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In this NetScout review, my aim is to provide you with all the essential insights you need to make an informed decision about this performance management platform.

NetScout review screenshot showing service dashboard.
This picture shows NetScout and its service dashboard.

NetScout Software Product Overview

NetScout serves as a powerful tool for tech enthusiasts, businesses, and IT professionals, offering a robust platform for network monitoring and performance optimization. However, with NetScout review, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your network's health and address issues proactively.

Next, it proficiently resolves network troubleshooting issues, eradicating the challenges associated with network downtime and performance bottlenecks, ultimately guaranteeing a smooth experience for users.

Pros

  • Comprehensive Network Visibility: NetScout review offers unparalleled insight into your network's performance, helping you identify and resolve issues swiftly.
  • Advanced Analytical Tools: The software offers an extensive array of analytical tools, enabling you to delve deeply into network data and make informed, work-life balance-oriented decisions.
  • Scalability: NetScout review easily scales to meet the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises.

Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve: Because of its advanced functionalities, the initial learning curve might be demanding for some users who prioritize automation.
  • Resource Intensive: The software can be resource-intensive, requiring robust hardware for optimal performance.
  • Cost: NetScout review may be cost-prohibitive for smaller organizations.

Expert Opinion

In my expert opinion, NetScout outperforms many competitors in terms of its analytical capabilities and network visibility. Nonetheless, it emerges as a prime option for enterprises and businesses that place a premium on extensive network analysis and are prepared to make a substantial investment in a comprehensive solution, much like Cisco.

NetScout: The Bottom Line

Moreover, NetScout distinguishes itself by offering a level of network visibility and analytical depth that sets it apart from similar software. Next, its real-time monitoring, advanced analytics, and scalability make it particularly well-suited for businesses that rely heavily on a stable and high-performing network infrastructure.

In addition, with NetScout, you have a powerful ally in ensuring your network's optimal performance and reliability, making it a noteworthy choice in the realm of Chief Technology software.

NetScout review screenshot showing nGenius EDGE features.
This picture shows NetScout review and its nGenius EDGE features.

NetScout Deep Dive

As a matter of fact, NetScout distinguishes itself by offering a level of network visibility and analytical depth that sets it apart from similar software.

NetScout Specifications

  1. Network Monitoring - Yes
  2. Performance Analysis - Yes
  3. Security Monitoring - Yes
  4. Alerts and Notifications - Yes
  5. Incident Management - Yes
  6. Real-time Data Visualization - Yes
  7. Traffic Analysis - Yes
  8. Scalability - Yes
  9. Historical Data Storage - Yes
  10. Integration Capabilities - Yes
  11. API Access - Yes
  12. Custom Reporting - Yes
  13. Multi-Platform Support - Yes
  14. User Access Control - Yes
  15. Mobile Access - Yes
  16. Asset Discovery - Yes
  17. Cloud Integration - Yes
  18. Anomaly Detection - Yes
  19. Bandwidth Monitoring - Yes
  20. Root Cause Analysis - Yes
  21. Log Management - Yes
  22. Application Performance Monitoring - Yes
  23. Virtualization Support - Yes
  24. Compliance Reporting - Yes

NetScout Feature Overview

  1. Network Monitoring: In addition, it excels in real-time network monitoring, providing a comprehensive view of network health and performance.
  2. Performance Analysis: It offers advanced performance analysis tools, allowing users to identify bottlenecks and optimize network resources.
  3. Security Monitoring: Next, the NetScout review includes robust security monitoring features, helping organizations detect and respond to potential threats promptly.
  4. Alerts and Notifications: Users can set up customized alerts, ensuring immediate awareness of network issues.
  5. Integration Capabilities: NetScout review boasts extensive integration options, enabling seamless connectivity with other essential software and tools.
  6. Historical Data Storage: The software offers ample storage for historical data, facilitating in-depth trend analysis.
  7. Scalability: NetScout review scales effortlessly to meet the needs of various-sized organizations.
  8. Custom Reporting: Users can generate customized reports, providing actionable insights for decision-making.

Standout Functionality

  1. Advanced AI Insights: NetScout utilizes AI to provide predictive insights, helping users address issues before they impact network performance.
  2. Comprehensive Cloud Integration: It offers robust cloud integration, ensuring seamless management of both on-premises and cloud-based assets.
  3. Unified Network and Security Monitoring: NetScout uniquely combines network and security monitoring in a single platform, streamlining operations and enhancing security posture.

Integrations

Moreover, NetScout provides native integrations with popular tools such as Splunk and ServiceNow, allowing users to streamline incident management and reporting processes.

Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive API for custom integrations, allowing companies to align the software with their unique company culture and requirements.

Lastly, users can further enhance the platform's functionality by leveraging add-ons such as advanced reporting modules and supplementary analytics tools.

NetScout Pricing

  1. Standard Plan - $99/user/month: Includes core network monitoring and performance analysis features, suitable for smaller organizations.
  2. Professional Plan - $199/user/month: Adds advanced security monitoring and application performance monitoring capabilities, suitable for mid-sized enterprises.
  3. Enterprise Plan - $299/user/month: Includes all features, advanced AI insights, and unlimited historical data storage, ideal for large enterprises.

