Brianna ParkerSolarWinds is a software company that develops solutions to help businesses manage their IT infrastructure, networks, and systems. The companywas founded in 1999by David and Donald Yonce. Today, SolarWinds operates from Austin, Texas, and caters to enterprises, MSPs, DevOps, and IT professionals globally.
The software firm also offers IT performance monitoring via Orion and log management and analytics under SolarWinds Loggly. In 2020, SolarWinds made $1.02 billion in revenues. The companyhas around 3,200 employees and expects $712-$716 million in revenue for 2021.[1] SolarWinds expanded its products and services through acquisition. In 2018, the company entered the log management and analytics market after acquiring Loggly. Its IT management system Orion caters to more than 30,000 organizations.
In 2019, Russian APT29 hackers breached the firm’s network and injected malware into Orion. The malicious code spread unnoticed throughout 2020, affecting more than 18,000 SolarWinds customers. SolarWinds managed to fend off strong competitors like ServiceNow, Microsoft, ManageEngine, Freshworks, and Splunk. [2]
Here is an in-depth analysis of top SolarWinds’ competitors and alternatives:
1. ServiceNow
Year founded: 2003
Headquarter: Santa Clara, California
ServiceNow is a cloud-based SaaS platform for business management and workflow automation. Its solutions help over 6,200 companies streamline processes, improving operational efficiency.In 2020,ServiceNowhad around 12,500 employees and made$4.52 billion in revenue. The company expects$5.53-$5.54 billion in subscription revenue for fiscal 2021. [3]
ServiceNow and SolarWinds are the leading business management software providers.However, ServiceNow is more specialized indigital workflow automation. The company offers end-to-end business solutions via recently-acquired subsidiaries, such as Attivio, Element AI, and Lightstep.
In 2021, ServiceNow added more than 1,200 customers and secured over $1 million in contracts within three months. ServiceNow is the top SolarWinds competitor across the board.
2. Zoho ManageEngine
Year founded: 1966
Headquarter: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Zoho is an Indian tech company that offers ManageEngine,anenterprise IT management software.Its IT management division competes with SolarWinds’ solutions. In 2021, Zoho had over 10,000 employees with annual revenue of $610 million.
ManageEngine provides OpManager, a flexible network monitoring tool. This solution supports several operating systems and hypervisor integrations, ideal for managing IT infrastructure.Like SolarWinds, Zoho ManageEngine is a prime target for hackers.
In Dec 2021, Zoho warned users that malicious actors had exploited a critical flaw in its Desktop Central.This hacking attempt was the thirdsecurity incident in less than four months. The companyalso offers a cloud-based CRM with over 60 million users. Zoho ManageEngine and CRM can poach some customers from SolarWinds. [4]
3. Freshworks
Year founded: 2010
Headquarter: San Mateo, California
Freshworks provides CRM and HR management software, positioning it as a competitor to SolarWinds.The company has 13 offices globally and serves over 50,000 customers, including Bridgestone, Chargebee, Klarna, ITV, Multichoice, and TaylorMade. For the fullyear of 2021, Freshworks expects between $365.5 million and $366.5 million in revenue. [5]
Freshworks enables businesses to engage and support their customers and employees via multiple online and offline channels. In Sep 2021, Freshworks went public and saw a 21% jump in its stock. The company is now valued at $6.7 billion.
The main competitive advantage for Freshworks over SolarWinds is its pricing. Businesses pay between $12-$79/month/user to access Freshworks’ paid plans –Blossom, Garden, Estate, and Forest.
Each offers marketplace apps, bulk SMSs, APIs, Freshcaller phones, workflow automation, and more. Freshworks is the best SolarWinds alternative for small and medium businesses. [6]
4. Microsoft
Year founded: 1975
Headquarter: Redmond, Washington
Microsoft is a multinational tech company that offers end-to-end business solutions. Its Dynamics 365 provides an all-in-one business management platform, combining CRM and ERP.In 2021, Microsoft had 166,475 employees and made $143.02 billion in revenue.
In Jun 2021, Microsoft became the second company to reach a $2 trillion market cap. The main competitive advantage for Microsoft over SolarWinds is its comprehensive business management solutions. Most companies already use Microsoft products, such as Azure and Teams. Microsoft is aformidable competitor for SolarWinds. [7]
5. Atlassian
Year founded: 2002
Headquarter: Sydney, Australia
Atlassian is an Australian software company that offers enterprise-level solutions. The company ownsindustry-leading business management products, such as Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, and Trello.In 2021, Atlassian had 5,752 employees and generated $1.6 billion in revenues.
Atlassian invested heavily in Jira Service Management in the past two years. In Jan 2022, Atlassian acquired Percept.AI, which offers automated virtual agent support. This follows several acquisitions, includingHalp, Mindville, and ThinkTilt.
