rConfig vs SolarWinds NCM
SolarWinds NCM Alternative Built for Scale
Network configuration management without the wider platform
Looking for a SolarWinds NCM alternative? rConfig helps you back up configurations, track changes, prove compliance and automate work across multi-vendor networks. Run it on your own infrastructure, with licensing built around configuration management, not a wider monitoring platform.
- Self-hosted
- Active Roadmap
- Multi-vendor
- Built to scale
When rConfig Is the Better Fit
SolarWinds NCM connects with the wider SolarWinds platform. rConfig stays focused on network configuration management. Run it on your own infrastructure and scale it as your network grows.
Built for configuration management
Network configuration management is the whole product, not one part of a larger platform. Deploy what you need and scale it as your network grows.
Licensing built around NCM
Pay for the configuration management you need, not a wider monitoring platform.
Your network data stays with you
Run rConfig on your own Linux infrastructure. Your device credentials, backups and change history stay in your environment.
Start free. Scale when ready.
Try Core with real devices on your network. Move to a commercial edition when you need more scale, control and support.
rConfig vs SolarWinds NCM
Both platforms manage network configurations. The difference is how they are deployed, licensed and scaled.
| What matters | SolarWinds NCM | rConfig |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | SolarWinds NCMNCM within a wider monitoring platform | rConfigA platform built for network configuration management |
| Backups | SolarWinds NCMScheduled backups across multiple vendors | rConfigScheduled backups with full version history |
| Change tracking | SolarWinds NCMCompare configurations and see changes | rConfigSee every change with line-by-line diffs |
| Compliance | SolarWinds NCMPolicy checks and fixes | rConfigCompliance checks, reports and audit evidence |
| Deployment | SolarWinds NCMSelf-hosted on Windows | rConfigSelf-hosted on Linux |
| Data control | SolarWinds NCMData stays in your SolarWinds environment | rConfigData stays on infrastructure you control |
| Licensing | SolarWinds NCMCommercial licence, standalone or within the wider platform | rConfigOpen-source Core with commercial editions |
| How to start | SolarWinds NCMStart a commercial trial | rConfigTry Core or plan a commercial evaluation |
| Best for | SolarWinds NCMTeams already using the SolarWinds platform | rConfigTeams that want focused NCM without a wider platform |
SolarWinds, Orion and SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager are trademarks of their respective owner. SolarWinds NCM is available both as part of SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted and as a standalone Orion module. This comparison is provided for evaluation purposes, describes competitor capabilities in general terms, and reflects publicly documented product information at the time of writing.
Everything You Need to Manage Network Configurations
Automated backups
Schedule reliable configuration backups for switches, routers, firewalls and other network devices.
Network configuration backupTrack every change
See what changed, when it changed and which lines were added or removed.
Version control and rollbackProve compliance
Check configurations against your rules and produce clear evidence for audits.
Compliance and security auditingManage every vendor
Manage different vendors and device types through one simple workflow.
Multi-vendor network managementAutomate network work
Schedule jobs, make standard changes and cut repetitive manual work.
Configuration templates and bulk deploymentRestore configurations
Find a known-good configuration and restore it when a change causes a problem.
Configuration restore and recovery
Compare SolarWinds NCM and rConfig Pricing
SolarWinds NCM uses commercial licensing and is available on its own or as part of the wider SolarWinds platform. rConfig lets you start with open-source Core and move to a commercial edition when you need more scale, control and support.
rConfig Core
- Free, open source and self-hosted
- Automated backups and configuration history
- Test rConfig with your own devices
rConfig Commercial
- Built for production and enterprise networks
- More scale, control and support
- Upgrade when your needs grow
SolarWinds NCM
- Commercially licensed
- Available alone or within the wider SolarWinds platform
- Contact SolarWinds for current pricing
Move from SolarWinds NCM in Stages
Run rConfig alongside SolarWinds NCM while you validate device access, scheduled backups, configuration history and day to day workflows. Move device groups in stages and retire the existing NCM deployment only when your team is ready.
- Step 1
Deploy rConfig in your environment.
- Step 2
Add a small group of devices.
- Step 3
Test backups, configuration diffs and scheduled jobs.
- Step 4
Move the rest of your devices in stages.
- Step 5
Retire SolarWinds NCM when your team is ready.
Running the open-source edition? Use the rConfig Core import guide.
SolarWinds NCM Alternative FAQs
Is rConfig a good SolarWinds alternative?
Yes, if you need network configuration management. rConfig gives you automated backups, version history, configuration diffs, compliance reports and multi-vendor automation. It does not replace SolarWinds monitoring or observability products.
Is rConfig more affordable than SolarWinds NCM?
For many network teams, yes. SolarWinds customers have reported sharp increases in recent renewal quotes, and SolarWinds NCM uses node-based licensing. rConfig Core is free, while commercial editions use clear, perpetual pricing. This can make rConfig substantially less expensive, especially as your network grows.
What is the difference between rConfig and SolarWinds NCM?
SolarWinds NCM is available alone or as part of the wider SolarWinds platform. rConfig is focused on network configuration management and runs on Linux infrastructure you control.
Can I move from SolarWinds NCM to rConfig?
Yes. Run both platforms together while you test your devices, backups and scheduled jobs. Then move your network to rConfig in stages.
Does rConfig run on Linux?
Yes. rConfig is self-hosted on Linux. Your device data, backups and configuration history stay in your environment.
Does rConfig support multi-vendor networks?
Yes. rConfig backs up, tracks and manages switches, routers, firewalls and other devices from many vendors.
Can I try rConfig before replacing SolarWinds NCM?
Yes. Install rConfig Core and test it with real devices on your network before choosing a commercial edition.
See rConfig on Your Network
Run rConfig alongside SolarWinds NCM. Compare backups, change history and daily workflows using your own devices.