Ease of Use

First, the user interface of NetScout review leans towards complexity, especially for those new to network monitoring and performance analysis tools. Next, the onboarding process can be challenging, and navigating the tool requires some familiarity.

However, the multitude of features, while beneficial, can initially pose a challenge for users, particularly in the context of cybersecurity.

Nevertheless, as users familiarize themselves with the interface and features, it evolves into a potent tool, which is often reflected in their employee reviews.

Customer Support

First, NetScout review offers decent customer support, but there are areas for improvement. Response times vary, and sometimes it may take a while to get assistance.

Next, the support options offered encompass email support and a knowledge base with documentation, which proves beneficial for self-service, indicative of a good company.

Lastly, certain users have expressed dislike regarding the absence of immediate live support, particularly when dealing with critical network issues.

NetScout review screenshot shhowing ISNG appliances.
In this picture, NetScout shows ISNG appliances.

NetScout Use Case

Who would be a good fit for NetScout?

First, NetScout review is an ideal fit for larger enterprises and organizations with dedicated IT teams. Its most loyal and avid customers tend to be in industries where network performance and security are paramount, such as finance and healthcare.

Next, it works well for mid-sized to large companies with substantial network infrastructure and data centers. Lastly, teams that benefit most from NetScout review typically consist of network administrators, security professionals, and IT managers who require deep insights into network operations and the ability to respond swiftly to issues.

Who would be a bad fit for NetScout?

First, NetScout may not be suitable for smaller organizations or startups with limited IT resources. It may overwhelm users who don't require in-depth network analysis or lack the budget for such a comprehensive tool.

Additionally, industries where network monitoring is less critical, such as some creative agencies, might not find full value in the tool. Lastly, Teams that prefer simpler, more streamlined solutions and those looking for immediate, hands-on customer support might not be satisfied with NetScout and its network security.

NetScout FAQs

What is the primary purpose of NetScout?

First, NetScout is primarily designed for network monitoring and performance analysis, helping organizations maintain optimal network health and security.

Does NetScout offer real-time alerts for network issues?

Yes, NetScout provides real-time alerts and notifications, allowing users to respond promptly to network anomalies.

Can I customize reports in NetScout?

Yes, NetScout offers custom reporting capabilities, enabling users to generate tailored reports based on their specific requirements.

Is NetScout suitable for small businesses?

While NetScout is powerful, the overall rating may be more suitable for mid-sized to large enterprises with substantial network infrastructure due to its complexity and pricing.

Does NetScout support cloud integration?

Yes, NetScout offers comprehensive cloud integration, facilitating the management of both on-premises and cloud-based assets.

What industries benefit most from NetScout?

Industries such as finance, healthcare, and large-scale data centers benefit most from NetScout due to its emphasis on network performance and security.

Is live chat support available for NetScout users?

Unfortunately, live chat support is not readily accessible with NetScout, which can be a drawback for users seeking immediate assistance.

Alternatives to NetScout 

  • SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor: This tool is often compared to NetScout for its comprehensive network monitoring capabilities, especially suited for mid-sized enterprises.
  • PRTG Network Monitor: PRTG is a popular alternative known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use, making it a suitable choice for smaller businesses.
  • Wireshark: Wireshark is a free and open-source network analyzer that provides deep packet inspection.

If you're interested in finding another alternative, discover other performance management platforms.

NetScout Company Overview and History

NetScout is a technology company specializing in network monitoring and security solutions. Next, it serves a wide range of organizations, including enterprises, government agencies, and service providers.

However, NetScout operates globally, with a mission to empower its customers with the insights needed to ensure seamless and secure network operations.

Moreover, the company's history includes its co-founders Anil Singhal and Narendra Popat, who played key roles in shaping the company's direction.

Lastly, NetScout's history is marked by significant milestones, including its founding in 1984 and subsequent growth into a leading player in the network monitoring and security industry.

Summary

In conclusion, NetScout is a robust network monitoring and security solution that excels in providing in-depth insights for maintaining optimal network health and performance.

While it may have a steeper learning curve and limited immediate support options, its advanced features and comprehensive capabilities make it a valuable asset for mid-sized to large enterprises and organizations where network performance and security are paramount. For those seeking a powerful tool to empower their IT teams with critical insights, NetScout is a solid choice.

I invite users to share their experiences and insights in the comments below, as your feedback can further enrich the understanding of this tool's effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Paulo Gardini Miguel
By Paulo Gardini Miguel

Paulo is the Director of Technology at the rapidly growing media tech company BWZ. Prior to that, he worked as a Software Engineering Manager and then Head Of Technology at Navegg, Latin America’s largest data marketplace, and as Full Stack Engineer at MapLink, which provides geolocation APIs as a service. Paulo draws insight from years of experience serving as an infrastructure architect, team leader, and product developer in rapidly scaling web environments. He’s driven to share his expertise with other technology leaders to help them build great teams, improve performance, optimize resources, and create foundations for scalability.