Glue Networks Gluware - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Glue Networks Gluware - Product Overview
Overview of Gluware
Gluware, formerly known as Glue Networks, is a leading provider of Intelligent Network Automation solutions. Here’s a brief overview of their product and its key aspects:
Primary Function
Gluware’s primary function is to automate and orchestrate large, multi-vendor, and mission-critical networks. The platform uses patented Intent-Based Networking (IBN) technology to streamline network management processes, preventing outages, enhancing security, and increasing agility.
Target Audience
Gluware’s target audience includes organizations across various industries such as telecommunications, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. These are typically enterprises of all sizes, from small and medium-sized businesses to large corporations, that have complex IT infrastructures involving multiple vendors and technologies.
Key Features
Automation of Multi-Vendor Networks
Gluware automates network configuration changes, performs OS upgrades at scale, and conducts recurring maintenance tasks across different vendors and technologies.
Intent-Based Networking
The platform’s IBN technology ensures that network configurations align with the intended state, reducing the risk of errors and outages.
Enhanced Security and Reliability
Gluware’s automated policies can lead to significant reductions in network downtime, up to 40%, and improve service quality and availability.
AI-Driven Capabilities
With the introduction of Gluware.ai, the platform integrates artificial intelligence to make networks smarter and more secure, helping customers achieve their most ambitious goals.
Global Reach
Gluware serves over 1,500 customers globally, including telecom operators, cloud service providers, data center providers, and enterprise IT departments.
Conclusion
Overall, Gluware’s Intelligent Network Automation platform is a valuable solution for organizations seeking to automate, secure, and optimize their network operations efficiently and at scale.
Glue Networks Gluware - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Gluware, the AI-driven networking tool from Glue Networks, is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, aiming to enhance efficiency and simplicity in network management.Customizability and Flexibility
Gluware Dashboard offers a highly customizable interface with multiple widget options. Users can create role-specific and private or public (shared) dashboards, allowing for personalized views that cater to different administrative and app-specific needs. This flexibility includes widgets for rich text notes, web pages, RSS feeds, counts, tables, schedules, and user activity, among others.Ease of Use
The dashboard is intended to be easy to use, with a fully integrated interface that streamlines network management processes. This integration helps in preventing outages, enhancing security, and increasing network agility. The interface is built to work across various vendors, technologies, and standards, making it accessible and efficient for users managing complex networks.User Experience
Gluware aims to deliver a smarter and more secure network experience through its intelligent network automation and AI capabilities. The platform is designed to make network operations faster and easier, with features that automate network configuration changes, perform OS upgrades at scale, and conduct recurring tasks. This automation reduces the time-to-value and makes network management more efficient, which is particularly beneficial for large enterprises.API Integration
For users who need to integrate Gluware with other tools and systems, the GluAPI provides a programmatic interface. This API adheres to REST architectural principles, making it easy to access Gluware app functionality such as Device Manager, Config Drift, and Audit. This integration capability enhances the overall user experience by allowing seamless interaction with other network management and automation solutions.Feedback and Support
While the interface is generally praised for its functionality, some users have noted that the implementation of the API and certain features can take some time to understand and may lack sufficient documentation and support. However, overall feedback indicates that the benefits of automation and the ease of use outweigh these challenges, especially for DevOps teams.Conclusion
In summary, Gluware’s user interface is designed to be intuitive, customizable, and efficient, making it a valuable tool for network management and automation. While there may be some learning curve and implementation challenges, the overall user experience is generally positive, especially for those who value automation and ease of use in their network operations. Glue Networks Gluware - Key Features and Functionality
Gluware Overview
Gluware, an Intelligent Network Automation platform, offers a range of key features and functionalities that leverage advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and automation to streamline and optimize network operations.
Multi-Vendor Support
Gluware is vendor-agnostic, supporting a wide array of network devices and vendors. This feature allows organizations with diverse network infrastructures to manage all their devices from a single platform, simplifying configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting processes.
