Network / NMS
SolarWinds NPM
SolarWinds
The default enterprise NMS for traditional on-prem networks — deep SNMP, mature dashboards (NetPath, PerfStack), a huge module ecosystem.
- Category
- Network / NMS
- License
- Proprietary
- Deployment
- Self-hosted
- Cost
- High
- Free tier
- No
- Self-host effort
- Heavy
- Maturity
- Incumbent
- Popularity
- Category-defining enterprise incumbent
The catch
Element-based licensing is confusing and pricey, the Orion stack is heavy to run and upgrade, and post-acquisition repricing has customers nervously eyeing renewals.
Monitors
Protocols
Capabilities
Built for
The honest take
The tool everyone’s trying to leave right now. It genuinely works and the out-of-the-box coverage is unmatched — but the doubled-renewal stories are real, and the element-based math means you never quite know what the next quote will be. If you’re here because of a price hike, see the SolarWinds escape guide.
Pricing in the real world
- SL100 ≈ $2,995
- ~100 devices commonly $15k+/yr
- SLX "unlimited" tier is quote-only — can reach six figures
Element-based (largest of node/interface/volume), plus recurring annual maintenance/support; newer tiers are subscription.
Ownership
Taken private by Turn/River Capital (2025)