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Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

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Ratings

G2
4.5/5
(48)

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) description

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a network access control software that helps you manage who and what connects to your network. It provides visibility into all devices and users, simplifies access rules, and helps secure your company's data. This makes managing who can access your network and what they can do much easier. Cisco ISE is used by organizations of all sizes and industries to strengthen their network security posture.


Who is Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) best for

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) offers robust network access control, bolstering security through granular policy enforcement and device visibility. Users praise its comprehensive authentication options and integration with other Cisco products. However, some find the cost high and the setup complex. ISE is best for medium to large businesses with existing Cisco infrastructure seeking enhanced security and compliance.

  • Ideal for medium to large businesses (101-1000+ employees) with Cisco-centric networks.

  • Particularly well-suited for Healthcare, Finance, and IT industries.


Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) features

Supported

ISE tracks user activity via authentication, authorization, and endpoint profiling.

Supported

ISE supports continuous compliance monitoring through posture assessment and endpoint compliance.

Supported

ISE supports access control policies based on user roles, permissions, and attributes.

Supported

ISE allows blocking or allowing specific devices based on various attributes.

Supported

Cisco ISE supports Zero Trust Network Access by authenticating users and devices based on identity and context, not just network location.

Supported

Cisco ISE provides extensive visibility into network and endpoint health, serving as a central source of truth for device and application status.

Supported

ISE performs device posture checks before granting network access, including antivirus and firewall checks.


Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) reviews

We've summarised 48 Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) reviews (Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
  • Centralized network access control and management.
  • Comprehensive authentication options (e.g., AD, RADIUS, LDAP).
  • Granular control over security policies with device profiling and posture assessment.
  • Excellent integration with other Cisco products.
  • Provides detailed network visibility, including endpoint discovery and profiling.
Cons of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
  • High cost, especially licensing.
  • Complex setup and configuration, steep learning curve.
  • GUI can be clunky and slow, sometimes requiring restarts.
  • Software upgrades can be problematic and introduce bugs.
  • Limited non-Cisco device compatibility.

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) pricing

The commentary is based on 6 reviews from Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) G2 reviews.

Reviews frequently cite Cisco ISE's high cost and complex licensing schema as drawbacks. While some reviewers mention the need for costly infrastructure upgrades, the robust security features and centralized control are often seen as valuable, despite the price.

Users sentiment

Strongly negative
-1

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) alternatives

  • Logo of FortiNAC
    FortiNAC
    Network access control: See, control, and secure every connected device.
    Read more
  • Logo of Aruba ClearPass Access Control and Policy Management
    Aruba ClearPass Access Control and Policy Management
    Secure network access: connect right, block threats.
    Read more
  • Logo of Forescout Platform
    Forescout Platform
    Agentless device visibility and control for any network.
    Read more
  • Logo of Portnox
    Portnox
    Network access control: secure, automated, and easy to manage.
    Read more
  • Logo of SailPoint
    SailPoint
    Automates secure access to data and apps, reducing risk.
    Read more
  • Logo of I/Security (Intergraph Security)
    I/Security (Intergraph Security)
    Unifies security systems for faster incident response and control.
    Read more

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) FAQ

  • What is Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and what does Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) do?

    Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a network access control and security policy management platform. It offers comprehensive visibility into network devices and users, enabling streamlined access control, device profiling, and posture assessment. This enhances network security and simplifies compliance management.

  • How does Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) integrate with other tools?

    Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) integrates with other Cisco products and supports standard protocols like RADIUS and LDAP. It also integrates with other security tools for posture assessment and threat intelligence, enhancing its access control capabilities. This allows for comprehensive network visibility and control.

  • What the main competitors of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)?

    Top alternatives to Cisco ISE include Aruba ClearPass, Okta, and FortiNAC. These competitors offer similar network access control and security features, often at a more competitive price point. Consider these alternatives if you are looking for potentially simpler deployment or broader device compatibility.

  • Is Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) legit?

    Yes, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a legitimate network access control software offered by Cisco. It's a popular choice for enhancing network security through robust access control and device visibility. However, potential users should be aware of the high cost and complex setup.

  • How much does Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) cost?

    I cannot find pricing information for Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). Contact Cisco or a certified partner for detailed pricing based on your specific needs and deployment model. This will help determine if the product is worth the investment for your organization.

  • Is Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) customer service good?

    Cisco ISE customer support receives mixed reviews. While some users praise the helpfulness and availability of the support team, others mention the complexity of the product requiring third-party assistance. Despite some implementation challenges, the support team is generally viewed as a valuable resource.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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