ImageStream and Cisco Comparison
No one would deny that Cisco Systems is the largest router manufacturer in the world. But being the biggest doesn't always make you the best.
ImageStream differentiates its products in many ways. Some of these differences are significant, and can be browsed in the sections that follow.
There is one important difference that is not always perceived as an ImageStream advantage: ImageStream does not try to be all things to all people. ImageStream focuses on the most common router applications, and we avoid investing in the development of obscure features that are not in wide demand. This strategy has allowed ImageStream to keep prices low, and still move ahead of Cisco to deliver advanced capabilities for many commonly used features.
- Commodity Hardware
- Commodity Software
- Sticker Price
- Guaranteed Performance
- Technical Support
- Upgrade Path
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Key Software Advantages
Commodity Hardware
ImageStream's primary product strategy is to build routers using low-cost standards-based commodity hardware. Commodity components include processors, logic chipsets, memory, backplanes, network interface cards, chassis, and power supplies. Commodity components make it possible for ImageStream routers to cost less and still outperform Cisco products.
Cisco has used commodity components in very few products, and the company does not use commodity components as a primary product strategy. This choice is reflected in the price and performance of most Cisco routers.
Commodity Software
ImageStream routers run on Linux, which is an inexpensive operating system that provides exceptional performance and stability. Linux includes source code, and it provides most of the core software required to build a full-featured router platform. Linux also has thousands of software developers who are working to make it faster and more capable every day.
Cisco invented the router, and had to develop its own network operating system to make it work. Cisco's network operating system represents old technology, and it does not benefit from the most significant advances that come from Open Source developers.
Sticker Price
All ImageStream routers include full-featured router software and one year of 24/7 technical support. This means that in a head-to-head comparison you will need to include these costs in any Cisco quote.
As a general rule, the more expensive the Cisco router, the more you will save with ImageStream. At the entry level, ImageStream routers can cost about the same as Cisco gear, with cost savings coming from lower technical support and upgrade costs over the life of the product. In more demanding midrange applications, ImageStream customers have claimed to receive quotes on Cisco equipment that were 10 times the price of the chosen ImageStream solution.
The tables below provide list price comparisons of similar Cisco and ImageStream router configurations. Instead of offering perfectly aligned "apples-to-apples" comparisons, the tables compare minimum cost configurations. To make a true "apples-to-apples" comparison, many of the Cisco routers shown below would require expensive performance, software, and memory upgrades. These upgrades may be needed for applications that require wire-speed peformance, or advanced services like QoS, packet-filtering, or BGP4, which requires more memory than some of the specified Cisco routers can support.
Notes: List prices for ImageStream and Cisco equipment are valid only for the U.S. and Canada, and all prices are subject to change. List prices for Cisco equipment were provided by the Alliance Datacom Web site on November 3rd, 2003.
| Entry Level 1-Port T1 Router |
| Item | List Price |
| ImageStream Envoy 1U Bundle with 1-Port T1/E1 | $ 999 |
| Full-Featured Router Software | Included |
| 3 Years Technical Support - Business Hours | $ 245 |
| Complete ImageStream Solution | $1,244 |
| Cisco 1841-T1 Chassis | $ 2,395 |
| Minimal Router Software | Included |
| 3 Years SmartNet 8x5 Contract – CON-SNT-C1841T1 | $ 345 |
| Complete Cisco System | $ 2,740 |
| 4-Port ATM T1 Router with Inverse Multiplexing (IMA) |
