Finding the right Cisco Prime replacement: A guide to seamless network configuration management transition

With Cisco Prime Infrastructure approaching its EOL and EOS in September 2025, network administrators are at a crossroads. The transition away from this long-standing network configuration management tool necessitates a strategic evaluation of alternatives that align with organizational needs and budgets.

Understanding the impending change

Cisco Prime Infrastructure has long served as a critical network configuration management solution, offering capabilities like configuration management, change management, and compliance reporting. However, with Cisco's announcement that Prime Infrastructure 3.5 will be the final version supporting data center features, it’s clear that organizations must start planning their migration.

While Cisco DNA Center (DNAC) is positioned as the successor, it is primarily optimized for Cisco-heavy environments, which limits its flexibility in multi-vendor or heterogeneous network setups. DNAC is also costly and can be complex to deploy and operate, making it less ideal for organizations seeking a simpler, more versatile alternative.

Evaluating alternatives: Beyond Cisco DNAC

When choosing a new solution, it’s crucial to consider flexibility, cost, and ease of deployment. Here are some network configuration management solutions that we've handpicked.

Making the transition: Key considerations 

When planning your migration away from Cisco Prime Infrastructure, there are several key factors to consider to ensure a smooth and effective transition:

1. Feature alignment: Ensure the alternative solution meets your organization's specific network configuration management needs, including configuration management, compliance reporting, and multi-vendor support.

2. Cost implications: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including licensing, training, and potential infrastructure changes. Solutions like ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager offer transparent pricing, which can aid in budgeting.

3. Ease of deployment: A straightforward deployment process is crucial for minimizing downtime and avoiding additional complexity. Look for platforms with user-friendly interfaces and minimal integration requirements.

4. Support and training: Consider the availability of support resources and training materials to ensure your team can effectively utilize the new configuration manager.

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager: How it serves as a better replacement

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager goes beyond simply replacing Cisco Prime Infrastructure—it modernizes and simplifies network configuration management. Here's how:

1. Smarter automation with programmable configlets  

Network Configuration Manager’s programmable configlets enable intelligent, large-scale configuration tasks without manual effort. Whether applying firmware upgrades, pushing interface changes, or executing SNMP updates, configlets incorporate real-time network data to make processes faster, safer, and more dynamic.

2. Comprehensive compliance management  

Compliance management can be a headache, but Network Configuration Manager simplifies it with its flow-based compliance feature (coming in Q3 2025). This feature allows you to design visual workflows for compliance checks across your network. Unlike static rules, this dynamic compliance feature adapts to real-time device conditions. It also supports variables with dynamic input, enabling flexible, context-aware compliance checks. In case of any violations, remediation configlets can be automatically triggered to correct issues instantly, keeping your network audit-ready with minimal manual intervention.

3. Real-time change tracking and configuration management  

Network Configuration Manager provides real-time change tracking, offering a transparent view of all configuration modifications with color codes. This ensures that any unauthorized changes are immediately detected and flagged. Centralized configuration backups further safeguard your network, allowing you to restore devices quickly in case of an issue.

4. Firmware vulnerability management  

Network Configuration Manager helps secure your network by identifying and addressing firmware vulnerabilities proactively. With remote firmware upgrades and vulnerability scans, it helps mitigate risks and ensures your network remains secure and compliant.

5. User-friendly interface and transparent pricing  

Network Configuration Manager’s user-friendly interface significantly reduces the learning curve, allowing your team to get up and running quickly. Unlike some other solutions, its transparent pricing model helps you avoid unexpected costs, making it a highly cost-effective choice. It offers similar, if not superior, features compared to Cisco Prime and DNAC, all without the hefty licensing fees.

Conclusion 

As Cisco Prime Infrastructure nears the end of its life cycle, choosing the right replacement is critical for maintaining network health, security, and operational efficiency. While Cisco DNAC may be ideal for some Cisco-exclusive environments, organizations seeking a flexible, cost-effective, and future-proof solution will benefit more from ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager.

With advanced automation, dynamic compliance management, real-time change tracking, and simplified deployment, Network Configuration Manager ensures a smooth transition and positions your network for long-term success—all without the complexity and costs associated with other options.

Ready to experience the difference? Start with a 30-day, free trial or schedule a personalized demo with our product experts to see how Network Configuration Manager can transform your enterprise.