Catalyst Study9.0
Recommend
Can a buyer or portfolio company replace DDI with an internal build?
✓ No viable in-house path. DDI is foundational network infrastructure.
9.0
/ 10 mission criticality — category-leading
Finding
DNS, DHCP, and IP address management are non-negotiable infrastructure for any enterprise. There is no cloud substitute that addresses the complexity of managing non-standard IP schemes across global, distributed environments at scale. Every device on any network needs addressing — this requirement does not diminish.
Customer Verbatim
“We are using non-standard IP schemes across our global labs and manufacturing sites. BlueCat is the only platform that handles this at our scale.”
Network Data Services Engineer • Roche
Mission criticality 9.0Renewal intent 8.8Infoblox peer avg lower
98.5%
02
How sticky is the customer base? What does switching actually cost?
✓ 1.9/10 switching intent — near-zero churn across 55 respondents
98.5%
estimated net retention
Finding
BlueCat sits in the foundational layer of enterprise network operations. API integrations for DNS change management, custom IP schemes, and security workflows create structural lock-in that is not transferable. A migration is a multi-quarter infrastructure project with material operational risk — most enterprises won’t attempt it.
Customer Verbatim
“BlueCat Network’s API capabilities are central to how we orchestrate DNS change management in a seamless and secure manner across our institution.”
IT Director • Brigham Young University
Net retention 98.5%Switching intent 1.9No churn flags
3–4x
03
Is Infoblox a real displacement threat, or is the reverse true?
✓ Infoblox’s subscription pivot is generating active displacement into BlueCat
3–4x
price increase reported by Infoblox customers post subscription shift
Finding
Infoblox’s forced migration from perpetual to subscription licensing has created a structural pricing backlash. Verbatims from Infoblox customers show active willingness to evaluate alternatives. Crossover data shows BlueCat’s displacement direction as “Gaining” — Infoblox is the top competitor mentioned across the study.
Customer Verbatim
“The change to a subscription model is the reason why we are not looking to recommend Infoblox to others. We are paying three to four times per year now compared to when we first implemented.”
VP, Enterprise Architecture • Barnes & Noble (Infoblox customer)
Displacement direction: GainingTop competitor: InfobloxInfoblox NPS eroding
NPS 64
04
Are the adoption drivers durable, or does the category commoditize?
✓ Foundational infrastructure with a permanent demand profile
NPS 64
strong for enterprise infrastructure software
Finding
Every enterprise network requires DNS, DHCP, and IPAM — forever. The category cannot commoditize because complexity scales with enterprise growth. DNS security is an additive tailwind: DNS is increasingly the attack surface of choice, making DDI a security investment, not just a network ops cost line.
Customer Verbatim
“DDI is a foundational infrastructure layer. Surface attack reduction through DNS security is a key driver of its criticality to our defense programs.”
Senior Manager, Network Engineering • SAIC
DNS security tailwindNon-discretionary spendRegulated sectors