# FirstWave Open-AudIT vs Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence: 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 Networks Network Data Intelligence](https://cybersectools.com/tools/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) 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 Networks Network Data Intelligence | |---|---|---| | 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 Networks Network Data Intelligence | |---|---|---| | Network Discovery | Yes | – | | Configuration Management | Yes | – | | Network Scanning | Yes | – | | Inventory | Yes | – | | License Compliance | Yes | – | | Network Visibility | – | Yes | | Network Monitoring | – | Yes | | Network Topology | – | Yes | ### Core features **FirstWave Open-AudIT** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence** 5 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 Networks Network Data Intelligence** 9 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 Networks Network Data Intelligence](https://cybersectools.com/tools/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) fits if you want a cloud product. ## FirstWave Open-AudIT vs Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence FAQ Common questions when comparing FirstWave Open-AudIT vs Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence for cyber asset attack surface management. ### What is the difference between FirstWave Open-AudIT and Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence? **FirstWave Open-AudIT**: Agentless network discovery and IT asset auditing tool with config tracking. Built by FirstWave Cloud Technology. **Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence**: Platform providing contextualized network data insights for security and ops teams. 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 Networks Network Data Intelligence? **FirstWave Open-AudIT** is made by FirstWave Cloud Technology. **Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence** 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 Networks Network Data Intelligence? Often, yes. FirstWave Open-AudIT and Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence 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 Enterprise](https://cybersectools.com/compare/firstwave-open-audit-vs-forward-enterprise) - [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 Networks Network Data Intelligence vs Forward Enterprise](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-enterprise-vs-forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) - [Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence vs Ivanti Neurons for Discovery](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence-vs-ivanti-neurons-for-discovery) - [Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence vs Guardian Exposure Map](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence-vs-guardian-exposure-map) ## Alternatives to each - [See all FirstWave Open-AudIT alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/firstwave-open-audit) - [See all Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/firstwave-open-audit-vs-forward-networks-network-data-intelligence 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 Networks Network Data Intelligence: 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