Policy-Driven Automation
Gluware enables organizations to define policies and workflows to automate network configuration and compliance. This automation reduces manual errors and ensures consistency across the network, making it easier to manage and maintain network integrity.
Real-Time Analytics and Insights
The platform provides real-time analytics and insights to monitor network performance and security. This capability helps organizations make data-driven decisions and proactively identify and resolve network issues before they impact business operations.
Automation and Orchestration
Gluware automates repetitive tasks and workflows, such as device discovery, software upgrades, and policy enforcement. This automation allows IT teams to focus on more strategic initiatives that drive business value, improving overall network efficiency and reducing operational costs.
AI-Powered Co-Pilot (Gluware Co-Pilot)
Gluware.ai introduces the Gluware Co-Pilot, powered by Generative AI (Gen-AI). This feature provides a natural language interface and prompt-based assistance to help network operators understand network challenges in real-time, suggest proactive actions, and automate repetitive tasks. It accelerates initial network troubleshooting, manages complex configurations, and keeps pace with software vulnerabilities and OS updates.
Integration with Other Tools
Gluware integrates with tools like NetBox, an open-source technology for documenting and modeling networks, and GitHub. These integrations enhance automation capabilities by providing a richer set of network data, enabling more precise automation decisions and better network visibility.
Scalability and Flexibility
The platform is built with scalability and flexibility in mind, allowing it to adapt to the needs of both small-scale deployments and large enterprise networks. Gluware’s modular architecture enables customization and integration with existing tools and systems, making it versatile for various network environments.
Device Interaction and Automation Layer (DIAL)
Gluware’s DIAL enables communication with a wide array of network devices, currently supporting 56 operating systems across 22 vendors. This layer is crucial for network discovery, inventory management, configuration drift detection, and remediation.
Gluware Lab
For advanced customization, Gluware Lab provides an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) where network engineers and developers can extend Gluware’s capabilities using JavaScript. This environment supports end-to-end development, testing, and deployment of custom modules and workflows.
Conclusion
In summary, Gluware’s key features are centered around automation, multi-vendor support, real-time analytics, AI-driven co-pilots, and integration with other tools, all of which work together to streamline network operations, improve efficiency, and enhance network security and performance.
Glue Networks Gluware - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating Gluware
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Gluware, the AI-driven network automation platform from Gluware, involves looking at several key aspects of its functionality and user experience.
Performance
Gluware’s performance is highlighted by its ability to automate a wide range of network tasks efficiently. Here are some key points:
- Automation Capabilities: Gluware supports automation across 56 operating systems from 22 different vendors, making it highly versatile for managing diverse network environments.
- Plug-and-Play Features: The latest version, Gluware 5.3, introduces comprehensive plug-and-play features that simplify the deployment and management of network solutions, ensuring business continuity with greater efficiency.
- AI-Powered Copilot: The platform includes an AI copilot that provides a natural language interface for tasks such as device discovery, attribute updates, and remediation workflows. This enhances the user experience and streamlines network management.
- Integration and Compatibility: Gluware integrates with tools like NetBox and Github, and supports third-party solutions in its OS Manager, which helps in managing multi-vendor network environments effectively.
Accuracy
The accuracy of Gluware is reflected in its ability to perform tasks reliably and maintain network integrity:
- Configuration Drift Detection: Gluware’s automation capabilities include configuration drift detection, which ensures that network configurations remain consistent and accurate, reducing the risk of errors.
- Remediation Workflows: The platform’s remediation workflows are designed to correct issues accurately, minimizing downtime and ensuring network stability.
- Security: Gluware prioritizes security by implementing features that help prevent outages and reduce risk, such as support for third-party solutions in OS Manager and enhanced security protocols.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Gluware is a powerful tool, there are some areas where it could be improved:
- Technological Adaptation: The rapid pace of technological changes in the network automation space requires Gluware to continuously adapt and innovate to stay competitive. This involves a strong focus on research and development to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.
