Deep dives on network automation, compliance, security, and the future of configuration management — written by engineers, not marketers.
You have probably felt the frustration. You designed a brilliant automation solution, a script or workflow that could prevent critical outages, standardize hundreds of devices, and save thousands of hours of manual toil. Yet, the project is stuck. It sits in an approval queue, waiting for a signature that never seems to arrive. The common assumption is that leadership just doesn't "get it."
Aviation has achieved a remarkable level of safety through decades of discipline, procedure, and learning from every single flight. Meanwhile, many network operations teams live in a state of perpetual crisis, lurching from one outage to the next. This culture of "firefighting" is not a badge of honor. It is an expensive, exhausting, and unsustainable operational model. Uncontrolled configuration changes are a primary cause of network incidents in large enterprises, turning skilled engineers into reactive problem solvers instead of strategic architects. The constant emergencies erode morale and prevent forward progress. To escape this cycle, we must shift our perspective from reactive firefighting to proactive flight control. The principles that make air travel incredibly safe provide a powerful blueprint for building predictable and resilient operational safety networks.
In every IT department, there seems to be one: the go-to expert. This is the person who can parachute into a major outage at 2 AM and, through a combination of deep institutional knowledge and sheer force of will, bring critical systems back online. They are celebrated, rewarded, and seen as indispensable. This is the "hero engineer," a figure born not of malice but from a flawed operational model that concentrates critical knowledge in one individual.
When business leaders evaluate network automation, the conversation often defaults to a familiar place: operational efficiency. We calculate hours saved, headcount reallocated, and the incremental gains of faster deployments. While these metrics are valid, they miss the fundamental value proposition. Viewing network automation as a simple cost-saving tool is like valuing an insurance policy based on the quality of the paper it’s printed on.
Your network team tracks uptime, latency, and packet loss. Your CFO tracks EBITDA, operating margins, and risk exposure. This is the fundamental communication gap that often leaves critical infrastructure investments on the back burner. While you see a router configuration as a set of technical instructions, your finance chief sees a potential single point of failure for revenue generation.
Many IT leaders believe their networks are manually managed, holding off on automation because they fear the risk. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: your network is already automated. It’s just happening in the shadows, through a chaotic mix of ad-hoc scripts, forgotten cron jobs, and processes that exist only in the minds of a few senior engineers. This is shadow automation, and it’s far more dangerous than any formal platform.
Many IT leaders have experienced this precise moment of frustration. You walk into a budget meeting armed with a meticulously prepared proposal for network automation. You have charts showing projected efficiency gains, calculations on reduced man-hours, and a clear path to a more productive network team. Yet, the proposal is met with a polite "not this quarter." It is deferred, down-prioritized, or rejected outright. This isn't a failure of your idea. It is a failure of communication.
For years, NetMRI had a reputation for being one of the most dependable NCM tools on the market. It wasn’t flashy, but it did the important things consistently well — and that’s why engineers trusted it. With the product now retired, it’s worth taking a closer look at what made NetMRI so popular and how modern platforms like rConfig carry those strengths forward without the overhead.
Discover why open-source NCM tools lacking authentication represent a critical compliance and security failure. Understand the inherent risks and learn how to select a secure solution.
NetMRI’s end-of-life didn’t just create a gap — it exposed a bigger shift happening in the NCM space. Legacy tools that once dominated the market are now struggling to keep up with modern network realities. This article looks at why that’s happening and why many teams are moving toward lighter, faster, more adaptable NCM platforms.
Discover how a distributed architecture helps MSPs manage multi-tenant networks with greater scalability, security, and centralized control for enhanced profit.
Explore the significant cyber risks of unauthenticated network configuration management. Learn how this oversight exposes credentials and violates NIS2 and DORA compliance.
Explore why script-driven automation fails under NIS2 and DORA regulations. Learn how liability, fragility, and a lack of audit trails make a shift to governed NCM platforms essential for modern network compliance and security.
