Centralized management has transformed multi-site DNS, DHCP, and IP address administration
What is our primary use case?
We are using
Infoblox NIOS to host DNS, DHCP, and IPAM services for our customers.
We are hosting customers' internal DNS infrastructure using Infoblox NIOS, and we are hosting their DHCP scopes for their remote sites and data center sites using Infoblox DHCP server. We are using the IPAM database for managing their IP allocation management.
We are also using Infoblox NIOS for their network discovery by using Network Insight, and we are using Infoblox RPZ zones for providing DNS threat protection and advanced DNS protection.
What is most valuable?
Infoblox NIOS offers anycast, a built-in anycast feature, a built-in reporting feature, and direct integration with domain controller for hosting AD-integrated domains.
The built-in reporting appliance helps to fetch the metrics which are very important and crucial for looking for and managing day-to-day operations like DHCP behavior for the dynamic clients and the number of DNS queries coming from a specific client. The DNS anycast feature helps to provide redundancy across DNS members in Infoblox NIOS.
Its centralized management using Grid Manager allows administrators to manage DNS, DHCP, and IPAM across a distributed global environment from a single console. Infoblox NIOS really brings up the centralized console around their 160-plus sites for their DHCP services, allowing us to manage their entire network infrastructure using DNS and DHCP within the same console using Grid Manager and Grid Members.
We noticed a huge efficiency in terms of the management of their remote sites, which were scattered all around. Now we could manage their remote sites using a centralized management Grid Manager, with all of their remote sites controlled from a single control plane.
What needs improvement?
Infoblox NIOS does not have a need for great improvement; it is a very robust and self-sufficient tool out of the box, offering most of the features which a customer would need. Most of the customization we would need in our environment are built-in, so there is not much need for improvement other than handling the bugs.
Sometimes we face API limitations, and some developers feel that the API documentation and certain basic functionalities could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Infoblox NIOS for the last three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Infoblox NIOS is a very stable product in my experience.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is highly scalable, allowing the addition of Grid Members on demand wherever you want to expand. Although there is a limitation on the number of members you manage in your grid, the default license allows you to add a pretty decent number of members, which helps in scalability. Anycast service also aids in scaling the number of members providing DNS and DHCP services.
How are customer service and support?
Customer support is awesome. As this product has been in the market for quite a long time, the TAC team is well-trained to help their customers with any ongoing issues, and they jump on high-priority issues on demand.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I did not previously use a different solution. I evaluated Infoblox NIOS as my first and foremost solution for that particular customer and implemented it for them.
What was our ROI?
We saw a great return on investment by reducing local administrators on the remote sites. Once we onboarded all the remote sites on the centralized Grid Manager, we could manage all the remote sites from one place, further reducing the headcount.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We did evaluate BlueCat and EfficientIP before choosing Infoblox NIOS.
What other advice do I have?
My advice for others looking into using Infoblox NIOS is that the product is quite niche, with a high licensing cost, so bigger enterprises should check with their technical account managers for the exact cost of implementation and procurement. It has a steep learning curve that may overwhelm a user initially, so getting certified with Infoblox NIOS is recommended.
A big enterprise should always implement a solution that is highly scalable and supports complicated deployments with high customization. Infoblox offers all of these alongside built-in security parameters that a user can enable on demand, making it an overall good product to use as desired. I would give this product an overall rating of ten out of ten.
Centralized DNS security has improved compliance reporting and supports hybrid cloud operations
What is our primary use case?
IPAM and DNS are the primary purposes of using Infoblox NIOS in our customers' environment.
What is most valuable?
DNS Threat Protection feature is probably one of the primary reasons to use Infoblox NIOS.
The detailed logging and audit capabilities of Infoblox NIOS help our customers maintain regulatory compliance, although I don't have hands-on experience or direct feedback at a detailed level.
Centralized management, which is complex, impacts their operational efficiency, and that's part of the reason why customers actually look at Infoblox NIOS.
What needs improvement?
In a world where everything is simplified and simplification becomes a buzzword, Infoblox NIOS has some work to do regarding making the deployment process less tricky and less complicated.
Whether deployment is complex or straightforward depends on the customer; it can vary based on individual circumstances.
Deployment and use of Infoblox NIOS can be quite complex in some respects.
