • Configlets: Reusable script templates for common tasks like password changes or port enabling.
  • Real-Time Change Tracking: Uses syslog and SNMP traps to detect changes the moment they happen.
  • Firmware Vulnerability Management: Correlates device data with the latest security vulnerabilities.
  • Diff View: Color-coded comparison of startup vs. running configurations.
  • Compliance Reports: Pre-built templates for SOX, HIPAA, and custom internal policies.
• Pros:
  • Significantly easier to set up and navigate than most enterprise competitors.
  • Excellent value for money, especially for mid-market companies.
• Cons:
  • UI can occasionally feel cluttered when managing extreme quantities of devices.
  • Customer support response times can be inconsistent across different global regions.
• Security & Compliance: ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliant; features encrypted credential storage.
• Support & Community: Extensive online knowledge base and dedicated onboarding sessions for new enterprise customers.

3 — Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform

Ansible is an open-source-based automation engine that has revolutionized network management through “Infrastructure as Code” (IaC).

• Key Features:
  • Agentless Architecture: Connects to devices via SSH or APIs without needing software installed on the hardware.
  • Playbooks: Uses human-readable YAML files to define the desired state of the network.
  • Idempotency: Ensures that a change is only applied if the device is not already in the desired state.
  • Self-Healing Networks: Automatically reverts unauthorized changes to maintain the “Golden Configuration.”
  • Massive Integration List: Works with almost every cloud provider and network vendor on earth.
• Pros:
  • Highly flexible; it can manage servers, cloud, and network devices under one platform.
  • No licensing cost for the core open-source version (though the Platform version is paid).
• Cons:
  • Requires knowledge of YAML and basic programming concepts.
  • Lacks the specialized “out-of-the-box” NCM dashboards found in SolarWinds or ManageEngine.
• Security & Compliance: Red Hat is FIPS 140-2 validated; features Ansible Tower for audit logs and RBAC.
• Support & Community: One of the most active developer communities on GitHub and enterprise support through Red Hat.

4 — Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center)

Designed specifically for Cisco environments, this tool offers a specialized “Intent-Based Networking” experience for modern campuses.

• Key Features:
  • Intent-Based Networking: Define your goal (e.g., “secure guest Wi-Fi”), and the tool writes the config for you.
  • Network Assurance: Uses AI to predict performance issues before they affect users.
  • Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP): Automatically configures new devices as soon as they are plugged into the network.
  • Software Image Management (SWIM): Simplifies the testing and deployment of OS updates.
  • Security Segmentation: Simplifies the management of SD-Access and micro-segmentation.
• Pros:
  • Deepest possible visibility into Cisco hardware features.
  • Advanced AI-driven insights that most general-purpose NCMs cannot match.
• Cons:
  • Locked into the Cisco ecosystem; not ideal for multi-vendor networks.
  • Can be incredibly complex to deploy and requires Cisco-certified expertise.
• Security & Compliance: Fully integrated with Cisco TrustSec and ISE for advanced security compliance.
• Support & Community: Access to Cisco TAC, the premier support organization in the networking industry.

5 — BackBox

BackBox is a specialized automation platform focused on the backup, recovery, and security of network and security devices.

• Key Features:
  • Universal Support: Works with over 180 vendors, including niche firewall and load balancer brands.
  • Privileged Access Management (PAM): Controls who can access the CLI of sensitive devices.
  • Automated Disaster Recovery: Focuses on the “how” of getting a network back online after a total failure.
  • Vulnerability Management: Tracks CVEs and automates the patching of firewalls and routers.
  • Dynamic Inventory: Automatically updates your hardware list as the network grows.
• Pros:
  • Lightweight and very easy to deploy compared to heavy suites like Micro Focus.
  • Strongest “disaster recovery” focus in the industry.
• Cons:
  • The interface is more functional than “beautiful.”
  • Not as well-known as some of the larger brands, leading to a smaller community.
• Security & Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, and ISO 27001 compliant. 2FA and encrypted storage are standard.
• Support & Community: Known for high-rated technical support and a proactive product development team.

6 — OpenText Network Automation (formerly Micro Focus)

OpenText Network Automation is a high-end enterprise solution designed for the world’s largest and most complex networks.