With NetMRI officially reaching end-of-life, a lot of teams are scrambling to understand what to choose next — not from a vendor marketing perspective, but from a real operational one. This guide gives you a clear, grounded framework to evaluate NetMRI replacements in 2025, based on what actually matters to network and security teams.
Discover why unmanaged network scripting has become a critical boardroom cybersecurity risk. Learn how governance failures create unauditable, fragile networks and expose executives to liability.
Explore how outdated network configuration management tools accumulate technical debt, creating significant compliance, legal, and financial liabilities under NIS2, DORA, and cyber insurance policies.
With NetMRI now retired, the network world is moving into a new phase of configuration management. Teams aren’t just looking for backups and diff reports anymore — they want real-time visibility, active verification, and deeper intelligence about the actual state of their network. This article explores how NCM is evolving and what comes next in a post-NetMRI world.
For years, network automation has been propped up by the same familiar tools and the same familiar story: a clever mix of Python...
With NetMRI officially retiring, many teams are now facing the practical reality of moving away from a tool they’ve relied on for years. Migration can feel daunting, especially when daily operations depend on accurate backups, clean compliance reporting, and stable automation. The good news is that with the right approach, the transition doesn’t need to be chaotic.
Learn how a vendor-agnostic strategy simplifies network management in multi-tenant environments, reduces operational costs, and enhances security without vendor lock-in.
Explore the critical compliance gaps legacy NCM tools and DIY scripts create under NIS2 and DORA. Understand the specific regulatory failures in identity, traceability, and integrity.
For a long time, Oxidized and RANCID were the heroes of network automation. They were community-driven, lightweight, dependable, and genuinely ahead of their time. They helped thousands of organisations survive an era when vendors offered little or nothing in the way of automation or modern configuration management.
Explore the hidden risks of using Netmiko and Jinja for network automation. Learn why your favorite Python scripts might fail a regulatory audit under NIS2 or DORA and how to build a compliant strategy.
As NetMRI reaches end-of-life, many organisations are rethinking what they actually need from a network configuration management tool. Instead of turning to heavy automation suites, teams are increasingly choosing lean, open-source–rooted platforms that are fast, modern, and easier to operate. This article explores why that shift is happening and what makes these tools so appealing in 2025.
Learn how NIS2 and DORA make network configuration a regulated control. Understand key requirements for authentication, integrity, and audit logs to ensure your tools are ready.
Script-driven network automation once helped teams move fast — but in 2025, it no longer meets compliance, security, or audit requirements. With NIS2 and DORA enforcing strict configuration governance, unauthenticated or script-based NCM introduces real organisational liability. This article explains why tools like Netmiko, NAPALM, Batfish, Oxidized, and RANCID can’t meet the new bar — and what modern, compliant network automation looks like.
Modern networks have outgrown the script-driven tools that once held them together. With regulations like NIS2 and DORA enforcing strict configuration and audit requirements, network configuration management is now a board-level issue. This article explains why scripting isn’t sustainable anymore and how secure, open-source platforms like rConfig Core v8 meet today’s compliance expectations.
Explore the strategic move away from single-vendor ecosystems. Learn how a vendor-agnostic approach enhances scalability, cuts costs, and future-proofs your IT.
Explore a detailed comparison of network automation tools. See how modern platforms move beyond simple backups to offer advanced compliance, state tracking, and scalability.
NetMRI has officially reached end-of-life in 2025. Here’s how it affects network and security teams, what risks it creates, and what a modern NCM replacement actually needs to deliver.
The SonicWall firewall breach proves the danger of cloud-stored configuration data. Learn how rConfig’s on-prem, vendor-neutral NCM platform gives you full control of your network backups, encryption, and compliance.
The philosophy of regulatory oversight has fundamentally shifted. Auditors no longer arrive asking, "Do you have a change management policy?" Instead, the question has become far more direct: "Show me the immutable log of every change made to this firewall in the last six months." This change moves the focus from paper policies and good intentions to provable, continuous control over critical infrastructure. The burden of proof now rests squarely on the organization to demonstrate its command over its own environment.
rConfig unveils the first free in-app Generative AI and MCP AI for network configuration management, giving engineers full control of data, privacy, and insight.