| Item | List Price |
| ImageStream R1 Chassis | $ 1,699 |
| 4-port T1 Card | $ 2,795 |
| SoftCell™ IMA Software | Included |
| Full-Featured Router Software | Included |
| 1st Year of 24/7 Technical Support | Included |
| Complete ImageStream Solution | $ 4,494 |
| Cisco 2610XM Chassis | $ 1,995 |
| 4-port T1 card with IMA – CPN: NM-4T1-IMA | $ 4,000 |
| Minimal Router Software | Included |
| 1 Year SmartNet 24/7 Contract – Category 5 | $ 611 |
| Complete Cisco System | $ 6,606 |
| Entry Level 1-Port DS3 Router |
| Item | List Price |
| ImageStream Rebel Chassis | $ 1,999 |
| 1-port frac/full DS3/E3 Card | $ 2,495 |
| Full-Featured Router Software | Included |
| 1st Year of 24/7 Technical Support | Included |
| Complete ImageStream Solution | $ 4,494 |
| Cisco 3725 Chassis | $ 8,500 |
| 1-port DS3 Module – CPN: NM-1T3/E3 | $ 8,500 |
| Minimal Router Software | Included |
| 1 Year SmartNet 24/7 Contract – Category 10 | $ 1,695 |
| Complete Cisco System | $ 18,695 |
| Entry Level 1-Port ATM DS3 Router |
| Item | List Price |
| ImageStream Rebel Chassis | $ 1,999 |
| 1-port ATM DS3/E3 Card | $ 2,595 |
| Full-Featured Router Software | Included |
| 1st Year of 24/7 Technical Support | Included |
| Complete ImageStream Solution | $ 4,594 |
| Cisco 3725 Chassis | $ 8,500 |
| 1-port ATM DS3 Module – CPN: NM-1A-T3 | $ 6,000 |
| "Plus" Software Pack | $ 900 |
| 1 Year SmartNet 24/7 Contract – Category 10 | $ 1,695 |
| Complete Cisco System | $ 17,095 |
| Entry Level 1-Port ATM OC3 Router with Gigabit Ethernet |
| Item | List Price |
| ImageStream Gateway Chassis | $ 3,999 |
| 1-port ATM OC3 Card – Single Mode Fiber | $ 2,995 |
| 128 MB RAM Upgrade to 256 MB | $ 191 |
| 1-port Gigabit Ethernet Card – Multimode Fiber | $ 1,495 |
| 1-port 10/100 Ethernet Card (2nd 10/100 port) | $ 125 |
| Full-Featured Router Software | Included |
| 1st Year of 24/7 Technical Support | Included |
| Complete ImageStream Solution | $ 8,805 |
| Cisco 7204VXR/225 Chassis | $ 10,500 |
| 128 MB RAM Upgrade to 256 MB | $ 4,200 |
| 1-port ATM OC3 Adapter – CPN: PA-A3-OC3SMI= | $ 10,000 |
| Gigabit Ethernet Card – CPN: PA-GE= | $ 6,000 |
| Multimode Ethernet Transceiver – CPN: GBIC-SX | $ 500 |
| Minimal Router Software | Included |
| 1 Year SmartNet 24/7 Contract – Category 13 | $ 3,520 |
| Complete Cisco System | $ 34,720 |
| Entry Level 1-Port ATM OC12 Router with Gigabit Ethernet |
| Item | List Price |
| ImageStream Enterprise Chassis | $ 10,999 |
| 1-port ATM OC12 Card – Single Mode Fiber | $ 5,995 |
| Gigabit Ethernet | Included |
| Full-Featured Router Software | Included |
| 1st Year of 24/7 Technical Support | Included |
| Complete ImageStream Solution | $ 16,994 |
| Cisco 7507/8-MX Chassis | $ 21,400 |
| 256 MB RAM for RSP8 | $ 4,800 |
| 1-port ATM OC12 Adapter – CPN: PA-A3-OC12SMI= | $ 17,000 |
| Gigabit Ethernet Card – CPN: GEIP+ | $ 14,000 |
| Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver – CPN: GBIC-LX/LH | $ 995 |
| Full-Featured Router Software with Firewall and VPN | $ 14,500 |
| 1 Year SmartNet 24/7 Contract – Category 17 | $ 9,600 |
| Complete Cisco System | $ 82,295 |
Guaranteed Performance
From a performance standpoint, many network engineers have come to believe that a router is only as good as its packet forwarding specifications. This notion has gained wide acceptance because engineers primarily focus on the information that they are given, and most router manufacturers have chosen to emphasize packet forwarding specifications as the primary indicator of product performance.
Unfortunately, packet forwarding specifications have become such an all-important performance specification that many manufacturers have begun playing tricks with their data. For example, one well-known manufacturer specifies the packet-forwarding performance of its products without physical network interfaces or the supporting driver software. Another manufacturer emphasizes its packet "switching" performance which is rarely seen in real-world routing applications. Both of these manufacturers are providing packet forwarding specifications that are laboratory creations with little relevance to product performance in the real world.