• Key Features:
  • Extreme Scalability: Capable of managing over 100,000 devices in a single global instance.
  • Unified Performance & Config: Deep integration with performance monitoring tools.
  • Policy Enforcement: Strict “blocking” of unauthorized changes to ensure zero configuration drift.
  • Advanced Workflow Orchestration: Build complex “if-this-then-that” logic for change windows.
  • Carrier-Grade Reporting: Massive library of reports for internal and external auditors.
• Pros:
  • Used by major ISPs and Fortune 100 companies for its unparalleled stability at scale.
  • Very powerful correlation between a configuration change and a performance drop.
• Cons:
  • Extremely complex to implement; usually requires specialized training or consultants.
  • The interface can feel “legacy” or dated compared to modern SaaS-based tools.
• Security & Compliance: FIPS, SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliant. Used in many high-security government sectors.
• Support & Community: Enterprise-tier global support with a dedicated partner network.

7 — Itential

Itential is a modern, low-code platform that focuses on bridging the gap between traditional network management and modern cloud automation.

• Key Features:
  • Low-Code Workflow Builder: Drag-and-drop interface for creating complex automation logic.
  • Hybrid Cloud Support: Manages configuration across on-premise hardware and cloud (AWS/Azure) VPCs.
  • JSON-Based API Integration: Easily connects to ticketing systems like ServiceNow or Jira.
  • Configuration Compliance: Real-time drift detection with automated remediation.
  • Pre-Built Automations: Access to an “Automation Exchange” for common vendor tasks.
• Pros:
  • One of the best tools for organizations moving toward a “NetDevOps” model.
  • Very fast to build complex workflows without writing hundreds of lines of code.
• Cons:
  • A newer entry to the market; long-term historical stability is still being established.
  • Can be overkill for organizations that just need simple backups.
• Security & Compliance: SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant. Supports robust encryption for data at rest and in transit.
• Support & Community: Strong customer success team and a growing “Automation Exchange” for community sharing.

8 — Gluware

Gluware is an “Intent-Based” automation platform that prioritizes policy-driven configuration for complex enterprise environments.

• Key Features:
  • Config Drift Detection: Continuously audits devices against a master template.
  • Automated OS Upgrades: Manages the entire lifecycle of firmware updates across thousands of nodes.
  • Pre-Built Workflows: Specific modules for QoS, security hardening, and audit readiness.
  • Intelligent Discovery: Goes beyond IP addresses to understand device relationships and hierarchies.
  • Cloud-Native Deployment: Available as a SaaS offering or on-premise.
• Pros:
  • Excellent at handling multi-vendor environments where consistency is a challenge.
  • Very “safe” automation; it performs pre-checks before making any live changes.
• Cons:
  • Can have a steep learning curve to master the “intent-based” logic.
  • Pricing is generally higher than entry-level tools.
• Security & Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliant.
• Support & Community: Dedicated training via “Gluware University” and 24/7 enterprise support.

9 — Restorepoint (by ScienceLogic)

Restorepoint focuses on the “Disaster Recovery” aspect of configuration management, ensuring that any device can be replaced and restored instantly.

• Key Features:
  • Multi-Vendor Backup: Supports niche firewall, load balancer, and storage brands that others miss.
  • Automated Change Analysis: Highlights risks in a change before it is committed.
  • Asset Management: Tracks EOL (End of Life) and EOS (End of Support) dates for hardware.
  • Compliance Engines: Includes a “Check for Policy Violations” feature for auditors.
  • Visual Dashboards: Simple, high-level views of network health and backup status.
• Pros:
  • Very lightweight; doesn’t require massive server resources to run.
  • The best tool for businesses that need to guarantee 100% backup coverage for weird hardware.
• Cons:
  • Not as deep in “orchestration” or “automation” as Itential or Ansible.
  • Limited community compared to SolarWinds or Cisco.
• Security & Compliance: GDPR compliant. Features 2FA and encrypted storage for all configuration data.
• Support & Community: Direct technical support and a detailed online knowledge base.

10 — Netwrix Change Tracker

Netwrix (formerly NNT) specializes in “Integrity Management,” focusing on security and compliance rather than just operational backups.

