ClearPass vs. Cisco ISE: What will you choose?

[Marc_Abaya]

If you have a choice between the two, which one will you choose?

We got our budget approved for Cisco ISE but at the same time, it looks like we can do the same with ClearPass for a lower cost (and we can use the extra money for other stuff). 

Is the ISE cost worth it? 

[alemabrahao]

I would definitely go with Cisco ISE.

[DarrenOC]

Hi @alemabrahao , based on experience with both product suites?

@Marc_Abaya - I would seriously pilot both products.  Clearpass is an excellent product and if you can save a few ££££’s it’s worth testing.

[alemabrahao]

Yes, and I can say that ISE is more stable, flexible and complete.

[DarrenOC]

@Marc_Abaya , I’m sure you’ve done your digging around but this Reddit post sums it up quite nicely:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Cisco/comments/11is87i/those_who_switched_to_clearpass_from_ise_was_it/

I’ve deployed both and hands down Clearpass was simpler and also easier and more cost effective to license.  Cisco have changed the licensing structure of ISE one too many times and the devil is in the detail. I’ve seen one too many deployments stagnate as the wrong feature wasn’t procured 

[alemabrahao]

If you don't want spend money you can try a open source NAC.

https://www.packetfence.org/

[Marc_Abaya]

Thanks, I was also reading that Reddit post. I just want to hear what real Meraki users prefer.

[KarstenI]

My personal experience is only with ISE. But a couple of customers run ClearPass, and when I see them (or the partner specialist that sold them the ClearPass) configure that device, I know how easy the ISE is. And no, the ISE is not easy, but you can get used to it quickly with some experience. When looking at Clearpass, it seems like a whole unintuitive mess.

[alemabrahao]

Thanks, that is my point.

[GIdenJoe]

I haven't used either in production yet.

However having looked at both GUI's and just can't seem to find my way in the Clearpass GUI while I did in the ISE GUI.  I guess if you're more used to actual Cisco products your mind is kind of layed out in a way 😉

What I do not get is why Cisco keeps being a bit more expensive than Aruba for most things.  They would win many customers back if they just corrected their prices more.

[alemabrahao]

You can get a good price with Cisco, but it depends a lot on the level of partnership, reseller and customer relevance.

[GIdenJoe]

I know, you can get discounts up to ridiculous levels.  But if they would start off with list prices that are more comparable to the competition it would be easier to sell it.

As a Cisco first engineer it sometimes is hard to defend Cisco against cheaper alternative to the smaller businesses we are working with.