Adapted and summarized from research by Barry Keepence & Mike Mannion (Napier University, 1997, IEEE).
On September 24, 2025, Cisco disclosed a serious vulnerability in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE software, tracked as CVE-2025-20352.
A new critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-20188) in Cisco IOS XE Wireless Controller Software allows unauthenticated attackers to execute commands with root privileges. With a perfect CVSS score of 10.0, this flaw demands immediate attention from network teams. This post details the vulnerability and shows how rConfig automates detection and remediation across your Catalyst 9800 devices in minutes, not days.
In high-stakes environments, from manufacturing floors to financial markets, success is measured not by raw speed but by the consistency of outcomes. A pharmaceutical company values a perfectly replicated formula over a rushed batch. A pilot prioritizes a stable flight path over record-breaking velocity. The same principle applies to modern IT, where the true value of network automation lies in its ability to deliver predictable, auditable results every time.
We’re thrilled to share that rConfig is going Platinum at the Zabbix Summit 2025, taking place this October 8–10 in Riga. This isn’t just a sponsorship — it’s a statement. We're bringing the full power of our new rConfig V8 release to the global stage, including two major new features: a next-gen Zabbix integration and a soon-to-be-revealed AI-powered capability that’s going to change the game for network teams. If you’re in the business of automating, scaling, or securing network operations — you’ll want to see what’s coming.
For years, the conversation around network automation has been dominated by a single metric: speed. The prevailing belief was that its primary purpose was to push changes faster. This perspective, however, misses the larger strategic value that automation offers. The true measure of a mature automation strategy is not velocity but predictability. Predictability means every network change is executed consistently, can be repeated without deviation, and is fully auditable. This shift in focus moves the conversation from tactical speed to strategic stability. It aligns directly with what executive leadership truly values: mitigated risk, operational resilience, and uninterrupted business continuity. The concept is not new. In mature disciplines like manufacturing, process control has always prioritized quality and consistency over the raw speed of the assembly line. It is time for network operations to adopt the same mindset.
rConfig’s Nautobot Device Sync integration automates device syncing, ensuring your network inventory stays accurate and up-to-date. With seamless integration and vendor-agnostic flexibility, managing devices across platforms has never been easier.
Network security teams are racing to address a new critical vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Wireless Controller Software. With a maximum CVSS score of 10.0, CVE-2025-20188 allows unauthenticated attackers to remotely execute commands with root privileges across enterprise networks. This post explains the vulnerability details and demonstrates how rConfig's automation tools can detect, mitigate, and verify fixes across your entire infrastructure within minutes instead of days. Protect your Catalyst 9800 devices now with these step-by-step remediation techniques.
Discover rConfig Vector—the next-gen distributed NCM solution designed for scale, speed, and security. Built for modern IT teams, Vector offers high availability, encryption by default, lightning-fast backups, and seamless tool integration. Future-proof your network management today.
Reliable and secure network configuration is essential to the success of any business, whatever the size. See how rConfig's software ensures a safe and consistent connection.
Network downtime can cause unnecessary stress, but it can be avoided by applying proven, proactive strategies. Here, we look at how monitoring, automation and configuration backups with rConfig can prevent downtime.
Discover why opinionated network automation tools fall short in today’s multi-vendor environments. Learn how rConfig’s flexible, vendor-agnostic NCM approach empowers IT teams to automate, scale, and innovate without compromise.
Go beyond intent with rConfig’s state-aware network management. Capture real-time device behavior with state backups—BGP, routing tables, LLDP/CDP, and more—for faster troubleshooting, compliance, and full-stack visibility across your network.
As Cisco, VMware, and others pivot to AI, traditional NCM tools are being left behind. Discover how rConfig delivers modern, vendor-agnostic network configuration management—built for security, compliance, and real-world IT needs.
Tired of vendor lock-in and hidden costs with closed source NCM? Discover how rConfig delivers transparency, innovation, and ROI through a secure, community-driven open source model.