Because of the questionable range of methods used by different manufacturers to measure packet forwarding performance, ImageStream has chosen not to engage in this specifications game. Instead, ImageStream provides guaranteed wire-speed performance specifications. If an ImageStream router supports 16 full T1 circuits at wire speed, or two full DS3 circuits at wire speed, then the specifications will say it. ImageStream also backs up its specifications with an exclusive 31-day performance guarantee. If an ImageStream router does not perform in the real world as specified, and ImageStream's support team cannot resolve the problem, then the router can be returned for a full refund (please read our limited guarantee for details).
In contrast, Cisco does not guarantee any of its specifications. If you buy a Cisco product, and it does not work in your application, you're stuck. Cisco doesn't even publish wire-speed performance specifications for its routers. This is because many Cisco routers are poor performers, and they cannot deliver wire-speed performance over a wide range of common configurations and conditions.
Technical Support
ImageStream includes one year of free 24/7 technical support with each router. In addition, ImageStream offers an Extended Service Plan (ESP) option for every router, which extends the first year of warranty and 24/7 technical support to years 2 and 3 of ownership. An Extended Service Plan may be purchased at any time during the first year of ownership, but it is never required to receive service. After the first year, if you do not purchase an Extended Service Plan, you can simply pay an hourly rate for the support that you use. If you don't need support, then you pay nothing.
With ImageStream, you have a choice. Software upgrades are always free, so there is no built-in pressure to buy a service contract. With the appropriate on-staff technical expertise, you can eliminate the cost of service contracts, and avoid these recurring costs when you don't need support. Alternatively, if you do not have an on-staff routing expert, or you are more comfortable with a fixed expense for technical support and repairs, then purchasing an Extended Service Plan will probably be the best choice for you.
In contrast to the choices offered by ImageStream, Cisco's actions show that it wants to wring every nickle and dime that it can out of its customers. Study Cisco's revenues, and it becomes clear that they are very focused on making money from service contracts.
Here's how they do it.
It is normal for a complex network deployment to require some technical support during the design or installation phases. If you want technical support from Cisco, you must purchase an annual support contract for each of your Cisco routers, even if you never use the service.
ImageStream understands that the technical support load for a router is highest during the first year of ownership. This is why we include technical support for the first year with every router we sell. In contrast, Cisco wants you to purchase support contracts year after year, and so many Cisco resellers won't even sell you a router without a service contract. The annual cost of a Cisco support contract can be significant, and it often exceeds the price of a new ImageStream router in only a few years. We would not want to be treated like this, so we offer our customers a choice.
Upgrade Path
ImageStream routers use standard data buses which allow the network cards in each product line to be used in any of the routers in the same line. This means that you can buy ImageStream's entry-level TransPort with a single-port T1 card, and migrate that card to the R1, the Rebel Router, the Gateway Router, or the Enterprise Router, ImageStream's top-of-the-line Industrial Series router. The same is true for the Pro Series, which uses CompactPCI network cards.
Cisco makes it possible to use one card in several routers, but this is generally not possible between different product classes. For example, you can move a network card from a Cisco 2600 series router to a 3600 series router, and you can move a network card from a Cisco 7200 series router to a 7500 series router; but you can't move a 2600/3600 card into a 7200/7500 series chassis.
ImageStream's Industrial Series and Pro Series routers also represent a coherent upgrade path because both product lines use a common software platform. Once you have learned to administer an Industrial Series router, that knowledge is directly applicable to the Pro Series.
In contrast, Cisco uses entirely different software platforms that span their entry level, midrange, and high-end product offerings. Cisco calls some of these different software platforms by the same name, but they are very different with respect to command set and learning curve. This means that if you follow Cisco's upgrade path, you may need new knowledge and skills to administer successive products.
Total Cost of Ownership
When compared to Cisco products, ImageStream routers can provide a wide range of cost savings throughout the life of the product. The real benefit to a specific user will always depend on that user's particular requirements and resources.
The primary costs of ownership for any router include the up-front price of the equipment and the cost of technical support. ImageStream routers can provide significant up-front savings that are described in the section above called "Sticker Price." In addition, technical support for an ImageStream router normally costs less throughout the life of the product. This is described in the preceding section called "Technical Support."
The list below covers potential cost of ownership savings that an ImageStream router can provide when compared to Cisco.
