Last Update: 4/30/2025
The following is a straight dump from chatgpt. Not a lot of editing. This is mostly referential material.
There are several open-source Network Management Systems (NMS) available for monitoring network infrastructure, servers, and services. Here are some of the most popular and actively maintained ones:
✅ Top Open-Source NMS Platforms
1. Zabbix
- Features: Network, server, and application monitoring, alerting, customizable dashboards, SNMP, IPMI, JMX, and agent-based monitoring.
- Interface: Web-based UI
- Strength: Scalable; widely used in enterprise and SMBs.
- URL: https://www.zabbix.com
2. Nagios Core / Nagios XI (commercial)
- Features: Event monitoring, alerting, plugin architecture.
- Strength: Strong community support; very customizable.
- Limitations: Steeper learning curve; limited native UI.
- URL: https://www.nagios.org
3. Prometheus
- Features: Time-series monitoring, strong integration with Grafana for visualization.
- Best for: Cloud-native environments, Kubernetes, app metrics.
- Limitations: Not ideal for traditional SNMP-based device monitoring.
- URL: https://prometheus.io
4. LibreNMS
- Features: Auto-discovery, SNMP-based monitoring, alerting, bandwidth and performance graphs.
- Strength: Easy to set up, supports many device types.
- URL: https://www.librenms.org
5. OpenNMS
- Features: Enterprise-grade, SNMP, WMI, flow data (NetFlow/sFlow), provisioning, graphs.
- Strength: Extensible; supports distributed architecture.
- URL: https://www.opennms.org
6. Icinga
- Fork of: Nagios, but more modern UI and enhanced API.
- Features: Monitoring, alerting, reporting, strong integration with other tools.
- URL: https://icinga.com
7. NetXMS
- Features: SNMP monitoring, automatic network discovery, dashboards, and alarms.
- Strength: GUI and web interface, cross-platform.
- URL: https://www.netxms.org
✅ Top Commercial NMS Platforms
1. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
- Known for: Robust SNMP monitoring, NetFlow analysis, performance dashboards.
- Strengths: Easy-to-use interface, great for large networks.
- URL: https://www.solarwinds.com
2. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
- Known for: Sensor-based pricing, all-in-one monitoring (network, server, application).
- Strengths: Fast to set up, intuitive UI.
- URL: https://www.paessler.com
3. ManageEngine OpManager
- Known for: SNMP monitoring, fault & performance management, customizable dashboards.
- Strengths: Strong feature set at competitive pricing.
- URL: https://www.manageengine.com/opmanager/
4. WhatsUp Gold (Progress)
- Known for: Easy device discovery, visual network mapping, SNMP monitoring.
- Strengths: User-friendly for mid-size organizations.
- URL: https://www.whatsupgold.com
5. LogicMonitor
- Cloud-based: SaaS NMS with agentless monitoring.
- Strengths: Strong support for hybrid cloud, APIs, and automation.
- URL: https://www.logicmonitor.com
6. Cisco Prime Infrastructure
- Vendor-specific: Tailored for Cisco devices.
- Strengths: Configuration management, wireless & LAN insights.
- URL: https://www.cisco.com
7. ScienceLogic SL1
URL: https://www.sciencelogic.com
Known for: AIOps and hybrid IT monitoring.
Strengths: Broad integration capabilities, AI-driven automation.