Relying on outdated network management tools like Rancid can expose your network to security risks, compatibility issues, and increased technical debt. Learn why upgrading to modern alternatives is crucial for maintaining secure, efficient networks.
Discover how rConfig helps manufacturers and critical infrastructure teams manage OT security, automate compliance, and streamline backups across IoT and industrial devices.
Discover how Laravel simplifies network automation with clean code, task scheduling, and API support. Learn best practices and real-world examples of Laravel in modern network management.
Explore the transformative features of rConfig V7, including advanced API backup and the Script Integration Engine, designed to streamline network operations, enhance security, and boost efficiency in modern network management.
Rancid has been a staple in network management, but the time has come for a new chapter. Join us as we honor its legacy and explore the exciting future of network management with rConfig, designed for today's and tomorrow's needs.
The SolarWinds breach proved closed-source secrecy isn’t security. Discover how rConfig’s open-source philosophy builds trust, transparency, and resilience in network management.
Discover how rConfig V7 revolutionizes network management with API backup, Script Integration Engine, RBAC, and enhanced config change management. Experience greater flexibility, security, and efficiency for modern networks.
Discover how Laravel and rConfig are transforming network automation. Explore key features, real-world use cases, and the future of scalable, secure network operations.
Discover why rConfig selected Laravel as its core framework. From development speed to scalability and security, explore how Laravel powers the future of network configuration management.
Explore how community drives open-source success, the challenges of sustaining contributions, and what Oxidized teaches us about project lifecycles, governance, and long-term growth.
Discover how rConfig tackled a tricky Telnet login on a legacy Avaya Switch using VT100 control codes, automation magic, and a whole lot of coffee. A win for both Core and Pro users!
Explore the pros and cons of Cisco and Juniper’s vendor-specific NCMs vs. vendor agnostic solutions. Discover how rConfig enables scalable, cost-effective, multi-vendor network configuration management.
Outdated network tools are like stale bread—useless and risky. Discover how rConfig keeps your infrastructure fresh, secure, and future-ready with modern software practices.
With VMware Smart Assurance EoS approaching, rConfig V7 offers a future-ready alternative. Leverage BYOC, automated compliance, and API-driven backups to modernize service assurance today.
Explore top terminal emulators for Windows including SecureCRT, PuTTY, Terminus, and Windows Terminal. Compare features, security, and performance to find the ideal CLI tool for your workflow.
Explore a side-by-side comparison of Oxidized and RANCID, two leading open-source network configuration management tools. Discover their strengths in device support, version control, and usability.
Discover how vendor-agnostic switch management software simplifies multi-vendor network environments. Learn key features, benefits, evaluation tips, and implementation best practices.
As the CTO of rConfig, I stand at the forefront of a transformative wave in network configuration management. Our approach to open source is not just a business strategy; it’s a philosophy that champions transparency, collaborative innovation, and ag...
Explore how Laravel simplifies network task automation through elegant tools like Eloquent ORM, task scheduling, and robust security. Learn real-world use cases and best practices.
Discover how rConfig leads the Network Configuration Management space by focusing on product excellence, value-based pricing, and customer-driven innovation—not flashy marketing or price wars.
Comply with the NIS2 Directive using rConfig. Automate risk management, enforce secure configurations, and ensure reliable network backups to boost cyber resilience and maintain essential services under EU regulations.
Critical RCE flaws in SolarWinds ARM serve as a stark reminder of the need for secure NCM tools. Discover how rConfig’s open-source model delivers resilient, community-driven security.
Learn how to install and configure Laravel with rConfig for powerful network automation. This step-by-step guide covers system prep, Laravel setup, and best practices for scaling your automation stack.
Rancid had its moment—but your network deserves better. Discover why modern IT teams are ditching legacy tools and turning to rConfig for scalable, future-ready network management.
Discover the 15-year journey of rConfig — the longest maintained open-source network configuration manager. Explore its evolution, community impact, and future innovations shaping network management.