- Market Competition: The network automation industry is highly competitive, so Gluware must differentiate itself through unique features, superior customer service, and innovative solutions to attract and retain customers.
- Scalability and Flexibility: As organizations grow, their network automation needs may change. Gluware needs to ensure its platform remains scalable and flexible enough to accommodate these evolving needs, which might involve developing new features and expanding integrations with third-party tools.
User Experience
Gluware’s user experience is enhanced by its intuitive interfaces and automation tools:
- Conversational Interface: The AI copilot provides a conversational interface, making it easier for network administrators to manage tasks without needing extensive scripting knowledge.
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: The platform’s Network RPA feature allows users to program third-party API calls through a drag-and-drop interface, which simplifies the automation process.
Overall, Gluware demonstrates strong performance and accuracy in network automation, with a focus on simplifying complex network tasks and ensuring high levels of security and reliability. However, it must continue to innovate and adapt to stay ahead in a competitive and rapidly evolving industry.
Glue Networks Gluware - Pricing and Plans
Gluware 4.0 Pricing Tiers
Free Tier
Gluware 4.0 introduces a free pricing tier, primarily focused on network inventory management. This free offer allows users to discover and manage their network inventory, providing a basic level of access to Gluware’s automation capabilities.
Gluware Pro
- This is a cloud-delivered SaaS automation application suite.
- It is suitable for smaller to medium-sized enterprises, supporting up to 2,000 network devices.
- Features include multi-cloud integration, Terraform support, EVPN-VXLAN, dashboards, config search, ad-hoc query, syslog integration, and Cisco license inventory.
- The Gluware Secure Gateway ensures security and rapid onboarding.
Gluware Enterprise
- This tier is optimized for large and complex enterprises.
- It supports global networks with distributed Gluware Zone Engines, allowing for high scalability and security.
- Deployment options include on-premises, customer cloud (AWS or Azure), Azure Marketplace delivered, or Gluware hosted on AWS.
- This plan is customizable and can handle tens of thousands of devices per enterprise.
Additional Features and Tools
Gluware Config Model Editor
Part of the Gluware application suite, this tool enables rapid onboarding of existing network features and automated network configuration and change management. It supports CLI, API, and cloud-based endpoints.
Gluware Lab
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) built on the Eclipse framework, streamlining day-to-day operational network automation tasks. It includes extensive debugging capabilities.
Gluware Network RPA
Provides event-driven, pre-built tasks for no-code process automation. It runs inside the Gluware Control web-based UI and is integrated with the suite of automation applications.
Gluware.ai
A new AI-driven product line that includes Gluware Co-Pilot, powered by Generative AI. This tool helps network operators with real-time troubleshooting, proactive actions, and automation of repetitive tasks. It also manages complex configurations and lifecycle management.
In summary, Gluware offers a flexible pricing structure with a free tier for basic network inventory management, a Pro tier for smaller to medium-sized enterprises, and an Enterprise tier for large and complex networks. Each tier includes a range of features and tools to automate and manage network operations efficiently.
Glue Networks Gluware - Integration and Compatibility
Gluware Overview
Gluware, a leader in intelligent network automation, integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools and supports a broad range of platforms and devices, making it a versatile solution for network management.
Integration with Other Tools
Ansible Playbook Integration
Gluware 5.4 allows users to seamlessly run Ansible playbook tasks directly within the Gluware platform. This integration is facilitated through the Network RPA app, enabling users to execute any user-defined playbook on remote devices using a drag-and-drop interface.
StackStorm Integration
Gluware Network RPA integrates with the open-source automation framework StackStorm, enabling the ingestion of StackStorm integration packs and the execution of associated workflows.
ServiceNow CMDB Sync
The platform simplifies the configuration of ServiceNow Configuration Management Database (CMDB) sync, ensuring seamless data flow and synchronization. Users can easily define whether Gluware or ServiceNow is the source of truth for each field.
