Vous disposez d’un budget serré pour un logiciel d’automatisation de réseau. Quelle est la meilleure option pour vous ?

Open source is free of cost in the traditional sense but you'll pay with time instead (which normally isn't free), so be careful you aren't trading Software Licensing costs for Staffing costs without knowing it. Open Source in the hands of a Platform Engineering team can make an unbeatable Network Automation Platform; Open Source in the hands of an inexperienced person in their spare time can make an unbearable Notwork Automation Underperform

You can start easy with free and simple tools like bash scripts, python scripts and cacti and scheduling with cron jobs to automate simple tasks like highly utilized interfaces for the day and check nodes health checks,

netris.io is a tool that helps setting up cloud level vpc management within minutes. I know the team behind that, don't think twice.

Open Source is a viable solution. But you have to be sure that you understand all of the tradeoffs. Including having the staff that knows how to manage FOSS packages. Free as in beer doesn't always mean "free" there is a lot of tradeoffs. Be sure you understand the security and operational efforts required before launching it into your environment. Note: this is not an argument *against* FOSS, but more of a lesson learned to know what you are getting into operationally and from a security standpoint.

When faced with financial constraints for network automation software, organizations can turn to several cost-effective solutions that offer efficiency and customization. Open-source platforms such as Ansible, Nornir, and Netmiko emerge as valuable choices in this scenario. Cost-effective network automation tools offers a range of options, each with its unique strengths. Ansible, Nornir, and Netmiko provide flexible and customizable solutions, while RANCID and OpenNMS bring specialized features to the table. Careful consideration of specific requirements, team expertise, community support, documentation, and alignment with organizational goals will guide organizations towards making an optimal choice for their network automation needs.

Be careful with cloud-based options and services. Many people are excited to go to the cloud only to find out it is more expensive for them in the long run. Don't just look at short-term effects. Take into account the full picture including license cost, server usage costs, support contracts, and how much you'll save from getting off on-prem servers. You may save money initially but when you own the hardware, your costs of operation stay the same. When you go fully cloud, vendor prices can change at any moment. Hybrid environments are recommended more and more lately for this exact reason.

Depende mucho de las necesidades de de cada caso. Las opciones open source pueden ayudar en muchos escenarios. Pero estoy de acuerdo con la opinión de algunos de que en el largo plazo pueden ser más costosas. Las soluciones basadas en la nube son una buena alternativa, son fáciles de configurar y te brindan rápidamente una solución automatizada

Para alguns cenários o uso de serviços on premises pode ter um custo proibitivo. Nesses casos é uma boa ideia avaliar as opções de serviços baseados em nuvem.

Carefully consider your specific needs and limitations before deciding on a cloud-based service. Ask yourself: What are my core automation needs? Do I have a reliable and consistent internet connection? Am I comfortable with vendor lock-in and potential privacy concerns? Can I integrate the service with my existing network infrastructure? By weighing the pros and cons and your specific needs, you can determine if a cloud-based service is the most budget-friendly and efficient solution for your network automation needs.

Très bonne solution au passage😄 Le cloud comporte plusieurs avantages, dont l'externalisation de certains services informatiques. Ce qui peut le rendre très coûteux de temps en temps. Je conseille plutôt une solution Hybride de type Cloud/Premium

Les solutions bas de gamme ont un inconvénient majeur, ils ne sont pas sécurisés. Pour une entreprise qui favorise l'intégrité de ces données, j'estime que ce n'est pas un choix judicieux. Il faut toujours favoriser les logiciels à jours et maintenus par le concepteur

the best choice depends on your specific network size, complexity, technical expertise, and desired functionalities. By carefully evaluating these options, you can find the most cost-effective and efficient solution for your network automation needs. Is there anything specific you'd like me to help you with further regarding these options? Perhaps you have a particular software in mind or need help comparing features?

Existem softwares gratuitos que podem ser um bom ponto de partida para as empresas que estão com o orçamento apertado. Mesmo que não seja o ideal, é melhor que nada.

Opting for low-cost or free versions of commercial software strikes a balance between functionality and budget constraints. This choice reflects a practical and frugal approach, ensuring that essential features are accessible without compromising financial prudence.

Low-cost or free versions: Pros: Some commercial automation tools offer low-cost or free versions. These can be ideal for smaller projects, providing a balance between functionality and budget constraints. Cons: However, limitations in features and support might hinder scalability as your network requirements grow.

I will choose option 4 DIY Script, which will be more cost-effective, efficient and in control. The qualified resources and important to keep in mind the security aspect.

In my experience, writing your own scripts is the best approach. It is important to keep in mind that these scripts will need to be maintained, especially after updating devices or when new library versions become available. Although it requires some skill, it ensures that the scripts are tailored to your specific environment. Python is a relatively easy programming language to learn, so the learning curve should not be too steep.

Developing your own tool internally seems like a better approach to me. Subsequently, training your team to master the tool optimizes future expenditures. Additionally, any network automation tool can also be enhanced through versioning, providing customizable internal solutions.

Constant improvement of self-written script is worthwhile. With proper understanding of your network there is a chance to constantly improve the script and eventually its performance.

Some times you have to use a combination of solutions. Optimization is The most important thing to choose a solution. Depending on the sources & conditions we are going to make a decision. Also we have to consider security, easy updating, size of the network & etc.

It is important to be aware of what your own infrastructure looks like and which devices are used. If you only use devices from Cisco, automation is relatively easy. But if you also use smaller manufacturers, you have to be a little more careful. Not every one of these devices has e.g. NTC templates for netmiko available, which can be used out-of-the-box. Sure, you can write your own, but it takes time. And finally, you should pay attention to which tools you already use in the company. you use e.g. If you already use Ansible for configuring VMs, it might make sense to also use Ansible for configuring network devices. This way you can continue to build on the existing infrastructure and know-how.

If you are a programmer or have someone in your team with enough time and able to develop then the open source software is the best. Else using scripting or cloud base solution can help us.

Talk to your people who support this infrastructure. They know it and can provide great insight. Or maybe they don't and that can tell you things as well. As a leader it's ultimately up to you but just be careful your strategy includes consideration for today AND tomorrow.

O software open source impulsiona a inovação ao permitir que desenvolvedores experimentem e explorem novas ideias. A abordagem colaborativa significa que inovações podem surgir de diversas fontes, levando a avanços rápidos e significativos. Projetos open source muitas vezes são pioneiros em novas tecnologias e tendências, antecipando as necessidades do mercado.

Either pick a wide-spectrum on-prem network appliance, right-sized then subscribe to advantageous updates that expand the capabilities overtime. Otherwise go for a cloud/virtual appliance.