Unified network-as-code orchestration

Buying Guide: Unified Network-as-Code Orchestration Software

Unified Network-as-Code (NaC) Orchestration software automates the deployment, configuration, and management of network infrastructure leveraging code-based definitions. This transforms traditional, manual network operations into agile, programmable workflows, improving consistency, reducing errors, and accelerating network changes. It integrates with existing infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines to provide a single pane of glass for network provisioning and governance across heterogeneous environments (on-prem, cloud, hybrid).

What This Software Does

Unified NaC Orchestration solutions centralize the definition and enforcement of network configurations through code. They allow network engineers to treat infrastructure like application code, enabling version control, automated testing, and continuous deployment of network services. Key functions include:

• Declarative Network Configuration: Define desired network states in human-readable code (e.g., YAML, JSON).
• Automated Provisioning & De-provisioning: Deploy and remove network services and devices without manual intervention.
• State Drift Detection & Remediation: Automatically identify and correct deviations from the defined network state.
• Policy Enforcement: Ensure compliance with security and operational policies across the network.
• Integration with DevOps Toolchains: Seamlessly fit into existing CI/CD pipelines for end-to-end automation.

Key Features to Evaluate

When selecting a Unified NaC Orchestration solution, prioritize features that align with your organizational goals and existing infrastructure:

• Multi-vendor & Multi-cloud Support:
  • Crucial: Ability to orchestrate devices and services from various vendors (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto, etc.) and across public clouds (AWS, Azure, GCP) and on-premises environments.
  • Look for: Support for specific hardware/software in your current and planned environments.
• Code-based Abstraction & Templating:
  • Essential: Intuitive language (e.g., DSL, Python, YAML) for defining network services.
  • Value-add: Robust templating engine for reusability and standardization of configurations (e.g., Jinja2).
• State Management & Drift Detection:
  • Fundamental: Real-time visibility into the current network state versus the desired state.
  • Key: Automated mechanisms to detect and remediate configuration drift.
• Change Management & Version Control Integration:
  • Mandatory: Native integration with Git (or other SCM) for versioning network configurations.
  • Important: Features supporting merge requests, approvals, and rollback capabilities.
• Pre-built Integrations & Ecosystem:
  • Consider: Extent of existing integrations with ITSM, IPAM, DNS, security, and monitoring tools.
  • Assess: Robust APIs and SDKs for custom integrations.
• Scalability & Performance:
  • Evaluate: Ability to manage hundreds or thousands of network devices and services reliably.
  • Inquire about: Performance under load and latency for critical operations.
• Security & Compliance:
  • Non-negotiable: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), auditing capabilities, and secure credential management.
  • Essential: Compliance with industry standards (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001).

Use Cases

Unified NaC Orchestration empowers organizations to:

• Automate Data Center Network Provisioning: Rapidly deploy new racks, switches, or services.
• Standardize Branch Office Deployments: Ensure consistent configurations across distributed locations.
• Streamline Cloud Network Management: Provision and secure VPCs, VNETs, and security groups declaratively.
• Implement Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP): Automatically onboard new network devices upon first boot.
• Enhance Network Security Operations: Enforce firewall rules and access policies across the entire infrastructure.
• Facilitate Disaster Recovery: Rebuild network infrastructure quickly and reliably from code definitions.

Implementation Considerations

• Team Skillset: Assess your team's familiarity with infrastructure-as-code principles, scripting languages (Python), and Git. Training may be required.
• Existing Network Topology: Understand how the solution will integrate with your current network architecture and management tools.
• Phased Rollout Strategy: Consider a staged implementation, starting with less critical environments or specific use cases.
• Migration Plan: Develop a clear strategy for migrating existing manual processes and configurations to code-driven automation.
• Documentation & Runbooks: Establish clear documentation standards for network code and operational procedures.

Pricing Models

Unified NaC Orchestration software typically employs one or a combination of the following pricing models:

• Per Device/Node: Pricing based on the number of network devices or managed nodes.
• Per Managed Port/Interface: Less common, but sometimes used for granular control of cost exposure.
• Tiered Licensing: Different feature sets and support levels offered at various price points.
• Usage-Based (e.g., API Calls, Configuration Changes): More common in cloud-native solutions, billing based on automation activity.
• Subscription (Annual/Monthly): Most prevalent, covering software licenses, support, and updates.

Crucial: Request detailed quotes and understand potential hidden costs, such as professional services for implementation or specialized connectors.

Selection Criteria

1. Alignment with Current & Future Network Strategy: Does the solution support your organization's roadmap for network evolution (e.g., hybrid cloud, SDN, SASE)?
2. Breadth of Integrations: Can it seamlessly connect with your existing ecosystem of network devices, cloud providers, and IT tools?
3. Ease of Use & Learning Curve: Is the platform intuitive for your network engineers, or will it require significant retraining? Evaluate DSLs, GUIs, and documentation.
4. Vendor Support & Community: Assess the quality of vendor support, documentation, and the vibrancy of the user community for shared knowledge and troubleshooting.
5. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Beyond licensing, consider implementation costs, training, ongoing maintenance, and potential savings from automation.
6. Security Posture: Verify compliance and security features essential for your regulatory and organizational requirements.