As legacy NCM tools fade and security concerns rise, rConfig V7 delivers modern, transparent, and scalable network management. Discover why the future belongs to open-source NCM.
Explore how manufacturers can tackle OT network challenges with NCM tools like rConfig. Learn strategies for managing complexity, ensuring compliance, and embracing Industry 4.0 innovation.
Explore how rConfig is redefining NCM with intelligent automation, API-driven backups, and script integration. The future of network management is here—and it's adaptable, predictive, and developer-friendly.
With VMware Smarts facing EOL under Broadcom, explore why rConfig is the smarter NCM alternative. Compare features, security, device support, and cost to future-proof your network management strategy.
Boost NCM security and automation with SSH private key support in rConfig. Learn how to set up, assign, and troubleshoot SSH keys for safer, password-free device access—plus watch our step-by-step YouTube guide.
rConfig CTO shares insights from 14+ years of experience on transforming network automation scripts into user-friendly, sustainable applications using design thinking and technical mastery.
Using outdated, unsupported network management software can expose your business to security vulnerabilities, inefficiency, and compliance risks. Learn why upgrading to modern solutions is essential for your network's future.
With over 200 vulnerabilities in VMware and Broadcom NCM tools, security matters more than ever. Discover how rConfig V7 sets a new standard with transparency, rapid patching, and community-driven hardening.
Still using legacy network tools? Discover why aging IT infrastructure is risky business—and how rConfig can keep your network modern, secure, and ready for anything.
Discover Oxidized, the open-source NCM tool trusted by network pros. Learn about its origins, features, and why it still matters in modern network management.
Tired of managing network automation with raw Python scripts? Discover how Laravel, with its built-in scheduling, queues, and web UI support, offers a surprisingly elegant solution for scalable, secure network automation—even in complex environments.
Explore how Laravel streamlines network automation—from device provisioning to compliance audits. Learn practical examples, security tips, and how rConfig Automate delivers custom Laravel-based automation solutions.
Discover how integrating Digi's Industrial Cellular Routers with rConfig streamlines network configuration, enhances security, and powers global advertising networks with reliable, scalable OT connectivity.
Oxidized has shaped open-source network management with innovation and resilience. This article celebrates its legacy, explores the challenges of sustaining legacy projects, and calls for new maintainers to carry it forward.
Say goodbye to legacy tools like Rancid and step into the future with rConfig. Discover how modern network management boosts security, agility, and performance.
Break free from vendor lock-in with rConfig’s flexible, vendor-agnostic NCM platform. Manage any device, automate API backups, and cut network costs—all while boosting security and scalability.
Discover how rConfig is revolutionizing Network Configuration Management (NCM) in Operational Technology. Learn about its OT-specific benefits, real-world use cases, and future innovations driving security, compliance, and efficiency.
Explore how open source network tools like rConfig combat technical debt through up-to-date dependencies, modular design, and strategic agility—future-proofing your network infrastructure.
Broadcom’s VMware acquisition signals rising NCM costs. Break free from opaque licensing with rConfig’s transparent, unlimited-device pricing—built for predictable scaling and IT budget peace of mind.
Considering building your own NCM? Discover why rConfig Automate is the smarter choice—offering enterprise features, security, and flexibility without the hidden costs and risks of DIY solutions.
Boost security, efficiency, and uptime in your smart manufacturing environment with these 10 expert tips for network configuration management. A must-read for modern factories!
In the wake of high-profile breaches like SolarWinds, rConfig's CTO shares a personal reflection on trust, resilience, and how open-source NCM can secure your network’s future. Learn how rConfig puts transparency and security first.
The SolarWinds breach reshaped cybersecurity expectations. Discover how rConfig offers a transparent, secure and scalable NCM alternative built for the challenges of tomorrow, with customer trust, open-source strength and enterprise-ready resilience at its core.
Switzerland’s EMBAG law requires public sector software to be open-source, setting a global precedent. Discover the law’s impact on OSS transparency, vendor sustainability, licensing, and the future of hybrid software models.