• Key Features:
  • System Integrity Monitoring (SIM): Detects any unauthorized change at the file level.
  • CIS Benchmarking: Automatically checks your network against Center for Internet Security standards.
  • Closed-Loop Change Management: Verifies that changes match an approved ticket in ServiceNow or Jira.
  • Vulnerability Scanning: Integrated with security tools to identify weak configurations.
  • Audit-Ready Reports: Designed specifically to pass rigid security audits.
• Pros:
  • The most “security-focused” tool on this list.
  • Unrivaled for tracking configuration drift and identifying unauthorized access.
• Cons:
  • Less focus on traditional “bulk pushing” of configurations for performance.
  • Interface is geared toward security analysts rather than network engineers.
• Security & Compliance: FIPS 140-2, SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliant.
• Support & Community: Professional enterprise support and an extensive library of security benchmarking templates.

Comparison Table

Evaluation & Scoring of Network Configuration Management

To provide a fair comparison, we have evaluated these tools against a weighted rubric that reflects the priorities of modern IT departments.

Which Network Configuration Management Tool Is Right for You?

Solo Users vs SMB vs Mid-Market vs Enterprise

• Solo Users/Consultants: Open-source Ansible is the perfect starting point. It’s free and highly transferable as a skill.
• SMBs (1-100 devices): ManageEngine NCM or Restorepoint provide the best “out of the box” experience without needing a dedicated server expert.
• Mid-Market (100-500 devices): SolarWinds NCM or BackBox offer a more professional feature set for teams that have to answer to internal security auditors.
• Large Enterprise (1,000+ devices): OpenText Network Automation or Gluware are the only tools capable of managing massive, global infrastructures with strict policy control.

Budget-Conscious vs Premium Solutions

If budget is the primary driver, ManageEngine and Ansible are your go-to choices. If you have the budget for a premium solution, SolarWinds and Itential offer significant time savings through advanced automation that can pay for themselves in reduced man-hours.

Feature Depth vs Ease of Use

• Ease of Use: ManageEngine and Restorepoint win here. You can be up and running in a single morning.
• Feature Depth: SolarWinds and Ansible offer the most power but require a significant investment in time to master.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between Network Monitoring and Network Configuration Management?

Monitoring (e.g., SolarWinds NPM or PRTG) tells you if a device is up and how fast it’s going. Configuration Management tells you how it is set up and allows you to change those settings.

2. Can I use these tools with different hardware brands at the same time?

Yes. Most of the tools listed (except Cisco Catalyst Center) are “multi-vendor,” meaning they can manage a Cisco router, a Juniper switch, and a Palo Alto firewall all from one screen.

3. Does NCM help with security?

Absolutely. NCM tools can scan for default passwords, find outdated firmware with known vulnerabilities, and alert you if an unauthorized person tries to change your firewall rules.

4. How often should I backup my network configurations?

At a minimum, once a day. However, the best practice is to use “Real-Time Change Detection,” which triggers a backup the moment any change is detected.

5. Is open-source (like Ansible) as good as paid software?

Open-source is incredibly powerful but requires more “manual” work to build dashboards and reports. Paid software comes with these features built-in, saving you time.

6. Do these tools support cloud networks (AWS/Azure)?

Yes, modern tools like Itential and Ansible are specifically designed to manage both physical hardware in your office and “virtual” networks in the cloud.

7. Can an NCM tool break my network?

If a “Bulk Change” is configured incorrectly, yes. This is why tools like Gluware include “pre-check” features that test a change in a virtual environment before applying it to the live network.

8. What is “Configuration Drift”?

This happens when a device’s settings slowly change over time (due to manual tweaks) until it no longer matches the “Master” or “Golden” configuration, which can lead to security gaps.

9. Do I need a dedicated server for NCM?

For large enterprises, yes. For smaller setups, many vendors like ManageEngine now offer “Cloud” or SaaS versions that don’t require any local hardware.

10. How long does it take to implement an NCM tool?

For an SMB tool like ManageEngine, you can have it discovering devices in 15 minutes. For an enterprise suite like OpenText, the implementation can take several months of planning.

Conclusion

Network Configuration Management is no longer an “optional extra” for IT departments—it is a foundational requirement for security and stability. As networks become more complex and decentralized, the risk of a single manual error causing a catastrophic outage grows every day.

The “best” tool on this list depends entirely on your specific needs. If you require strict security compliance, SolarWinds or Netwrix are the leaders. If you are a forward-thinking DevOps team, Ansible and Itential are the clear winners. And if you simply need reliable backups and easy recovery, ManageEngine or BackBox provide the best value.

Regardless of which tool you choose, moving away from manual CLI management to an automated NCM platform is the single most important step you can take toward a more resilient, secure, and professional network infrastructure.