- Lower up-front equipment costs
- No support costs for the first year, and support contracts are never required
- Free software upgrades for the life of the product
- Menu-driven interface makes it possible for less technical people to administer an ImageStream router
- Companies that already employ Linux administrators can leverage their in-house expertise without introducing additional platforms to support
- Cross-chassis card compatibility provides cost savings for those who want to start out with an entry-level router, and then move their cards into a higher end chassis that supports the same cards
- The same network cards can be used in customer premise, edge, and core applications, so larger network operators can save money by adopting a common platform to reduce equipment inventory
- ImageStream's exclusive performance guarantee helps to ensure that you won't get stuck with a product that does not work in your application
All of these cost advantages can add up to significant savings throughout the life of an ImageStream router.
Key Software Advantages
Cisco is known to offer broad support for common network configurations, legacy protocols, and proprietary applications. This exhaustive library of router software has led many people to believe that a Cisco router is their best choice. This is an old argument that assumes the quantity of software is more important than the quality.
In the real world, the Internet has become an overwhelming force that has unified many networking applications. As a result, few network applications require the variety of application software that Cisco maintains.
ImageStream focuses on extending its software capabilities in a wide range of common networking applications. This focus has allowed ImageStream software to excel beyond the capabilities of Cisco software in key areas including user interface, secure telnet, driver component technology, frame relay sub-interfaces, line bonding, software upgrades, real-time monitoring, and scheduling.
Full-featured Router Distribution with No Hidden Costs
Cisco has managed to create a real nightmare when it comes to ordering its router software. For example, Cisco offers different software distributions for different classes of routers. In addition, Cisco has created dozens of different software packages so it can sell different router features separately. As a result, it can take more time to figure out which Cisco software package you need than it takes to figure out which router is right for you. To add insult to injury, Cisco tries to hide the real cost of owning its products by separating the cost of the required software from the price of the router.
ImageStream departs from the Cisco software model by including a full-featured software distribution with every router. We already know you don't want to keep track of different software features on different routers; we know that you would prefer to have all of the available features on every router; and we know you would prefer to avoid the nausea associated with suppliers who nickle and dime you to death. With ImageStream routers, all of the software is included, so you don't have dozens of software part numbers to sort through, and there is no hidden cost for the software you really need. ImageStream's approach can also save a lot of time and frustration by simply eliminating the need to figure out which software packages support which features. And when new features are developed, ImageStream routers can be upgraded to support those features at no cost.
User Interface
ImageStream routers support command line configuration for power users, just like Cisco routers. But it is always more difficult to learn commands without the benefit of a configuration file that can be referenced and commented. The ability to look at and modify system configuration files and enter your own comments is one simple improvement over a system that is mainly limited to command line or wizard-like configuration. Beyond the advantage of configuration files, ImageStream routers include a menu interface which makes it easy for less experienced administrators to get around inside the router.
In contrast, Cisco routers do not provide a menu-driven configuration interface. Cisco does not provide this capability with its routers because it expects to sell management software that provides an easy-to-use graphical interface. For example, Cisco offers the CiscoWorks 2000 software package to provide an easy-to-use management interface for its products. The CiscoWorks 2000 software package for Windows retails for $14,995.
Secure Telnet (SSH)
All ImageStream routers support administrative access via SSH (secure telnet) versions 1 and 2. SSH v2 encrypts administrative sessions to minimize the security risks associated with plain text telnet, and it is still considered by most experts to provide "strong" encryption.
All Cisco routers support administrative access using plain text telnet. But telnet can be compromised by an experienced hacker who is looking to cause trouble. Cisco also offers SSH version 1 as a software option, but it does not plan to support ssh version 2.
Cisco does not offer SSH consistently across its product lines, so you can't always tell which routers and which software packages will give you SSH. Some Cisco routers like the 800 and 1600 series do not support SSH at all. With other Cisco routers, different packages provide SSH, and the cost varies based on these different packages. Some of the different retail prices for "feature pack" licenses that include SSH include $500 for each Cisco 1700 series router, $700 for each 2600 series router, $15 for each 3600 series router, and $15 for each 7200 series router. The $15 feature pack for 3600 and 7200 series routers is a required package, so you will always pay at least $15 to get software for a Cisco router unless it is included in a bundle.