Integration is not simple regarding how easily Infoblox NIOS integrates with other third-party tools.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Infoblox NIOS since 2018, almost eight years.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support for Infoblox NIOS is at a very high level based on the engagement that I have with clients that use Infoblox NIOS.
My rating of their support is eight out of ten, just because I can't go higher than that, or then you don't have the space to improve.
How was the initial setup?
Previously I have done deployment for our customers for Infoblox NIOS, but I am not currently doing this work.
Deployment takes days, and if you do a comprehensive deployment of Infoblox NIOS, it is going to take more than it. In terms of deploying Infoblox NIOS into an existing environment, the deployment might extend days rather than hours due to challenges and the role of change control.
What about the implementation team?
A team of three technical competent people usually participates in the deployment.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
In comparison to other products like BlueCat and EfficientIP, I find Infoblox NIOS to be very expensive, but I think there's value added, and that's why customers are still looking at buying the product.
When it comes to DNS and IPAM, I would say Infoblox NIOS is probably twenty percent, with eighty percent mixed between EfficientIP and BlueCat.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Automated DNS workflows have transformed migrations and daily network security operations
What is our primary use case?
My main use case for Infoblox NIOS involves many applications. I started with Infoblox L1 level work, where I worked on DDI work with DNS and other things. Later, I switched to migration as well as upgrades. In my previous company, I completed the full migration from a Linux-based tool to Infoblox, where people were using Windows DNS as well as Linux. I have performed upgrades, migrations, and all other related tasks with Infoblox NIOS.
Regarding my main use case with Infoblox NIOS, I have completed several certifications, including CDCA and CDC, which have now expired, but migration was always my priority. I worked on migrations from Ansible, AWS Route 53 to Infoblox, as well as from Linux-based tools. I was part of the SolarWinds team managing load balancers, handling LTM and GTM both. In my current environment at Chevron, I manage both LTM and GTM along with Infoblox NIOS. I am involved in numerous projects, and using Infoblox NIOS in my day-to-day work has been comprehensive, as I undertake various tasks related to it.
What is most valuable?
In my experience with Infoblox NIOS, some of the best features include hybrid multi-cloud management maturity, which accelerates Office 365 performance. Infoblox NIOS is a networking tool that integrates security for hybrid and multi-cloud enterprises, demonstrating proven market leadership for over two decades. The engineering of game-changing solutions for core network services and security makes Infoblox NIOS the undisputed leader in the DDI market.
The hybrid and multi-cloud management, security, and proven market leadership features of Infoblox NIOS have helped my team significantly. For example, while working with Johnson & Johnson on earlier projects, the hybrid technology I utilized with Infoblox NIOS provided modern cloud networking and security features that were automated and scalable. Infoblox NIOS enables a resilient network resource through integration of DNS and DHCP, which allowed me to reliably connect applications across the business and manage critical network services efficiently.
Regarding the features of Infoblox NIOS, one standout feature is Response Policy Zones, which allows me to block non-working sites or specific IP addresses. Encrypted DNS is another feature, as well as global server load balancing, which I utilize along with load balancers such as F5. Infoblox NIOS also provides identity mapping for routing and switching. High availability architecture is essential, given that over 75,000 companies utilize it, which is why its cost is justified. Despite being a high-cost software, its capabilities warrant the investment.
Infoblox NIOS has positively impacted my organization in several ways. For instance, I migrated from Windows DNS to Infoblox NIOS due to enhanced security. Additionally, I implemented automation in Infoblox NIOS, using PowerShell and CSV scripts, which saved significant time and reduced errors. Operational reliability was enhanced through a central policy for DNS and DHCP changes, effectively speeding up delivery times and maintaining high data quality, which minimized discrepancies between spreadsheets and tools.
What needs improvement?
In terms of improvements for Infoblox NIOS, while it is already an advanced software, network visibility and control can be enhanced further. Simplifying IP address management could still be refined, and while scalability and flexibility exist, focusing on those areas might yield better results. While cost is relatively high compared to other DDI tools, Infoblox NIOS's support and utility justify it, yet there is always room for enhancements in security and DNS protection.
There are indeed areas for improvement within Infoblox NIOS. New security and performance enhancements, new partner integrations, and a smoother, upgraded experience should be introduced. Infoblox engineers recommend upgrading to NIOS 9.0.5 for enhanced visibility and control, but considering NIOS 9.6 may offer better logging and troubleshooting capabilities, as well as performance enhancements and future-ready integration.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Infoblox NIOS for six to seven years.
