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Wissam Richani - PeerSpot reviewer
Sr. Network , Cyber Security And Infrastructure Engineer at IFE
Reseller
A good, but costly, application delivery and load balancing solution for application security
Pros and Cons
  • "The load balancing feature of this solution is very good."
  • "We would like the licensing model for this product to be improved, as it isn't currently very transparent. There isn't a standard package available, and each extra feature creates an additional cost."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution for Layer 7 load balancing for our clients, as well as single sign-on functionality, and uploading the data from their applications.

What is most valuable?

The load balancing feature of this solution is very good.

What needs improvement?

We would like the licensing model for this product to be improved, as it isn't currently very transparent. There isn't a standard package available, and each extra feature creates an additional cost.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been working with this solution since 2009.

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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have found this solution to be stable during our time working with it.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have found this solution to be difficult to scale out due to the complexity of the licensing model.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support for this solution is good, in our experience.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup for this solution is very easy, and will require one engineer for a cloud-based deployment, or two engineers for an on-premises setup.

However, the time the implementation will take is dependent on the size and complexity of the project. Full deployment can take from three days, up to a few months for the most complicated integration requirements.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The licenses for this product are payable as a yearly subscription, and carry a high price-point. The subscription scheme is quite complicated, and costs will increase with each additional feature that is required, outside of the basic setup.

Also, if clients wish to move from an on-premises setup to the cloud-based version of the solution, the licenses are not transferable.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
PeerSpot user
reviewer2283573 - PeerSpot reviewer
Junior System Engineer at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 20
Efficiently optimizing and securing application delivery, providing robust load balancing and reverse proxy features for enhanced performance
Pros and Cons
  • "The flexibility in configuration options is impressive."
  • "It was challenging explaining to customers that it's no longer NetScaler but ADC, and now it's not just ADC but also the rebranding from NetScaler."

What is our primary use case?

We provide services to our customers related to Citrix ADC.

What is most valuable?

The reverse proxy for virtual apps and desktops, along with load balancing, stands out as the most valuable feature. The flexibility in configuration options is impressive.

What needs improvement?

I just hope they don't change the name again. It was challenging explaining to customers that it's no longer NetScaler but ADC, and now it's not just ADC but also the rebranding from NetScaler. When I first started working with NetScaler, it seemed a bit complex. However, with experience, I've come to appreciate its user-friendly nature, especially when you know your way around it.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with it for three years now.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate its stability capabilities eight out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It offers exceptional scalability. I would rate it ten out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

I've only reached out to tech support once, and they swiftly resolved my issue. I would rate it nine out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

I would rate the initial setup eight out of ten.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

For the specific use case that my customers primarily engage with, I would give the pricing a rating of seven out of ten. However, if you're exploring the full range of NetScaler's capabilities, my rating would drop to four out of ten.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I would rate it eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
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reviewer2102562 - PeerSpot reviewer
Technology Architect at Infosys
User
Top 20
Good upgrades and backups with no downtime
Pros and Cons
  • "We like the periodic upgrades and backups, also made via ADMs, and it makes our environment much more robust and reliable."
  • "They need to make the solution a little more familiar with easy study guides, learning videos, etc."

What is our primary use case?

We make use of it for daily analytics, troubleshooting, and reporting for our production environment. 

What is most valuable?

We like the periodic upgrades and backups, also made via ADMs, and it makes our environment much more robust and reliable. ADCs have become quite broad, and so should ADMs also.

What needs improvement?

They need to make the solution a little more familiar with easy study guides, learning videos, etc. Learning content out there is very minimal. They need to bring in more Youtube videos, channels, white papers, etc., along with other Citrix certs.

For how long have I used the solution?

I'd rate the solution for four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is very stable; we've never faced downtime.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's quite robust and scalable at the moment.

How are customer service and support?

Customer service has degraded a bit compared to past years.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We didn't use a different solution previously.

How was the initial setup?

The setup was a bit difficult. However, we could manage it well with the vendor's help.

What about the implementation team?

Yes, we did use the help of a vendor to get everything set up. 

What was our ROI?

We've witnessed an almost 100% ROI.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

They need to make it a little more simple and more comprehensive.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did not look at much since ADCs and ADMs come as a single package.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Information Technology Division Director at Ethiopian Roads Administration
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Offers better visibility into user sessions compared to other solutions
Pros and Cons
  • "Citrix Netscaler makes it easy to provide services to end users, offering better visibility into user sessions compared to VMware. However, instability in network or machine can cause headaches as it's hard to pinpoint issues. SSL offload feature enhances security posture by providing secure connectivity between end users and backend systems. We use additional Azure remote security solutions for comprehensive protection."
  • "Improvements are needed to address the issue of machines becoming unregistered, ensuring stability for end users. Troubleshooting with Citrix support can be challenging, so clearer diagnostics would be beneficial. As for global server load balancing, it works well on-premises, depending on user volume and service stability. Overall, it's satisfactory for us."

What is our primary use case?

For our VDI setup, we have two types of Citrix Netscaler solutions: one for providing application and desktop services, and another for load balancing. We sometimes face challenges like virtual appliances becoming unregistered, but we usually resolve them through checklists. Overall, Netscaler works well for load balancing in our infrastructure.

