GigaOm Radar for DDIv1.02

1. Summary

An integrated DDI solution provides increased visibility into potential IP conflicts in real time, provides context for audits and reporting, offers a structured workflow for basic network operations, enables routine maintenance tasks to be automated, and reduces the cost of network operations. However, with DNS mapping the IP addresses to names, DHCP assigning the IP addresses to hosts, and IPAM managing IP resources for both, using different tools introduces unnecessary risks and compromises an organization’s security posture.

This report provides an overview of the DDI landscape based on the following table stakes, which are common, mature, and stable features of all solutions:

• Integrated DNS, DHCP, and IPAM (DDI): An integrated DDI solution provides administrators with complete control and visibility of the relationship between devices, users, and IP addresses from a single pane of glass, enabling automated maintenance tasks for increased resiliency, security, scalability, and support with complete auditing and reporting context. Eliminating the gap between IP address usage and reporting, an integrated solution updates records in real time, enabling bring your own technology (BYOT), internet of things (IoT), cloud, virtual, and emerging technologies to be selectively deployed and seamlessly managed without worrying about addressing conflicts.
• Built-in DNS management: Purpose-built DNS management platforms allow network administrators to configure, manage, and visualize all aspects of DNS operations across cloud, physical, and virtual environments at scale via an intuitive user interface (UI). Incorporating DNS monitoring, security, and traffic control, role-based DNS management solutions use intelligent forwarding to optimize path resolution, apply policies to prevent unauthorized access, log internal and external DNS queries, simplify the tracking and monitoring of DNS assets and resources, and integrate with third-party security products for rapid threat detection and mitigation.
• Built-in DHCP management: Managing the torrent of requests from fixed and mobile devices requiring connectivity, DHCP management tools orchestrate the discovery and capture of all network assets in a centralized single source of truth, providing complete visibility and simplifying the transition to IPv6. In addition, centralizing critical information for network connectivity—such as the size and location of routers, subnets, IP address hostnames, and IP address spaces—enables administrators to manage a proliferation of mobile devices and hybrid and multicloud infrastructure at scale.
• Built-in IPAM management: Accessing a single source of truth for all network assets, an IPAM manager helps administrators organize, track, and fine-tune data related to a network’s IP address space. Providing advanced IP scanning and IP address tracking, IPAM allows IP addresses to be managed efficiently from a centralized IP management console. For example, hierarchies can be defined, subnets added based on location or usage, and the network scanned to obtain the real-time status of each IP address. Among other features, robust IPAM solutions should include role-based administration, flexible scanning, alert notification, and powerful search capabilities.

With so many different DDI solutions available and the landscape evolving, choosing the best option for your organization depends on your use cases, existing DNS and DHCP solutions, architectural choices, and in-house capabilities. Your current environment, growth plans, and in-house skill sets will most likely influence your decision about adopting an integrated, overlay, or managed DDI solution (these three models are described in the companion report “Key Criteria for Evaluating DDI Solutions”).

Figure 1. DDI Vendors and Delivery Models

Moreover, even if you’ve already deployed a DDI solution, don’t let that hold you back from exploring new management options and vendors with robust migration tools and services. In some cases, migrating to a new DDI solution can deliver significant benefits in terms of manageability and long-term cost savings.

This GigaOm Radar report provides an overview of notable DDI vendors and their available offerings. The corresponding GigaOm report “Key Criteria for Evaluating DDI Solutions” outlines critical criteria and evaluation metrics for selecting a DDI solution. Together, these reports offer essential insights for IP addressing initiatives, helping decision-makers evaluate solutions before deciding where to invest.