How are customer service and support?
Customer service rating: 4 out of 10.
How would you rate customer service and support?
What was our ROI?
While I do not have specific numbers to provide, I conducted a session last month where I illustrated how my automation efforts saved considerable time and productivity. Previously, people spent around 100 hours a month on tasks that were reduced to 10 hours, freeing up time for learning and engaging in multiple projects, increasing from three or four per month to nine or ten. Collectively, this saved approximately $4,000 to $5,000 monthly, showcasing efficiency gains from using Infoblox NIOS features and automation.
What other advice do I have?
A specific example of a project where Infoblox NIOS made a difference was when I was working on a previous project where they were taking considerable time while working on manual tools with Linux. I completed a full migration from Linux to Infoblox NIOS, where security features were present. In my previous project with Fortive, a US-based pharmaceutical company, I migrated everything that was based on Men and Mice to Infoblox NIOS for both internal and external DNS. They wanted to move from Infoblox NIOS to AWS Route 53 for external DNS, while I kept the internal DNS in Infoblox NIOS, which was completely under my management. I used Infoblox NIOS in all these regions.
For others considering Infoblox NIOS, I recommend evaluating the complete DDI solution instead of solely focusing on DNS security. Moving from static IPs to dynamic IPs with DDI mitigates cybersecurity risks. I rate this solution nine out of ten and endorse it strongly for organizations seeking reliable DNS solutions, especially those utilizing IM, RADIUS, or TACACS technologies. Infoblox NIOS DDI serves as an effective gatekeeper for cybersecurity by blocking malicious URLs at the DNS level, contributing to optimized bandwidth usage across organizational activities.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Reliable and centralized DNS/DHCP/IPAM platform
What do you like best about the product?
Infoblox NIOS provides a robust, centralized platform for managing DNS, DHCP, and IP address space. Its intuitive interface, built-in security features, and automated workflows reduce manual effort and errors. The reporting and visibility make it easy to track IP utilization and troubleshoot issues quickly.
What do you dislike about the product?
The initial setup and configuration can be complex, and the learning curve for new administrators is steep. Licensing costs can also be high for smaller organizations. Some updates require planned downtime, which may impact critical services if not scheduled properly.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
nfoblox NIOS has centralized and automated our DNS, DHCP, and IP address management (DDI) services. By eliminating manual spreadsheets and disparate tools, it gives us a single source of truth for all network IP resources. This has reduced configuration errors, improved uptime, strengthened security against DNS-based attacks, and saved significant administrative time when provisioning new devices or troubleshooting issues.
Excellent DNS AND DHCP server
What do you like best about the product?
It is a very flexible tool that can be integrated into any network environment, in addition to the fact that its reports are very complete and editable. It also has a very friendly environment in which it allows you to have visibility of what is connected to your network
What do you dislike about the product?
I have no complaints about this product, the only detail is that when you open it from a mobile device, the web interface does not adapt to the size, it is very difficult to manipulate it remotely
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
It allows ME to discover all the computers that are connected, the health status of each network segment, available hosts, even if you have dhcp configured, this tool allows you to set an ip with the mac of a computer, this is very useful in this type of environments
Infoblox recognized as one of the leading core network services provider.
What do you like best about the product?
NIOS is one of the solutions provided by Infoblox for core network services such as DNS, DHCP and IPAM services. It is a consolidated service managed as one in a single platform. Infoblox NIOS provides visibility across your network by consolidating data from DNS and DHCP services and eventually forming what they called the "single source of truth." which is the IPAM. It is easy to use in management since all configurations must be done on a single platform, even without direct access to appliances distributed across the network.
What do you dislike about the product?
Even though Infoblox provides robust DDI services and in terms of functionality, they are much farther from their competitor. The drawback here is how they price their product. The cost of their solution is directly proportional to their development. We are having difficulty positioning their product because of the higher cost. Sometimes, we prefer to offer another solution that can comply with clients' budgets.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
In today's network, most solutions reside on the cloud. If not started with the cloud, they are slowly migrating to the cloud because of cost issues and the benefits of having a solution in the cloud. Most clients are also moving to the cloud and planning on getting services through the cloud. Infoblox is currently solving this one on how they can provide the client's needs. Because this Infoblox NIOS is an on-prem solution, they are now offering the first cloud-based management of DDI. With the help of this, we have our chance now to position this kind of solution.