Compatibility Across Different Platforms and Devices
Multi-Vendor Support
Gluware 5.4 offers extensive multi-vendor support, allowing IT teams to manage heterogeneous network environments efficiently. This includes support for devices from vendors such as Cisco, HPE/Aruba, Arista, and Fortinet. For example, it automates OS upgrades, downgrades, and patches for Cisco IOS XR and HPE/Aruba Aruba-CX devices, and provides comprehensive network visibility with expanded support for Arista EOS.
Network Discovery
The platform boasts powerful network discovery capabilities, using methods such as ARP, LLDP, and CDP, as well as a new subnet-based search functionality. This ensures a comprehensive and insightful view of the entire network landscape.
CLI Commands and Access Control
Gluware 5.4 introduces configuration options for granular control over Command Line Interface (CLI) commands, allowing administrators to define user policies for both read and write access. This ensures that only authorized commands are executed, reducing risk and enhancing security.
Development and Customization
Gluware Lab
For advanced customization, Gluware Lab provides an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) where network engineers and developers can build, test, and deploy custom network features and workflows. This IDE supports JavaScript and JSON-based data modeling and is built on the Eclipse framework.
Conclusion
Overall, Gluware’s integration capabilities and broad compatibility make it a highly adaptable and effective solution for managing and automating diverse network environments.
Glue Networks Gluware - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Gluware provides a comprehensive set of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively utilize their network automation platform.Contact and Support Channels
Gluware offers multiple channels for customers to reach out for support:Phone Support
- US: 1-855-458-3822
- UK: 0808-134-9906
- Australia: 1-800-987-824
- New Zealand: 0800-005-106
Email Support
Users can send emails to the support team at support@gluware.com or for general inquiries to info@gluware.com.Support Portal
Gluware has a dedicated support portal where customers can find resources, submit tickets, and access other support materials.Additional Resources
Gluware Lab
For advanced users, Gluware Lab provides an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that allows network engineers and developers to extend and customize the Gluware platform using JavaScript and JSON-based data modeling. This tool includes extensive debugging capabilities and modular design, enabling end-to-end development, testing, and deployment.Documentation and Guides
While the specific details are not outlined in the sources, the support portal likely includes documentation, guides, and FAQs to help users troubleshoot and use the platform effectively.Customer Testimonials and Case Studies
Gluware’s website features testimonials and case studies from various customers, such as Mastercard, Merck, and Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, which can provide insights into how the platform has been successfully implemented in different environments.Automation and AI Integration
Gluware’s platform also includes AI-driven features, such as AI copilots, which offer a natural language interface for managing tasks like device discovery, attribute updates, and remediation workflows. This integration helps streamline network management and reduce downtime. By providing these diverse support channels and resources, Gluware ensures that its customers have the necessary tools and assistance to optimize their network automation processes. Glue Networks Gluware - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Gluware
Gluware, offered by Glue Networks, presents several significant advantages for network management and automation:Vendor-Agnostic Automation
Gluware is a pre-packaged, vendor-agnostic automation platform. This means it can work seamlessly with a variety of network devices from different vendors, including Cisco, A10, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, and more. This multi-vendor support simplifies the management of diverse network environments.Simplified Configuration Management
Gluware offers advanced configuration management and modeling capabilities. It can scan the network, gather configuration data, and create dynamic config snippets without the need for manual scripting. This config modeling allows for easy manipulation and validation of network configurations, reducing the burden on network engineers.Automated Network Validation
Gluware’s Node State Assessment feature automates the process of assessing the network state through pre-check and post-check mechanisms. This eliminates the need for manual entry and parsing of show commands, making network validation more efficient and accurate.Intelligent Management Overlay