What is most valuable?

Citrix Netscaler makes it easy to provide services to end users, offering better visibility into user sessions compared to VMware. However, instability in network or machine can cause headaches as it's hard to pinpoint issues. SSL offload feature enhances security posture by providing secure connectivity between end users and backend systems. We use additional Azure remote security solutions for comprehensive protection.

What needs improvement?

Improvements are needed to address the issue of machines becoming unregistered, ensuring stability for end users. Troubleshooting with Citrix support can be challenging, so clearer diagnostics would be beneficial. As for global server load balancing, it works well on-premises, depending on user volume and service stability. Overall, it's satisfactory for us.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Citrix NetScaler for the past four years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of Citrix Netscaler is rated at 7 out of 10. Approximately 2,000 to 2,015 users are currently using it, and we plan to increase usage. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is considered to be good, almost 8 out of 10.

How was the initial setup?

Some aspects of deploying Citrix Netscaler are straightforward, while others require professional services due to complexity. Skilled manpower and previous deployment experience are crucial. Initially, deployment required around five to six technical experts, but internalization of administration processes made it easier for us.

What about the implementation team?

We handled it internally, though it took time to finalize and analyze. We didn't use third-party integrators. 

What was our ROI?

The return on investment for us with Citrix Netscaler is favorable. By centralizing user support and management, we save costs on user device procurement and resource allocation. This approach is more cost-effective compared to traditional methods.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

After deployment, Citrix Netscaler shifted to a subscription-based license scheme for support, which is slightly more expensive. 

What other advice do I have?

I'd rate Citrix Netscaler around 7.5 out of 10. For remote connectivity, I highly recommend it for its ease of use. As for analytics and reporting, it helps in decision-making. The main area for improvement is stability, which could be better.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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ÖzdenAydın - PeerSpot reviewer
Technology Consultant at Kyndryl
Reseller
Top 5
A layered security solution that restricts the ability of clients to be compromised with keylogging and screen-capturing malware
Pros and Cons
  • "I prefer this solution because of its user-friendly interface. I find it simple and close to what I am currently using, which is Citrix Fortiva Access for Multi-Factor Authentication. I appreciate the familiar user interface and troubleshooting tools it offers."
  • "I am not an expert in this solution, but simplicity and user-friendly interfaces are crucial for me. I would appreciate advice from Citrix, particularly in the form of an interactive guide for API protection. It would be helpful if they could provide specific points and recommendations for cybersecurity, indicating areas that need attention or improvement. I find such interactive guidance valuable."

What is our primary use case?

Citrix Web App serves as a valuable solution for enhancing security in IT, particularly within API environments. This aspect is crucial for ensuring security.

What is most valuable?

I prefer this solution because of its user-friendly interface. I find it simple and close to what I am currently using, which is Citrix Fortiva Access for Multi-Factor Authentication. I appreciate the familiar user interface and troubleshooting tools it offers.

What needs improvement?

I am not an expert in this solution, but simplicity and user-friendly interfaces are crucial for me. I would appreciate advice from Citrix, particularly in the form of an interactive guide for API protection. It would be helpful if they could provide specific points and recommendations for cybersecurity, indicating areas that need attention or improvement. I find such interactive guidance valuable.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Citrix Web App for the past five years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate it 9 out of 10.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I would rate the scalability 8 out of 10. 

How are customer service and support?

I have interacted with them only once and they respond well.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I am familiar with Citrix, and I acknowledge that it is a good solution. Generally, our customers also prefer it. While I recognize other options as a good solution, personally, I have a preference for Citrix. It is easier for me to work with Citrix, and this preference is based on my experience.

How was the initial setup?

I did not encounter any difficulties during the installation process. I don't recall the exact duration, but it might have taken around two hours in total.

What about the implementation team?

There are ten individuals in our team in Turkey, including engineers and specialists.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

In Turkey, everything is good, but it seems expensive for us due to the currency exchange. I don't have a specific rating scale, but if I had to rate the price, I would say it's around a six out of ten.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend it for other users and rate it 8 out of 10. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Shejoor Kulangara - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Solution Architect at Diyar United Company
Real User
Top 10
An exceptionally stable solution that makes it a worthwhile investment for its users
Pros and Cons
  • "The web application firewall is one feature I found valuable in the solution."
  • "I feel that Citrix NetScaler's customer support needs to improve."

What is our primary use case?

Our organization uses Citrix NetScaler for application load balancing, global server load balancing, and web application firewall. We also use its gateway feature for remote connectivity.

What is most valuable?

The web application firewall is one feature I found valuable in the solution.

What needs improvement?

I feel that Citrix NetScaler's customer support needs to improve. Basically, I want the customer support team to be more customer friendly.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Citrix NetScaler for more than ten years. Presently. I am using the latest version of the solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Citrix NetScaler is amazing when it comes to the stability it provides to its users. So, if we just configure the solution and leave it as it is, it can run for years without needing maintenance work. We never got into any trouble with the solution. Stability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a scalable solution. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten. In our organization, more than 1000 people are using the solution. Since most of the services are already delivered by Citrix ADC, the solution is being used 24/7 by the people in our organization.

