Unified IT Observability Without Complexity or High Costs
As IT environments grow more complex, organizations need a monitoring platform that combines visibility, control, and flexibility. Many companies currently using SolarWinds are considering ManageEngine OpManager Plus as a more transparent and future-proof solution for end-to-end IT observability. OpManager Plus offers a fully integrated platform that combines network, server, application, database, virtualization, and cloud monitoring in a single console. In contrast, SolarWinds consists of a fragmented ecosystem of separate products, making implementation and management more complex.
Plan a demoWhy Organizations Are Switching to OpManager Plus
- Transparent and predictable pricing
- A single console for complete observability
- AI-driven insights to prevent downtime
- Easy migration and installation
- Local support from CBA Benelux
Platform Approach, Licensing, and Ease of Use
OpManager Plus bundles all functionality into one unified observability suite for network, server, application, configuration, and firewall management. This means IT teams use a single console for full visibility, whereas SolarWinds requires multiple consoles and add-ons.
The licensing model of OpManager Plus is flexible: organizations can choose between a subscription or a one-time perpetual license. SolarWinds only offers subscriptions, often with multi-year commitments. Additionally, OpManager Plus is available in both on-premises and cloud editions, while SolarWinds primarily focuses on on-premises or hybrid deployments.
In terms of support, OpManager Plus offers local implementation and migration assistance via CBA Benelux, while SolarWinds provides global support with limited local presence.
Core Features
OpManager Plus delivers comprehensive network monitoring including flow analysis, configuration management, and compliance functionality. SolarWinds offers many of these features only through separate modules or higher license tiers, resulting in additional costs and configuration efforts. Other advantages of OpManager include:
Smart AI Alerts
Receive real-time warnings, automatically detect anomalies, and benefit from predictive analytics — all included in the base license.
Integrated Application Monitoring
Monitor your applications without extra licenses or modules, fully integrated into one platform.
Automation & Compliance
Automate backups, policy handling, and compliance tasks for more efficient network management.
Built-in Firewall Management
Manage firewalls directly from OpManager Plus, including threat detection, policy analysis, and rule audits.
Cost Comparison and Technical Advantages
The price difference is significant: SolarWinds Advanced Edition costs around USD 97,500 for 750 devices, while OpManager Plus (Professional Edition) costs USD 12,000 for 1,000 devices. This makes OpManager Plus not only more affordable but also more transparent and predictable in total cost of ownership.
Additionally, OpManager Plus supports:
- Real-time monitoring of network performance, bandwidth usage, and traffic trends
- Automatic alerts and reports, including compliance reports for ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA
- Network mapping, visualization, and historical data analysis without extra modules
- Monitoring of VMware, Hyper-V, and cloud environments, fully integrated into one dashboard
SolarWinds often requires separate add-ons to achieve the same functionality, which adds licensing complexity, maintenance, and configuration overhead. OpManager Plus is also easier to use thanks to intuitive dashboards and a short learning curve.
Conclusion
SolarWinds remains a capable enterprise solution, but rising costs, licensing limitations, and complex integrations are prompting IT leaders to seek modern, unified alternatives. ManageEngine OpManager Plus delivers the same (and often more) functionality, with greater flexibility, stronger ROI, and local expertise to support every phase of your IT transformation.
Schedule a demo with one of our consultants and discover why OpManager Plus is the powerful, affordable, and future-ready alternative to SolarWinds.