Gluware provides an intelligent management overlay that offers the benefits of advanced closed-loop network automation. This includes automating configuration changes, performing OS upgrades at scale, and conducting recurring network tasks without the need to re-tool the IT department or hire additional developers.Cost and Time Efficiency
By automating network management tasks, Gluware reduces the time and costs associated with managing network gear separately. This is particularly beneficial as business applications change or new software is added to the network.AI-Driven Capabilities
Gluware has introduced Gluware.ai, which leverages artificial intelligence to make networks smarter and more secure. This new product line enhances the automation capabilities, helping customers achieve their network management goals more effectively.Disadvantages of Gluware
While Gluware offers numerous benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:Dependency on Updates
Gluware’s effectiveness relies on regular updates to its vendor adapter layer, which is updated monthly to reflect changes made by networking vendors. If these updates are delayed or incomplete, it could impact the platform’s performance.Initial Setup and Integration
Although Gluware simplifies long-term network management, the initial setup and integration may require some effort. This includes advanced network discovery and setting up the config modeling, which could be time-consuming for large or complex networks.Cost Considerations
While Gluware can be cost-effective in the long run by reducing manual labor and improving efficiency, the initial cost of implementing the platform may be a barrier for some organizations. However, Gluware offers pricing plans that cater to various business sizes, including startups.Limited Free Version Capabilities
The Community edition of Gluware, which is available at no charge, may have limited features compared to the full version. This could restrict the full potential of the platform for users relying on the free version. In summary, Gluware offers significant advantages in terms of automation, configuration management, and cost efficiency, but it also requires regular updates, may have an initial setup overhead, and has cost considerations that need to be evaluated. Glue Networks Gluware - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Gluware’s AI-Driven Network Automation Products
When comparing Gluware’s AI-driven network automation products, particularly the Gluware.ai product line and Gluware Co-Pilot, with other similar products in the market, several key points and alternatives stand out.
Unique Features of Gluware.ai and Gluware Co-Pilot
- Generative AI (Gen-AI) Integration: Gluware.ai leverages Gen-AI to provide real-time insights into network challenges, suggest proactive actions, and automate repetitive tasks. This is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from many other AI networking tools.
- Conversational Interface: Gluware Co-Pilot offers a natural language interface, allowing network operators to manage tasks such as device discovery, attribute updates, and remediation workflows through simple conversations. This simplifies network operations and reduces the need for command line interface (CLI) expertise.
- Prebuilt Intelligent Network Automation: Gluware’s platform includes out-of-the-box, prebuilt automation capabilities that can automate enterprise networks in as little as 30 days. This turnkey solution is highly efficient and saves businesses valuable time and resources.
- Integration with Other Tools: Gluware integrates with tools like NetBox and Github, enhancing network automation decisions with a richer set of network data and providing more controls and visibility.
Alternatives and Competitors
Juniper Networks AI-Native Networking Platform
- Juniper’s platform unifies campus, branch, and data center networking operations via a common AI engine and the Mist Marvis Virtual Network Assistant (VNA). It has been trained on seven years of insights and data science development, reducing trouble tickets by up to 90% and operational expenses by up to 85%.
- Key Difference: Juniper’s platform focuses on unifying all networking operations through a single AI engine, whereas Gluware.ai emphasizes the use of Gen-AI for specific network automation tasks.
Arista Networks Etherlink AI Platforms
- Arista introduced three Etherlink AI platforms designed for optimal network performance for demanding AI workloads. These platforms provide continuous monitoring and predictive analytics to anticipate potential issues.
- Key Difference: Arista’s focus is on optimizing network performance for AI workloads, whereas Gluware.ai is more broadly focused on general network automation and security.
Cisco DNA Center
- Cisco DNA Center uses AI to automate network operations, providing automated troubleshooting, policy management, and real-time analytics. It helps professionals make data-driven decisions about network performance and security.
- Key Difference: Cisco DNA Center is a comprehensive network management tool with a strong focus on policy management and analytics, whereas Gluware Co-Pilot is more specialized in conversational interface and Gen-AI-driven automation.
