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.
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.
Best Solution NIOS
What do you like best about the product?
NIOS stands for Network identity operating system. It is a software solution; that integrates physical appliances and virtual machines. The solution provides DDI with the dashboard with three solutions in a single pane.DDI is also known as DNS, DHCP and IPAM solution. Both CLI and GUI interfaces are configured. I have been using this software. It is easily configured, and smoothly manner operated.
What do you dislike about the product?
I have used this product and implemented and configured this NIOS software. I can say that we have not any dislike of this software.NIOS is a Linux based operating system.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Infoblox NIOS is a Network Identity Operating system. The solution provides DDI, also known as DNS, DHCP and IPAM. It is a Linux-based operating system. This solution is fast, reliable, secure, and above all else, it is accessible to the used solution. I have shared some benefits of NIOS Software:-
> Super fast response time
> Domains are managed on the system fastly
> Customer support 24/7
Infloblox NIOS: Automation in Networking Tasks
What do you like best about the product?
NIOS is a Network Identity Operating System from Infoblox, a virtual appliance. It automates many network tasks such as IP address management, DHCP (IP allocation)and DNS management.
What do you dislike about the product?
Nothing to dislike about as Infoblox is the best DDI management solution.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
To manage IP address inventory and DNS servers. It also helps to distribute IP addresses from its DHCP functionality. These all are mostly manual tasks that we can now do with so much ease. It also provides network monitoring.
Excellent DDI solution
What do you like best about the product?
One stop shop for DDI and to build a secure enterprise dns environment spanning across geographies.
What do you dislike about the product?
The api could use some enhancements and better documentation. It's missing some basic functions which otherwise could have proved very helpful.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Enterprise integrated DDI solution along with improving dns security.
Infoblox NIOS
What do you like best about the product?
Being a leader in this space, Infoblox has all the features and benefits for the customer, and they are ahead of all competitors in this space.
What do you dislike about the product?
Too big an organization, complex channel system, too many partners, and expensive solution for small customers.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Network automation, IP Address management, DNS and DHCP, high availaility, DNS Security
Infobox NIOS is pretty useful in managing IPAM and automation.
What do you like best about the product?
Easy automation and efficient management
What do you dislike about the product?
DHCP fingerprinting needs to be improved
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Management of ipam. It saves time by automating lots of manual tasks.
Recommendations to others considering the product:
If you have hybrid networks and affordable pricing go for infoblox nios
How would I ever know what IPs I have available without IPAM?
What do you like best about the product?
Amazing technology for allowing me to quickly and easily find available IPs on my network.
What do you dislike about the product?
The interface could use a bit of a face lift and is a bit clunky at times.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Making sure we use only available IPs and as a way to organize our network.
Recommendations to others considering the product:
It's a great reliable product that can ensure you know what IP's are always available on your network.
Core Network Services Made Simple
What do you like best about the product?
The Graphical User Interface is very powerful, yet allows for simple and advanced administration.
What do you dislike about the product?
The tool does not directly support 2FA authentication.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
The lack of a resilient IP address management solution and a self-contained DNS/DHCP solution. A robust DNS/DHCP solution is now in place.
Recommendations to others considering the product:
There