Integrating these solutions into Jira Service Management will increase its competitive edge over SolarWinds. With these solutions, Atlassiannow offers workflow automation for DevOps, project management, IT support, and morein a single platform. Atlassian is a worthy SolarWinds competitor. [8]
6. Splunk
Year founded: 1999
Headquarter: Holmdel, New Jersey
Splunk is a tech company that provides software for monitoring, analyzing, and visualizing data in real-time. Its products compete with SolarWinds Loggly in the business analytics sector.In 2020, Splunk had around 7,500 employees with $2.23 billion in revenue. The company expects revenue of between $2.53 billion and $2.60 billionfor FY 2021. [9]
In 2018, SolarWinds acquired Loggly and expanded into log management and analytics services. Splunk Analytics now competes with SolarWinds’Log Analyzer and Loggly.
The company serves 92 companies on the Fortune 100 list, including Cisco, IBM, Adobe, and Visa. Splunk’s impressive client list increases its competitive advantage over SolarWinds.
7. BMC Software
Year founded: 1980
Headquarter: Houston, Texas
BMC Softwareis an IT services and consulting company. Its Autonomous Digital Enterprisesolution streamlines service management, DevOps, AIOps, and security.In 2021, BMC had 6,000 employees with over $2 billion in revenue.
Over10,000 global organizations rely on BMC’s software products and services. BMC’s client list includes84% of the Forbes Global 100 Companies.In Dec 2021, the company’s BMC Helix solution was designated a leader in the Forrester Wave’s Enterprise Service Management. BMC is a formidable SolarWinds competitor. [10]
8. Ivanti
Year founded: 1985
Headquarter: Salt Lake City, Utah
Ivanti is asoftware company that offers solutions for managing IT security, service,assets, unified endpoints, identities, and supply chains. The platform automates and secures every IT connection across devices, infrastructure, and users. In 2021, Ivanti had over 40,000 customers and 78 firms on the Fortune 100 list.
Ivanti enables remote workforces and teams by connecting employee devices to IT applications and data anywhere. Companies can also use the Ivanti Neurons platform for unified endpoint management, zero-trust security, and service automation.
In Aug 2021, Ivanti wasnamed the only Visionary in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Endpoint Management Tools. Ivanti is one of the most innovative SolarWinds competitors. [11]
9. SysAid Technologies
Year founded: 2002
Headquarter: Airport City, Israel
SysAid is a service automation company that provides IT service management software. IT teams can use SysAid’s solutions to streamline ticket sorting and workflows, eliminating repetitive tasks.SysAid serves more than 5,000 small businesses and Fortune 500 enterprises across 140 countries.
SysAid enables faster service delivery, lightens workloads,improves user experience, and helpsresolve IT issues. Businesses can also use SysAid automation to streamline HR,procurement, and other services.
In Aug 2021,SysAid was recognized as a Niche Player in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for ITSM Tools. SysAid Technologies is one of the best SolarWinds alternatives in IT service management. [12]
10. ConnectWise
Year founded: 1882
Headquarter: Tampa, Florida
ConnectWise is a software company that offersbusiness management automation. Tech providers use their software and services tostreamline their SaaS business.In 2021, ConnectWisehad around 1,865 employees and over1200 customers.
Both SolarWinds and ConnectWise offer business automation, IT management tools, and security solutions.But ConnectWise’s platformis more security-centric than SolarWinds.
In Dec 2021, ConnectWiseacquired SmileBack to provide advancedcustomer experience analytics. This acquisition increases ConnectWise’s competitive advantage over SolarWinds. [13]
11. Zendesk
Year founded: 2007
Headquarter: San Francisco, California
Zendesk is a SaaS company that provides helpdesk and customer management platforms.The company leverages AI to help organizations boost customer engagements and productivity. In 2021, Zendesk had around 3,570 employees and generated $1.3 billion in revenues.
Zendesk helpdesk competes with SolarWinds Service Desk, while Zendesk Support Suite goes against SolarWinds Web Help Desk.In Aug 2021, Zendesk acquired AI startup Cleverly. This acquisition will boost Zendesk’s customer service capabilities, increasing its competitive edge over SolarWinds. [14]
12. Datadog
Year founded: 2010
Headquarter: New York, N.Y.
Datadog is a full-stack monitoring and security platform for cloud-scale apps. This SaaS analytics platform allows users to monitor their servers, databases, tools, and services. In 2021,Datadog had around 3,000 employees and generated $802 million in revenue.
The main competitive advantage for Datadog is its customizable platform. Datadog can customize monitoring solutions to users’ unique needs. The platform has more than 400 built-in integrations and automates infrastructure and app monitoring to provide unified, real-time observability.