Nile AI Services Platform
- Nile’s platform includes AI applications for automating network design, configuration, and management. It integrates security, cloud-native service delivery, and AI-powered closed-loop automation for campus and branch IT infrastructures.
- Key Difference: Nile’s platform is more focused on integrated security and cloud-native services, while Gluware.ai is centered around prebuilt intelligent network automation and Gen-AI capabilities.
Conclusion
In summary, while all these tools leverage AI to enhance network operations, Gluware.ai and Gluware Co-Pilot stand out with their use of Gen-AI, conversational interfaces, and prebuilt automation capabilities. Each competitor has its unique strengths, such as Juniper’s unified AI engine, Arista’s focus on AI workloads, Cisco’s comprehensive management, and Nile’s integrated security and cloud services. This variety allows network professionals to choose the tool that best fits their specific needs and network environments.
Glue Networks Gluware - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Gluware, along with detailed responses:
What is Gluware and what does it do?
Gluware is an Intelligent Network Automation platform that simplifies and accelerates network operations. It automates the configuration and management of network devices, streamlines operations, reduces errors, and enhances security. Gluware supports multi-vendor environments and provides a centralized platform for managing network devices, configuration, compliance, and monitoring.
How does Gluware generate revenue?
Gluware generates revenue through a subscription-based model and professional consulting services. The subscription services are priced based on the scale and complexity of the network environment, ensuring a scalable and cost-effective solution for organizations.
What are the key features of Gluware?
Key features of Gluware include multi-vendor support, policy-driven automation, real-time analytics, and scalability. It automates network provisioning and configuration tasks, such as device discovery, software upgrades, and policy enforcement. Gluware also provides end-to-end network visibility and control, and supports a wide range of network devices and vendors.
How does Gluware integrate with different network vendors?
Gluware is vendor-agnostic and seamlessly integrates with multiple vendors within a network infrastructure. This allows organizations to automate and orchestrate their multi-vendor networks, streamlining operations and reducing the complexity of managing disparate systems.
What is Gluware.ai and what does it offer?
Gluware.ai is a new product line from Gluware that leverages Generative AI (Gen-AI) and prebuilt intelligent network automation. It includes features like Gluware Co-Pilot, which provides real-time insights into network challenges, suggests proactive actions, and automates repetitive tasks. This AI-powered assistant helps mitigate security vulnerabilities, prevent network outages, and expedite the time-to-market for network services.
How does Gluware Co-Pilot work?
Gluware Co-Pilot is an AI-powered assistant that empowers network operators to gain real-time insights into network challenges. It provides prompt-based assistance for initial network troubleshooting and complex data gathering, manages complex configurations, keeps pace with software vulnerabilities and OS updates, and offers deep insights into lifecycle management. This tool significantly accelerates network automation and troubleshooting processes.
Can Gluware scale to meet the needs of large and complex networks?
Yes, Gluware is built with scalability and flexibility in mind. It can scale to meet the needs of any organization, whether it’s a small network with a few devices or a large, complex network with thousands of devices. Gluware’s modular architecture allows for customization to fit specific requirements and integration with existing tools and systems.
How does Gluware improve network security and compliance?
Gluware improves network security and compliance by automating routine tasks and providing real-time insights into network performance. It proactively identifies and resolves network issues before they impact business operations. Gluware also ensures consistent network configurations and compliance with security policies, reducing the risk of errors and misconfigurations.
What is Gluware DIAL and how does it work?
Gluware DIAL (Device Interaction and Automation Layer) is a unified intelligent API layer that enables hands-off network automation, full remediation, and near real-time compliance auditing for configuration and security policy. It replaces the need to write hundreds of scripts for thousands of devices with a single intent-based data model and intuitive drag-and-drop navigation, dramatically reducing the time it takes to automate networks.
How long does it take to implement Gluware in an enterprise network?
Gluware is the only turnkey, intelligent network automation software platform that can automate enterprise networks in as little as 30 days. This rapid implementation is due to its out-of-the-box, self-operating, and auto-remediating capabilities.