# FirstWave Open-AudIT vs Forward Enterprise: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[FirstWave Open-AudIT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/firstwave-open-audit) is a commercial [cyber asset attack surface management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/caasm) solution by [FirstWave Cloud Technology](https://cybersectools.com/companies/firstwave-cloud-technology). [Forward Enterprise](https://cybersectools.com/tools/forward-enterprise) is a commercial [cyber asset attack surface management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/caasm) solution by [Forward Networks](https://cybersectools.com/companies/forward-networks). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | FirstWave Open-AudIT | Forward Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Cyber Asset Attack Surface Management | Cyber Asset Attack Surface Management |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | On-Premises | Cloud |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | FirstWave Cloud Technology | Forward Networks |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | FirstWave Open-AudIT | Forward Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Network Discovery | Yes | – |
| Configuration Management | Yes | – |
| Network Scanning | Yes | – |
| Inventory | Yes | – |
| License Compliance | Yes | – |
| Network Topology | – | Yes |
| Network Visibility | – | Yes |
| Network Monitoring | – | Yes |

### Core features

**FirstWave Open-AudIT**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Forward Enterprise**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**FirstWave Open-AudIT**

1 integration listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Forward Enterprise**

3 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [FirstWave Open-AudIT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/firstwave-open-audit) fits if you need to run it on your own servers and you are a startup or a small business.
- [Forward Enterprise](https://cybersectools.com/tools/forward-enterprise) fits if you want a cloud product.

## FirstWave Open-AudIT vs Forward Enterprise FAQ

Common questions when comparing FirstWave Open-AudIT vs Forward Enterprise for cyber asset attack surface management.

### What is the difference between FirstWave Open-AudIT and Forward Enterprise?

**FirstWave Open-AudIT**: Agentless network discovery and IT asset auditing tool with config tracking, built by FirstWave Cloud Technology.

**Forward Enterprise**: Network digital twin platform for visibility, security & ops assurance, built by Forward Networks.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes FirstWave Open-AudIT and Forward Enterprise?

**FirstWave Open-AudIT** is made by FirstWave Cloud Technology. **Forward Enterprise** is made by Forward Networks. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is FirstWave Open-AudIT a good alternative to Forward Enterprise?

Often, yes. FirstWave Open-AudIT and Forward Enterprise are both Cyber Asset Attack Surface Management products. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [FirstWave Open-AudIT vs Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence](https://cybersectools.com/compare/firstwave-open-audit-vs-forward-networks-network-data-intelligence)
- [FirstWave Open-AudIT vs Ivanti Neurons for Discovery](https://cybersectools.com/compare/firstwave-open-audit-vs-ivanti-neurons-for-discovery)
- [FirstWave Open-AudIT vs Guardian Exposure Map](https://cybersectools.com/compare/firstwave-open-audit-vs-guardian-exposure-map)
- [Forward Enterprise vs Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-enterprise-vs-forward-networks-network-data-intelligence)
- [Forward Enterprise vs Ivanti Neurons for Discovery](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-enterprise-vs-ivanti-neurons-for-discovery)
- [Forward Enterprise vs Guardian Exposure Map](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-enterprise-vs-guardian-exposure-map)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all FirstWave Open-AudIT alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/firstwave-open-audit)
- [See all Forward Enterprise alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/forward-enterprise)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/firstwave-open-audit-vs-forward-enterprise

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/firstwave-open-audit.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on FirstWave Open-AudIT and Forward Enterprise: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md