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Cisco ACI

by Cisco · Since 1984
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ActiveAvailable globallyCloud
Quick facts
VendorCisco
Year launched1984
StatusActive
Location3098 Olsen Drive San Jose, CA 95128
Countries servedGlobal
Languages10
Integrations5+
Free tier
Free trial
Contact salesYES

About Cisco ACI

Cisco ACI is a software-defined networking (SDN) solution from Cisco that focuses on improving multicloud networks. It includes features such as secure network management, automation capabilities, and simplified network deployment to help organizations efficiently manage their network infrastructure. Cisco ACI provides the necessary tools for reducing complexity in data center networking, enabling secure operations while supporting various integrations. By using Cisco ACI, businesses can better protect their network assets while accelerating deployment processes. Key capabilities: secure network management automation capabilities simplified deployment data center networking multicloud support Best for: IT professionals that need to manage and improve their multicloud networking environments.

Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) is a comprehensive network security and automation solution designed to help enterprise businesses, data centers, and cloud service providers build, manage, and secure their network infrastructures with agility and scale. As a flagship product in Cisco’s software-defined networking (SDN) portfolio, ACI’s primary purpose is to enable application-aware networking, where policies and network configurations are dynamically adjusted based on the needs of the applications running within the infrastructure. This approach allows organizations to reduce complexity, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency. Key features of Cisco ACI include policy-driven automation, centralized management via the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC), integration with third-party tools, and support for both physical and virtual environments. The user interface of Cisco ACI, primarily accessed through the APIC dashboard, is designed to be intuitive and highly visual, providing administrators with a centralized point of control over their network fabric. The interface offers clear navigation with well-organized sections for policies, tenants, endpoints, and health monitoring.

Pros & Cons

What users like
  • +Automated & Simple: Radically simplifies network deployment and operations.
  • +App-Focused: Network policies align directly with application needs.
  • +Strong Security: Integrated security within the network fabric.
  • +Scalable: Supports multiple data centers and clouds.
What users flag
  • Complex Setup: Can have a steep initial learning curve.
  • Vendor Lock-in: Primarily a Cisco-only solution.
  • Overkill for Small Scale: Best suited for large, complex data centers.

Features

Key features

Application-Centric Automation
Radically simplifies, automates, and accelerates network deployment and management by focusing on application requirements.
Centralized Network Management
Delivers simple and secure network management across data center networks.
Security Integration
Enhances business protection through integrated security capabilities within the network fabric.
Multi-Cloud/Multi-Data Center Support (Advantage/Premier)
Offers advanced capabilities for managing networks across multiple data centers and cloud environments.
In-depth Analytics & Insights (Premier)
Provides advanced visibility and operational insights into network performance and application behavior.

Additional features

Simple Network Management
Aims to deliver a straightforward approach to managing the network.
Secure Network Management
Ensures that network management is conducted securely.
Network Automation
Streamlines operations through extensive automation capabilities.
Network Acceleration
Speeds up network deployment and operations.
Reduced Complexity
Simplifies IT infrastructure and operations across data center networks.
Business Optimization
Designed to optimize network performance and align with business objectives.
Optimized Network Operations
Simplifies operations specifically within data center networks.
Business Protection
Implies integrated security features to safeguard operations.
Streamlined Path to Automation
Makes it easier to achieve higher levels of network automation.
Onramp to In-depth Analytics
Provides a clear path to gaining deep insights from network data.
Big Picture View
Offers a comprehensive overview of the network infrastructure and operations.
Trusted Integrations
Works seamlessly with other systems and tools, providing more value.
Software Subscription Tiers
Networking Essentials
Includes core Cisco ACI management and operations capabilities, suitable for a single data center.
Networking Advantage (Recommended)
Builds upon Essentials by adding advanced capabilities for multiple data centers and/or clouds.
Networking Premier
Encompasses all features of Essentials and Advantage, plus insights and orchestration capabilities for complex, multi-data center/cloud environments.
Innovation
Facilitates faster innovation within the network infrastructure.

Pricing

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Free version
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Countries & Languages

Global
Countries served
10
Interface languages
4
Billing currencies

Interface languages

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Billing currencies

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