Driver Component Architecture
ImageStream developed the Inetics™ Driver Component Architecture (IDCA) to minimize development costs, to support both Open Source and commercial software components, and to enhance router performance. Inetics accomplishes all of these goals as it provides an easy way for manufacturers to install their own custom software alongside standard router components. Cisco's router software is monolithic, and does not offer an advanced component architecture like Inetics. For more information on Inetics, please refer to the Inetics White Paper.
Frame Relay and ATM Sub-Interfaces
ImageStream's frame relay implementation is superior to Cisco's. ImageStream's frame relay module provides real network interfaces for each configured DLCI instead of virtual interfaces which do not provide access to Layer 3 services. With ImageStream's frame relay support, you can set up unique QoS, firewall rules, packet filtering, or other Layer 3 processing functions for each DLCI. Cisco routers are not designed to do this.
Interface Bonder
ImageStream refined its "bonder" module through several years of development. As a part of its product goals, ImageStream set out to improve upon several aspects of "Cisco Express Forwarding" which can be used on a Cisco router to bond data circuits.
CEF can be implemented "packet-based" or "flow-based." Flow-based CEF does not provide access to the aggregate bandwidth of the bonded links, and so it is limited to providing circuit redundancy. Packet-based CEF provides access to the aggregate bandwidth of the bonded links, but it can be impossibly slow on all but the fastest Cisco routers.
CEF has another limitation because it cannot bond different speed circuits. ImageStream's bonder software uses a high-performance algorithm that analyses line speeds and packet queues to balance the demands of different speed circuits. And at the bottom line, ImageStream's bonder is included with every ImageStream router at no extra charge, and Cisco's CEF is a premium software feature that Cisco charges extra to license.
Real-Time Monitoring
ImageStream routers provide real-time performance monitoring including link status, transmitted and received packets, dropped packets, and CPU utilization. Cisco routers do not provide real-time statistics unless you purchase extra software or an expensive management chassis. The CiscoWorks 2000 software package for Windows is one of the most popular real-time monitoring solutions for Cisco routers, and it retails for $14,995.
Scheduler
ImageStream routers include the well-known cron system scheduler that allows system events to be scheduled on a calendar. In addition, the IP tables packet filtering software used by ImageStream routers supports the ability to define filtering rules based on a particular time of day. Some network administrators may never need to automate the configuration of their routers. But other administrators require this feature because they are interested in automating the purging of system logs, the reconfiguration of their routers based on predictable time-of-day or day-of-week traffic patterns, and automating diagnostics for network analysis.
Cisco does not offer a no-cost scheduler. The CiscoWorks 2000 software for Windows provides a wide range of management features, but it does not provide command automation and scheduling. You can purchase Cisco's Intelligent Contact Management (ICM) software which supports router command automation, but this solution costs more than $100 thousand USD and is designed to manage much more than router commands and scripts. Another solution is to purchase a Cisco 12000 series router, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The 12000 chassis includes a clock scheduler card which can be purchased separately for around $13 thousand dollars, but this scheduling capability is not available with lower cost entry-level and midrange routers
Free Software Upgrades for Life
ImageStream routers include free software upgrades for life. When ImageStream develops support for a new Linux kernel, or when ImageStream develops a new router utility, all of this software is included with every router and can be easily updated from the router's menu interface. Cisco charges license fees for its software, including upgrades.
Easy Software Updates
To streamline router software upgrades, ImageStream's menu system provides a simple router update function that provides fast and easy upgrades via the Internet. Cisco routers do not provide a menu interface, and they do not support automated software upgrades.
It is also common for a Cisco router to require expensive hardware upgrades to support new software. ImageStream routers do not ordinarily require hardware upgrades to support a new software release. But if an ImageStream router ever requires a hardware upgrade, you can be sure it will cost less than a Cisco upgrade because ImageStream routers use low-cost commodity hardware components.
Transferable Software Licensing
Let's say you have outgrown your old router, and you want to sell it and purchase a new one. If your old router came from ImageStream, you can simply sell the router, and your software license and free upgrades for life both transfer to the new owner.
In contrast, if you are selling a used Cisco router, the person who wants to buy your old router is required to pay Cisco for a new software license. Cisco does not like people buying and selling used Cisco products because the company views this as a lost opportunity to sell new equipment. Here again, Cisco is very careful to extract as much money as possible from its customers.
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