Overview

NVIDIA Config Manager brings provisioning and recurring operations for NVIDIA AI-factory network infrastructure into a Kubernetes-deployed platform. It is aimed at network administrators and operators responsible for deploying the platform and running network workflows. The breadth of operational tasks and open-source license are attractive, but the Developer Preview warning rules it out for production use today.

Key features

Config Manager covers both initial provisioning and continuing maintenance. Zero-touch provisioning, device inventory, configuration backup and deployment, and reprovisioning address the equipment lifecycle; cable and hardware validation, password rotation, and OS or firmware upgrades extend its reach into day-two work. Workflow orchestration and template rendering support repeatable jobs, while PostgreSQL-backed configuration storage and generated Kea DHCP configuration provide core services. This breadth is useful for teams managing NVIDIA AI-factory networks, but does not remove the need to operate the underlying Kubernetes deployment.

Nautobot is the default DCIM provider. Teams using a different DCIM can connect through the provider-neutral SDK, giving them a path to integrate existing inventory systems rather than requiring Nautobot as the sole option. Browser access uses an OIDC proxy and API clients use bearer tokens. Approval workflows and an audit trail for configuration changes give operators review controls over day-two changes.

Deployment uses Helm on Kubernetes, with an installer that supports interactive TUI and headless CLI workflows. Cloud-hosted and on-premises Kubernetes models are documented. For offline environments, a deployment bundle can include the chart, images, dependency charts and manifests, and installer package. These options suit infrastructure teams with Kubernetes experience and constrained networks; they are a substantial prerequisite for teams seeking a turnkey network tool.

A standard deployment requires Kubernetes access, kubectl, Helm 3.x, Python 3.13 or later, and uv; some workflows also use Docker and Kind. The large sizing profile for production or high-availability validation calls for 96 total vCPUs, 256 GB total RAM, and at least three nodes. That is a significant infrastructure commitment, especially for a product still in preview.

Pricing

Config Manager is open source under Apache 2.0, with a free plan at no cost. There is no free trial because the software is free. The price does not change the key qualification: the Developer Preview is explicitly not recommended for production use. Teams should weigh their deployment and operating costs against the license-free software.

Platforms

Config Manager supports API access and is deployed on Linux, in a self-hosted Kubernetes environment, with web access for browser users. API clients authenticate with bearer tokens; browser authentication uses an OIDC proxy.

Who it's for

The strongest fit is a network infrastructure team operating NVIDIA AI-factory networks, with administrators to deploy and maintain the platform and operators to run workflows. It is a reasonable candidate for evaluation, prototyping, or validation where preview software is acceptable and the team can supply Kubernetes and the documented prerequisites. It is not the right choice for an organization that needs a production-ready system now.

Pros and cons

Pros

Broad operational coverage: provisioning, validation, configuration management, credential rotation, and upgrades share a workflow platform.
Integration flexibility: Nautobot is bundled by default, with a provider-neutral SDK for other DCIM providers.
Useful change controls: approvals and configuration audit trails support governed day-two operations.
Offline deployment path: an airgapped bundle supports environments that cannot rely on online installation.
Open-source license: Apache 2.0 avoids a software license charge.

Cons

Preview maturity: the repository says it is not recommended for production use, a decisive limitation for operational networks.
Deployment overhead: Kubernetes, Helm, Python, and related tooling make setup a job for infrastructure-capable teams.
Substantial large-scale footprint: the documented high-availability validation profile specifies 96 vCPUs, 256 GB RAM, and three or more nodes.

Alternatives

PacketFence is worth considering for teams seeking an open-source, self-hosted option with unlimited devices and full source code; its free plan and trial offer a different evaluation path.

UniFi Network is a license-free alternative for teams whose needs fit its free Site Manager and self-hostable Network Server model.

Infoblox Cloud Network Automation is a paid alternative using token allowances purchased over an agreement term, suited to buyers considering that licensing model.

EfficientIP SOLIDserver DDI is a paid option offered as hardware or virtual appliances for teams evaluating an appliance-based deployment.

RUCKUS Cloudpath Enrollment System uses a user-based cloud subscription with 1-, 3-, or 5-year terms and included support; consider it when that subscription structure fits the requirement.

BlueCat Horizon is a paid subscription licensed by Unique Active IP, with a free trial for evaluation.

Cisco Meraki Dashboard requires valid licensing, with license keys covering device counts and terms; it is an alternative for teams choosing that licensed model.

Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager offers Essentials and Advanced plans on 1-, 3-, or 5-year terms, with an active license required for device management.

Browse more options in Network Provisioning Software.

Verdict

Choose NVIDIA Config Manager if you operate NVIDIA AI-factory network infrastructure, want an open-source workflow suite, and can support a Kubernetes deployment for evaluation or validation. Its operational breadth, DCIM integration path, and change controls are the case for it. Look elsewhere for production today: its Developer Preview status and documented warning against production use outweigh the license-free price.

	HPE Aruba ClearPass	NVIDIA Config Manager
Free plan		Yes
Free trial		No
Paid from		Free
Platforms	Web	api, Linux, self-hosted, Web
Free plan	No
Zero-touch deployment	Yes	Yes
Device inventory	Yes	Yes
Access policy provisioning	Yes
Managed device limit	100 devices
Deployment model	self_hosted
API access	Yes	Yes

HPE Aruba ClearPass vs NVIDIA Config Manager

HPE Aruba ClearPass

NVIDIA Config Manager