The most valuable features of Cisco ACI include micro-segmentation, application focus, automation capabilities, GUI and dashboard visibility, integration with VMware, Service Graph for traffic redirection, smooth upgrade process, bandwidth augmentation, and infrastructure security.
Users appreciate the data center extension, centralized management, virtual network creation, EPGs, sizing, simplified device control, API interface for automation, network-centric approach, server deployment and integration, orchestration capabilities, centralized management, policy creation, ease of configuration, integration with WebEx Board, SDN capabilities, and ease of management.
Some areas for improvement on Cisco ACI include:
- Configuring micro-segmentation can be challenging and a visibility tool for troubleshooting would be helpful.
- The solution should provide better alignment as a unit and improve virtualization technologies compared to VMware.
- More flexibility and virtualization options are needed, along with better contract management and inclusion of log files.
- The GUI could be more user-friendly and the solution should focus on AI and cloud capabilities.
- Integration with multiple cloud platforms and better compatibility across the board would enhance the product.
- Quality assurance and bug fixes are necessary, as well as improved hybrid cloud networking management.
- Cisco ACI's segmentation feature and integration with other products need improvement.
- Virtualization should be achievable end-to-end with Cisco ACI, regardless of the physical layer.
- Integration with DNAC and additional security solutions would be beneficial.
- ACI's blade servers and storage interface could be more flexible and less complex.
- Security features, IP-based filtering, and technical support need enhancement.
- Segment routing integration and a cloud offering would improve Cisco ACI.
- The learning curve is long and the solution can be difficult to work with.
- Upgrading venues and registering devices can be problematic.
- Integration with Pure Storage and a more user-friendly configuration interface is needed.
- The solution should improve security, licensing, and pricing.
- Management features, such as load balancing and firewall management, need improvement.
- The graphical user interface (GUI) is not as user-friendly as it could be.
The return on investment for Cisco ACI has been positive in some instances, however, recently there have been challenges with the Call Manager.
The pricing for Cisco ACI is generally considered high and can vary depending on the number of sites and the level of functionality desired. Some reviewers mentioned that the solution is expensive yet worth the investment, particularly for enterprises. However, for small organizations or SMBs, the cost may be prohibitive.
Becoming a gold partner can result in more reasonable pricing, however, the requirements to achieve this status can be costly and time-consuming.
The primary use case of Cisco ACI is for micro-segmentation of servers in the same VLAN, securing data centers for multiple sites, multi-site connectivity and managing the entire network, replacing legacy networks, designing data centers, achieving a properly defined data center, automating the data center networking environment, and configuring and managing infrastructure in a data center.
It can be used for consolidating data centers, integrating virtual environments with the data center, automating processes and centralizing management of devices, collaborating and using it for security, deploying and configuring upgraded ACIs, using it for communication and managing corporate networks, and deploying banking systems.
It is a next-generation solution that combines innovative technology, has a user-friendly interface, integrates with other brands and platforms, and is capable of high availability and redundancy.
The customer service and support of Cisco ACI have received mixed feedback. Some customers have had positive experiences, stating that technical support has been good, very responsive, and quick to resolve issues. They have praised the knowledge and helpfulness of the support team. In particular, support from engineers in the EMEA region has been excellent.
However, there have been instances where support took a long time to investigate issues, leading to delays in responding. Some customers have noticed a decline in support quality over time, mentioning that new and inexperienced engineers have been hired without sufficient training. This has resulted in cases requiring multiple escalations and a lack of expertise in certain areas.
The initial setup for Cisco ACI can vary in complexity depending on the user's background and experience with Cisco products.
Some users find it to be complex, especially if they are not familiar with software-defined networks or command-line interfaces. However, others find it relatively straightforward, especially if they have experience with Cisco products.
The setup process typically involves a few steps and can be completed within a few hours or days, depending on the number of devices and the need for integration.
The deployment process may also involve additional tasks such as migration, which can further complicate the setup.
Cisco ACI is highly scalable and offers a lot of flexibility. It allows for easy expansion by adding leaf or spine switches without the need for a complete redesign.
It is suitable for medium to large organizations and can accommodate a large number of devices and servers. The solution can be seamlessly integrated with legacy infrastructure and can support multi-site scenarios.
Additionally, the hardware performance is reliable and stable.
The stability of Cisco ACI is generally seen as good. It has become more stable in recent versions. There were a few mentions of bugs causing performance issues, however, overall, the solution is considered stable and reliable.