Principal Application Experience Architect at a tech vendor with 201-500 employees
Real User
Mar 16, 2021
There are a few questions. What is the problem you are fixing with the ADC? Is there a reason or application that makes you want to lean towards Citrix versus another vendor? Second, as mentioned by others, most ADCs will do L4-7 load balancing. So the questions to differentiate is how easy is it to learn/configure, how easy is it to maintain/operate on a day to day basis, and how expensive will it be over its functional life?
Most organizations do not want to have to hire a load balancing specialist that is tied to a specific vendor because of complexities and custom programming languages. They also want something that is easy to manage for the operations team with minimal training and expertise. They also are looking for a vendor that can provide stellar and timely support through their 24/7 support organization. All of these things will drive down the operational costs and when tied with the capital investment, I would consider broadening your net and look at other vendors.
Personally, I would recommend Kemp, but I am biased, being a current employee of the company. But I have been in the load balancing industry for over 20 years with multiple technologies and vendors and I believe that if you look at all of the facts, you will make the proper and logical decision. Good luck with the project!
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Total Solution System Engineer at a comms service provider with 201-500 employees
Real User
Dec 14, 2020
If you are only looking for leading L4-L7 load balancing features, go for Citrix ADC as it is much easier with the GUI and writing Traffic policy is much much easier with GUI app expert syntax - What you see is what you get. Easier to transfer complex admin tasks/rules to another team or Colleague.
F5 also provide leading L4-L7 load balancing features but F5's GUI is not as easy and compact as Citrix ADC. Some commonly used menus that should appear next to the main topic are hidden and you have to drill down too much just to configure simple tasks.
With F5 iRule you need to write some basic iRule coding with correct syntax {asd{asd a}adsas } which could be complex and hard to transfer to another team or Colleague.
(it's not that hard but more learning curve and more point to get error with the syntax)
Citrix ADC also provides free SSL VPN from STD:500, EE:1000, Platinum: Unlimited.
And also free ICA proxy for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops from external network.
Senior solution architect at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees
Real User
Dec 14, 2020
For ADC, any ADC can do a good job. But in case if you want to add WAF functionality to the same ADC hardware you have to look for other ADC's like F5, Imperva, Radware, Fortinet, etc.
NetScaler is an advanced application delivery controller providing load balancing, SSL offloading, and enhanced network performance. Users benefit from its robust security features, seamless Citrix integrations, and cost-effective infrastructure.Designed to optimize and secure application delivery, NetScaler offers high availability and supports data centers with its load balancing and reverse proxy capabilities. It ensures effective traffic management and provides valuable insights into...
There are a few questions. What is the problem you are fixing with the ADC? Is there a reason or application that makes you want to lean towards Citrix versus another vendor? Second, as mentioned by others, most ADCs will do L4-7 load balancing. So the questions to differentiate is how easy is it to learn/configure, how easy is it to maintain/operate on a day to day basis, and how expensive will it be over its functional life?
Most organizations do not want to have to hire a load balancing specialist that is tied to a specific vendor because of complexities and custom programming languages. They also want something that is easy to manage for the operations team with minimal training and expertise. They also are looking for a vendor that can provide stellar and timely support through their 24/7 support organization. All of these things will drive down the operational costs and when tied with the capital investment, I would consider broadening your net and look at other vendors.
Personally, I would recommend Kemp, but I am biased, being a current employee of the company. But I have been in the load balancing industry for over 20 years with multiple technologies and vendors and I believe that if you look at all of the facts, you will make the proper and logical decision. Good luck with the project!
If you are only looking for leading L4-L7 load balancing features, go for Citrix ADC as it is much easier with the GUI and writing Traffic policy is much much easier with GUI app expert syntax - What you see is what you get. Easier to transfer complex admin tasks/rules to another team or Colleague.
F5 also provide leading L4-L7 load balancing features but F5's GUI is not as easy and compact as Citrix ADC. Some commonly used menus that should appear next to the main topic are hidden and you have to drill down too much just to configure simple tasks.
With F5 iRule you need to write some basic iRule coding with correct syntax {asd{asd a}adsas } which could be complex and hard to transfer to another team or Colleague.
(it's not that hard but more learning curve and more point to get error with the syntax)
Citrix ADC also provides free SSL VPN from STD:500, EE:1000, Platinum: Unlimited.
And also free ICA proxy for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops from external network.
For ADC, any ADC can do a good job. But in case if you want to add WAF functionality to the same ADC hardware you have to look for other ADC's like F5, Imperva, Radware, Fortinet, etc.