How are customer service and support?

Previously, we had contacted the solution's technical support team a couple of times. The technical support team was responsive and willing to help us whenever we contacted them. I rate the solution's technical support team a seven out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

How was the initial setup?

The solution's initial setup process was straightforward. The solution's deployment process probably took around two to three days.

The department process is simple since one just needs to get the device, connect it to their network, and make the required configurations.

Only a network administrator from the network operations team is required to deploy and maintain the solution.

What about the implementation team?

The solution's implementation process was carried out with the help of a reseller.

What was our ROI?

Using the solution, I have seen a return on investment.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution offers subscription-based licenses. Price-wise, I feel that the solution is a little bit expensive. But it is really worth the money.

What other advice do I have?

I would tell those planning to use the solution that it is worth the money. Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
it_user1295586 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Citrix Engineer at Troye
Reseller
Provides a great web application firewalling component along with very good functionality
Pros and Cons
  • "The web application firewalling component is a powerful feature."
  • "Quality assurance could improve by ironing out security vulnerabilities before releasing upgrades."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is used primarily for load balancing and content switching, but we also use it for VPN, SSL VPN, and ICA Proxy. One of the bigger use cases that comes up often is web application firewalling and security. There's a lot of growth in our clients' environments at the moment. There's also significant regulatory compliance required and we deploy ADC with multifactor authentication to have a layer of protection for our customer information. We are partners of Citrix and resellers of this solution. 

What is most valuable?

The web application firewalling component is probably the most powerful feature as it can identify attacks on the network at an application level which is quite important. There is also good functionality where we use IP reputation and geofencing to mitigate threats from the outside world.

What needs improvement?

Citrix can improve their quality assurance by ironing out security vulnerabilities before releasing upgrades. They are quite proactive in identifying vulnerabilities, but it would be helpful if they could identify them prior to release. The support on the ADCs isn't that great and there's a lot of work required with upgrading plant environments because of security vulnerabilities that come to light. I'd also like to see some improvement on the monitoring side. Things are better than they were but the interface can be a little cumbersome sometimes. It's not always easy to get the information that you're looking for.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for seven years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Stability is pretty good. Our company has logged perhaps one or two calls for stability issues, but they have generally related to environment variables that are outside our control.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scaling up or out is fairly straightforward. Based on the software license, we can unlock additional capacity, functionality and throughput purely by installing a higher-rated license. From an upgrade point of view, it's not a case of ripping and replacing hardware every so often, the solution is fairly robust in that sense.

How was the initial setup?

Complexity of the initial setup depends on the use case. It can be fairly straightforward depending on what you're trying to achieve, but the more complex deployments are, of course, more complicated. Depending on the use case, deployment can take anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks. On the web application firewalling side, it can take some time, but standard ICA proxy, SSL, VPN, load balancing, and content switching, are fairly straightforward to get up and running quickly. We have 15 users in our company.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Licensing depends on your environment and the size and scale of the deployment. There are options to purchase a standard, advanced or premium license, each of which unlocks different feature sets and capabilities. We also have a throughput license that ties into that, whether it's 20, 100 or 200 megs. It really depends on the environment. If I look at competitors such as F5, the costs and functionalities we offer are the same but at a much-reduced cost.

What other advice do I have?

Whether this is a suitable solution depends on what the client's trying to achieve, the type of applications they want to publish, and the security metrics they're looking at. We provide predominantly Citrix-based solutions so if there is a use case, we would definitely recommend Citrix, not only because of its functionality, but because that's our specialization. We implement the full stack of Citrix solutions.

Because of the functionality, scalability and stability of the solution as a whole, I rate ADC eight out of 10. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner/Reseller
PeerSpot user
CEO Iberia & Latam at a recruiting/HR firm with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Reliable, stable, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is very stable."
  • "Technical support could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We have Citrix StoreFront to access everything from a remote desk. We use it with Office 365 so that we can access Teams. 

What is most valuable?

The solution is very stable.

The product is scalable. 

What needs improvement?

It would be ideal if there were more integration capabilities. That's something that could improve. 

Technical support could be improved. 

The solution could offer a higher level of security.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for about five or six years. It's been a while. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution has been very stable. I don't recall dealing with bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution can scale. If a company needs to expand usage, it can do so. It's not a problem.

We currently have 400 users on the solution right now. 

How are customer service and support?

I've contacted technical support in the past. Their level of service is inconsistent. Sometimes it's good and other times not as much. It depends. 

How was the initial setup?

The installation was handled by a specific department and not by myself. I work in an area of the government and don't contact that department directly. Therefore, I can't speak to the overall experience of the initial setup. I can't say if it is difficult or straightforward. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I don't have any details in relation to the pricing. It's not an aspect of the solution that I take care of. 

What other advice do I have?

I'm a customer and an end-user. I don't have any special relationship with Citrix. 

I'd rate the solution at a ten out of ten. We've been very happy with its capabilities overall.

I would recommend the solution to other users, departments, and companies. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
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Updated: November 2024
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