Tired of slow, outdated NCM tools from big vendors? Discover how rConfig delivers agile, customer-focused Non-Conformance Management with faster updates, better support, and customizable features tailored for modern manufacturers.
Explore the current state and future of open-source network configuration management tools. Learn about the challenges, growth drivers, and innovations shaping the next generation of NCM solutions.
Ditch the bloat of monolithic NCM. Discover how rConfig’s open-source, vendor-agnostic platform delivers agile updates, real-world innovation, and freedom from vendor lock-in.
In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, outdated tools like Rancid pose serious risks. Discover why staying up-to-date with network tools like rConfig is essential for operational stability and defense against evolving threats.
Legacy Java NCMs can’t keep up with today’s networks. Discover how rConfig’s modern UI, efficient SPA architecture, and secure open-source stack deliver next-gen performance and usability.
Oxidized’s reliance on Ruby 3.0 presents mounting security and compatibility risks. Explore the challenges of outdated dependencies and how the open-source community can evolve while honoring the past.
rConfig’s open-source NCM platform champions transparency, innovation, and community-driven development. Discover how we're redefining network management beyond the VMware model.
In the wake of the SolarWinds supply chain attack, organizations are reevaluating their network tools. Discover how rConfig’s open-source approach, transparent security practices, and proactive defense make it the trusted alternative in a post-breach world.
As Broadcom reshapes VMware’s NCM roadmap, legacy tools like VOYENCE face obsolescence. Discover why rConfig offers a secure, agile alternative for the next era of network management.
Discover how vendor agnostic NCMS like rConfig help businesses overcome vendor lock-in, boost scalability, and streamline network operations. Future-proof your network today.
Explore the key software architecture patterns driving modern network automation. From Microservices to Event-Driven Design, discover how each style enhances flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in network management.
Outdated network tools like Rancid are a thing of the past. Discover why it's time to upgrade to rConfig for a modern, secure, and efficient network management solution that’s built for today’s tech landscape.
Discover how integrating rConfig with NetBox creates a unified Source of Truth for network management—automating configs, syncing inventory, and boosting efficiency and security.
In the wake of high-profile breaches like SolarWinds, rConfig doubles down on proactive security, automation, and trust. Discover how our modern NCM platform empowers businesses to build resilience, improve efficiency, and thrive in today’s digital landscape.
Discover how PHP and Laravel are emerging as powerful alternatives to Python in network automation. Explore best practices, clean code benefits, and sustainable, scalable development for modern NCM strategies.
rConfig’s CTO breaks down the real story behind technical debt in proprietary vs. open-source software—and how rConfig stays ahead with Laravel, Vue, and PatternFly. Discover our secret sauce to building future-proof, stable, and secure network automation tools.
From Nmap to Traceroute, discover the top 5 command-line tools every network engineer needs for troubleshooting, security, and performance optimization. Boost your CLI skills and network efficiency.
Avoid the risks and rising costs of vendor lock-in with independent Network Configuration Management. Discover how rConfig empowers flexible, secure, and future-proof network operations.
VMware Smart Assurance is ending—don’t risk your network. Discover how to audit, plan, and migrate with rConfig V7, the future-proof NCM alternative built for compliance, cloud, and automation.
Discover how OT network configuration boosts operational efficiency, enhances cybersecurity, and ensures scalability in modern manufacturing. A must-read for Industry 4.0 leaders.
Discover why switching from Oxidized to rConfig was like upgrading to a network automation supercar. Real-world insights, bold innovation, and a future built on fourteen years of trust.
Technical debt may be invisible, but its impact on network management is massive. Learn how rConfig tackles outdated tools, missed opportunities, and hidden costs with a future-focused approach.
Meet NIS2 requirements with ease using rConfig. Automate incident reporting, monitor configs in real time, and secure your network with fast detection, auditing, and recovery tools.
Prepare for VMware Smart Assurance End of Support with this step-by-step migration guide. Discover how rConfig V7 offers a scalable, secure, and future-ready NCM alternative.