Users can leverage Datadog to enable digital transformation and cloud migration, drive collaboration and track business metrics. Datadog is one of the best SolarWinds alternatives for monitoring cloud applications. [15]
13. IBM Tivoli
Year founded: 1966
Headquarter: Austin, Texas
IBM Tivoli is an enterprise system management platform for IT admins.The platform offers SaaS packages, including Tivoli Storage Manager, Tivoli Monitoring, and IBM Workload Automation. In 2021, IBM had around 350,000 employees with over$72 billion in revenues.
IBM Tivoli Monitoring competes with SolarWinds’ solutions. This product allows IT teams to monitor and manage systems and network apps on multipleOSes andimproveapp performance.In Dec 2021, IBM spun off its infrastructure services business Kyndryl.This split allows IBM to focus on AI and the cloud, increasing its competitive advantage. IBM also offerssecurity information and event management solutions, used by 47 companies on the Fortune 50list.IBM Tivoli is the fiercest SolarWinds competitor. [16]
14. PRTG Network Monitor
Year founded: 2001
Headquarter: Nuremberg, Germany
PRTG is an all-in-one network monitoring software offered by Paessler AG. This solution has a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop dashboards. In 2021, Paessler AG had around 300 employees globally.
PRTG competes with SolarWinds’ network monitoring solutions. Because PRTG is an all-in-one solution, users don’t have to upgrade their plan or add a module to access specific features. In Jan 2022, Paessler launched PRTG Hosted Monitor globally.PRTG is one of the best alternatives to SolarWinds for users with advanced monitoring needs. [17]
15. LogicMonitor
Year founded: 2008
Headquarter: Santa Barbara, California
LogicMonitor provides infrastructure monitoring and observability software for enterprises and MSPs. ITOps, developers, and business leaders can use its automated, cloud-basedSaaS solution to visualize hidden insights.
LogicMonitor offers an intuitive user interface and versatile tools. Users can monitor apps, servers,sites, and more from a single platform.In Jun2021, TrustRadius recognized LogicMonitor as a top-rated IT infrastructure monitoring tool. LogicMonitor is a worthy SolarWinds competitor in infrastructure monitoring and observability.[18]
16. Spiceworks Ziff Davis
Year founded: 2006
Headquarter: Austin, Texas
Spiceworks is a tech specialist that offers a helpdesk and a marketplace for IT professionals.Since its founding, Spiceworks has raised $111 million in funding. The company generates around $55 million in revenues annually.
SolarWinds Service Desk competes with Spiceworks Help Desk.The main competitive advantage for Spiceworks is its community for IT professionals. For example, SpiceWorld 2021 attendees engaged and learned from Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
Like SolarWinds, Spiceworks also helpscompanies support their businesses and troubleshoot issues.Spiceworks Help Desk is the best alternative to SolarWinds Service Desk for startups and small-sized enterprises. [19]
17. Turbonomic
Year founded: 2009
Headquarter: Boston, Massachusetts
Turbonomic is an enterprise software company that offers solutions to enable efficient resource allocation. Its software platform automates IT management using real-time data analysis.In 2021, Turbonomic had 553 employees and was valued at over $1.5 billion.
Turbonomicsoftware simulates supply and demand forces to help ITOps allocate computing, database, memory, and storage more efficiently. In Apr 2021, IBM acquired Turbonomic for $2 billion.
Enterprises can now use Turbonomic Application Resource Management for IBM Cloud Paks to analyze application performance and resource utilization. This combination also brings AI into IT ops, creating AIOps. With IBM’s financial backing and robust ecosystem, Turbonomic can give SolarWinds a run for its money. [20]
18. Auvik Networks
Year founded: 2011
Headquarter: Waterloo, Canada
Auvik offers cloud-based network management software. This solution ensures IT networks run optimally while mitigating security risks. In Jul 2021, Auviksecured a $250 million investment from Great Hill Partners to accelerate its product development and global expansion.
Both SolarWinds and Auvik help IT teams boost efficiency by automating network management.IT teams use Auvik to manage more than four million devices across over 50,000 networks.
Auvik has won several accolades, including the Deloitte Technology Fast 50. In 2020, it was recognized as the #1 ranked Canadian company in the FT Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies. Auvik is a worthy SolarWinds competitor. [21]
19. Quest Software
Year founded: 1987
Headquarter: Aliso Viejo, California
Quest is a software company that Quest provides solutions for IT ops management, cybersecurity, data intelligence, and workforce mobility. The company community-driven software products simplify IT administration, lightening the workload for IT teams. Today, Quest has 53 offices in 24 countries.
