SNMP/Network Monitoring: PRTG vs FrameFlow
Recent changes in PRTG pricing and licensing plans have caused some users to begin the search for an alternative monitoring solution. Searching for a new solution with strong network monitoring features can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. This article will introduce you to EasySNMP's recommended PRTG alternative, FrameFlow, an all-in-one monitoring solution with strong support for SNMP.
Disclosure: EasySNMP is sponsored by FrameFlow, a comprehensive IT monitoring solution with deep support for SNMP.The Online Search for a PRTG Alternative
On July 1st, 2024, PRTG discontinued its perpetual licensing model and replaced it with an expensive subscription-based pricing system. The quotes below are from forums where some users have been expressing disappointment in these changes.
"I like PRTG, but the cheapest plan has had over a 5x increase (400 a year to 2,148 a year) from when we started in 2016."
"Paessler is trying to increase my contract by 400% and lock us into a predatory subscription model for no benefit."
"They did say my product will keep working but not even security updates are free."
If these sentiments sound familiar, it may be time to try a new solution. Below are some of the similarities between PRTG and FrameFlow for you to consider.
Similarities Between PRTG and FrameFlow
Both PRTG and FrameFlow are agentless and on-premises solutions. This comes with the benefit of full data ownership and retention as well as high security. PRTG and FrameFlow both run on Windows and can be deployed in under ten minutes. If you're looking to switch from PRTG to a new solution, these similarities can help make the transition smoother.
Interested in learning more about the similarities and differences between these two solutions? Check out this comparison article on the FrameFlow website.
FrameFlow's SNMP Monitoring Features
Another thing that PRTG and FrameFlow have in common is strong support for SNMP. With dedicated event monitors for SNMP bandwidth, UPS stats, SNMP interfaces, SNMP inventory, and more, you can find the exact tool you need to monitor all aspects of your network. FrameFlow also has a library of over 55 SNMP-specific event monitors that you can view below.
Visualization with Graphs and Network Diagrams
For any enterprise, good visualization of IT assets is key to keeping everything running smoothly around the clock. FrameFlow's robust graphing and network diagramming software lets you do just that. Let's explore some of FrameFlow's SNMP-focused dashboard features.
FrameFlow has a section for dashboards that you can create to represent different aspects of your monitoring config. You can display SNMP bandwidth data on a monitor to get round-the-clock updates on the status of your most critical networking gear or view the graphs directly from the monitor that watches over the device. By changing the date ranges, you can view specific periods of time, like the last hour or last day, or zoom out to see the bigger picture of values for that week or month. Below is a 12-hour total bandwidth graph as an example.
FrameFlow's interactive network diagrams can also help with network visualization. You can build a 1:1 representation of your network and receive important alerts when any aspect isn't working as it should. Each icon represents a device in your network and the color changes to indicate the device's alert status.
SNMP Monitoring and More
In addition to network monitoring tools, FrameFlow has event monitors for your entire stack. There are over 100 event monitors that focus on cloud, server, database, and hardware monitoring for all your key systems. All of these monitors are unified by a robust alerting engine on a single consistent interface. You can receive alerts on the monitoring platform or have FrameFlow automatically send them to the relevant members of your team by email, text message, Teams or Slack message, and more.
FrameFlow's 5-Year Price Control Guarantee
FrameFlow has a 5-year price control guarantee that ensures no surprise cost increases for 5 years, helping your team effectively budget for the future. With a perpetual license, your support and renewal costs won't change for 5 years guaranteed. If you choose a subscription license, your monthly or annual fees won't increase for 5 years. View FrameFlow's pricing information and learn more about the price control guarantee here.
Try FrameFlow Risk-Free
With other solutions available, sticking with PRTG after the recent pricing/billing changes may not be best for your organization. FrameFlow offers a 30-day free trial that's fully featured and commitment free so you can assess if it's a good fit for your environment. You'll be able to test all the network monitoring features mentioned here and much more. Download the free trial and take EasySNMP's recommended alternative to PRTG for a spin today.
