In this video, I demonstrate how Forward Enterprise replaces Infoblox NetMRI, which has now reached its Last Order Date (April 30, 2025) and will go end of support in April 2027. Many teams are looking for a solution that not only replaces NetMRI but also takes them far beyond its limitations — and that’s exactly what Forward provides. Here are a few highlights from the video:

• A true network digital twin: Forward mathematically models your entire environment — devices, topology, and paths — so you can validate intent, detect drift, and troubleshoot with precision.
   
• Continuous validation & automation: Changes can be verified before they’re deployed, and misconfigurations are flagged automatically.
   
• Multi-vendor and hybrid cloud support: Visibility and assurance across your whole network, whether it’s on-prem, cloud, or hybrid.
   

Certified Infoblox Integration

We have a validated integration with Infoblox NIOS DDI. This is especially powerful for NetMRI users because:

• Network data (subnets, VLANs, IPs, MACs, metadata) flows directly from Forward into Infoblox, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
   
• It’s a no-code, scalable integration — ideal for large and complex networks.
   
• The end result is a more reliable IPAM system, with less manual effort and reduced operational risk.
   

NQE Query

Use this NQE to surface all available data about an IP address or prefix, plus its associated metadata.

/**
 * @intent Details about the network layer 3 interfaces
 */
import "@FWD Collector Webhook/L3/Interface Utilities";
getIpSubnets(addresses) =
  foreach addr in addresses
  select ipSubnet(addr.ip, addr.prefixLength);
intfSpeeds = g{value: 10, speed: "10M"},
              {value: 100, speed: "100M"},
              {value: 1000, speed: "1G"},
              {value: 10000, speed: "10G"},
              {value: 100000, speed: "100G"}];
getSpeed(speed: Number)=
if isPresent(speed) then
max(foreach val in intfSpeeds where val.value == speed select val.speed)
else "Unknown";
parseTimestamp (ts: Timestamp)=
 foreach n in regexMatches(toString(ts), re`(?<year>\d{4})-(?<month>\d{2})-(?<day>\d{2})T(?<hour>\d{2}):(?<minute>\d{2}):(?<second>\d{2})Z`)
 let year = patternMatch(n.data.year, `{string}`)
 let month = patternMatch(n.data.month, `{string}`)
 let day = patternMatch(n.data.day, `{string}`)
 let hour = patternMatch(n.data.hour, `{string}`)
 let minute = patternMatch(n.data.minute, `{string}`)
 let second = patternMatch(n.data.second, `{string}`)
 select (year +"-"+ month +"-"+  day + " " + hour +":"+ minute +":"+ second);
foreach device in network.devices
where device.snapshotInfo.result == DeviceSnapshotResult.completed
let platform = device.platform
foreach l3Iface in getL3Interfaces(device)
foreach ipv4_addr in l3Iface.ipv4.addresses
let ipv4_prefix = ipv4_addr.prefixLength
let ipv4_address = ipv4_addr.ip
let snapshotInfo = device.snapshotInfo
let discovered_timestamp = parseTimestamp(snapshotInfo.collectionTime)
select {
    ip_address: ipv4_address,
    last_discovered_timestamp: discovered_timestamp,
   prefix_length: ipv4_prefix,
  device_location: if isPresent(device.locationName) then device.locationName else "",
  os: if isPresent(platform.osVersion) then toString(platform.os) + " " + platform.osVersion else "",
  device_vendor: platform.vendor,
  device_port_name: l3Iface.name,
 discovered_name: device.name,
  network_component_port_description: if isPresent(l3Iface.iface.description) then l3Iface.iface.description else "",
  mac_address: if isPresent(l3Iface.iface.ethernet.macAddress) then l3Iface.iface.ethernet.macAddress else macAddress("00:00:00:00:00:00") ,
  port_vlan_number: if isPresent(l3Iface.vlan) then l3Iface.vlan else 0,
  vrf_name: l3Iface.vrf,
  port_status: l3Iface.iface.operStatus,
  port_speed: getSpeed(l3Iface.iface.ethernet.speedMbps),
  discoverer: "Forward Networks",
  task_name: "FWD CSV push"
}

Forward Enterprise isn’t just a stop-gap for NetMRI’s retirement — it’s a future-proof platform that strengthens change management, compliance, and visibility. By integrating directly with Infoblox, we ensure your IPAM data stays trustworthy and your operations run smoothly.

If you’re currently relying on NetMRI, now is the right time to start planning your transition. Let me know if you have any questions about how Forward Networks can help.