More than 100,000 customers, 15,000 partners, and 97 companies on the Fortune 100 list use Quest to solve IT challenges. On Feb 2, 2022, Clearlake Capital Group acquired Quest Software from Francisco Partners.
This acquisition increases Quest’s competitive advantage.IT ops can use Quest to find solutions for complex Microsoft challenges. Quest Software is one of the best SolarWinds alternatives for proactive management and monitoring. [22]
20. Tyler Technologies
Year founded: 1966
Headquarter: Plano, Texas
Tyler provides integrated technology solutions for the public sector. Its products help organizations connect data and processes across their systems. In 2021, Tyler had 5,368 employees with around $1.58 billion in revenue.
Both Tyler andSolarWinds offer IT infrastructure management. But Tyler’s solutions are designed for local, state, and federal entities. As of Oct 2021, Tyler had completed over 37,000 installations across about 12,000 locations. Tyler Technologies is the best SolarWinds alternative for agencies in the public sector. [23]
21. Progress Software
Year founded: 1981
Headquarter: Bedford, Massachusetts
Progress Software is an Americancompany that offers enterprise solutions in 16 countries.The company’sWhatsUp Gold software provides user-friendly tools for monitoringnetworks. In 2021, Progress employed around 2100 people andmadeover $600 million in revenue.
WhatsUp Gold competes with SolarWinds’ network monitoring solutions. The main selling point for WhatsUp Gold is its robust network mapping capabilities.Progress serves over 1,700 software vendors, 100,000 enterprise customers, and three million developers.
Users can leverage WhatsUp Gold’s features to monitor all devices on their network.Progress Softwareis a worthy competitor for SolarWinds. [24]
References & more information
- SolarWinds, Inc. (2021, Oct 28). SolarWinds Announces Third Quarter 2021 Results. Business Wire
- Lakshmanan, R. (2022, Feb 2). New Malware Used by SolarWinds Attackers Went Undetected for Years. Hackers News
- Dignan, L. (2021, Jul 28). ServiceNow delivers strong Q2, ups subscription revenue outlook. ZDNet
- Lakshmanan, R. (2021, Dec 3). Yet Another Zoho ManageEngine Product Found Under Active Attacks. Hacker News
- Gonzalez, J. (2022, Jan 06). Freshworks to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results on Feb 10, 2022. Globe Newswire
- Noonan, K. (2022, Jan 6). Why Freshworks Stock Plummeted 25.4% in the Last Month of 2021. The Motley Fool
- Clark, M. (2021, Jun 24). Microsoft is now a $2 trillion company. The Verge
- Lardinois, F. (2022, Jan 28). Atlassian acquires Percept.AI. TechCrunch
- Hogan, P. (2021, Aug 25). Splunk Announces Fiscal Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results. Business Wire
- BMC Software, Inc. (2021, Dec 8). BMC Helix Recognized as a Leader in Enterprise Service Management. PRNewswire
- Ivanti (2021, Aug 18). Ivanti was named the only Visionary in the 2021 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Unified Endpoint Management Tools. Business Wire
- SysAid (2021, Aug 31). SysAid Recognized in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for ITSM Tools. PRNewswire
- ConnectWise, Inc. (2021, Dec 1). ConnectWise Announces Acquisition of SmileBack. Business Wire
- Kerner, S. (20201, Aug 26). Zendesk acquires AI automation startup Cleverly to advance customer service. TechCrunch
- Datadog, Inc. (2022, Jan 20). Datadog Announces Date of Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2021 Earnings Call. PRNewswire
- Sayer, P. (2021, Oct 6). What is Kyndryl? IBM’s managed infrastructure services spin-off explained. CIO
- Neumeier, S. (2022, Jan 19). Global launch of Paessler PRTG Hosted Monitor. Paessler Blog
- LogicMonitor (2021, Jun 2). LogicMonitor Earns TrustRadius 2021 Top Rated Award for IT Infrastructure Monitoring Tools. Globe Newswire
- Spiceworks, Inc. (2021, Jun 15). Steve Wozniak Revealed as Keynote Speaker for Spiceworks Ziff Davis’ Annual IT Conference, SpiceWorld 2021. Business Wire
- Lunden, I. (2021, Apr 29). IBM is acquiring cloud app and network management firm Turbonomic for up to $2B. TechCrunch
- Khan, V. (2021, Jul 15). Auvik Networks Secures $250 Million Growth Investment from Great Hill Partners. Business Wire
- Clearlake Capital (2022, Feb 2). Clearlake Capital Completes Acquisition of Quest. PRNewswire
- Tyler Technologies, Inc. (2021, Oct 27). Tyler Technologies Reports Earnings for Third Quarter 2021. Business Wire
- Progress Software Corp (2022, Jan 18). Progress Reports 2021 Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results. Globe Newswire
- Featured image by path digital
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