We are using the solution for access control and internal servers.
Director Product Development at Mycom Osi
An affordable and stable solution that is transparent and free from errors
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is quite transparent."
- "The solution does not give us options if the connectivity to one server is not available."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The solution is quite transparent. We hardly have any issues.
What needs improvement?
Sometimes, a few VPN servers do not work, and we need to switch to another server. The solution does not give us options if the connectivity to one server is not available. The product can be more proactive, but it can't be because it relies on the internet.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for more than ten years.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco IOS SSL VPN
September 2025

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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is quite stable. I rate the stability a nine and a half out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable. I do not see scalability as a challenge because it is a client-server. I rate the scalability an eight or a nine out of ten. All 300 employees in our organization use the product. We might increase the number of users depending on the number of employees.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is quite straightforward. The deployment took less than ten minutes. The client was simple. It is a plug-and-play solution. It is a client-server-based tool.
What about the implementation team?
The product can be deployed in-house. We do not need many people to maintain the solution. The IT team can manage it.
What was our ROI?
We have received quite a good ROI on the solution. It is very valuable.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product costs less.
What other advice do I have?
The intranet-related resources like Jira or Confluence with cloud servers are connected. Cisco cannot do anything if the connectivity from the VPN server to our site is broken. It is up to us to resolve it. I would recommend the solution to others. The product is quite simple to use and free from errors. It is quite stable. Overall, I rate the tool a nine and a half out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

Assistance Manager, ICT Communication at ELNG
An easy-to-use tool offering scalability and stability at the same time
Pros and Cons
- "It is a stable solution. In my company, we haven't faced any issues related to the product's stability. I rate the product's stability a ten out of ten."
- "Multi-factor authentication in Cisco IOS SSL VPN has certain shortcomings that need improvement."
What is our primary use case?
My company uses the product to get Cisco AnyConnect client to connect to our internal network.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of the solution are its ease of use and the fact that you can apply multi-factor authentication on it.
What needs improvement?
I use Cisco Duo for multi-factor authentication, and Cisco has enhanced it to meet our company's requirements. Multi-factor authentication in Cisco IOS SSL VPN has certain shortcomings that need improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco IOS SSL VPN for ten years. I am an end user of the solution. I don't remember the version of the product we use in our company.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution. In my company, we haven't faced any issues related to the product's stability. I rate the product's stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution, and we haven't encountered any scalability issues with the product in our company. I rate the product's scalability a ten out of ten.
There are around 200 users of the solution in my company.
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is an extensively used product in the company.
How are customer service and support?
I have contacted the solution's technical support, and I feel they are responsive and fast.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Cisco IOS SSL VPN is not straightforward since it's a bit complex but not too hard for users to do.
The solution can be deployed in a couple of weeks.
The solution can be deployed on a hybrid cloud.
Regarding the deployment process, our company uses the normal deployment procedure provided by the manufacturer of the solution.
The technical staff, consisting mostly of administrators, are required to deploy and maintain the solution.
What about the implementation team?
The implementation phase of the solution was carried out with the help of a consultant.
What was our ROI?
Our company has not calculated the exact ROI.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing cost of the solution is on a yearly basis, and it is expensive compared to other solutions in the market.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend Cisco IOS SSL VPN to other people.
I rate the overall product a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco IOS SSL VPN
September 2025

Learn what your peers think about Cisco IOS SSL VPN. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: September 2025.
867,370 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Group IT Manager at Direct Remit Limited
A stable and easy-to-deploy solution that can be used to connect to servers
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable, and once we connect, we don't face any issues and can do our work."
- "Cisco IOS SSL VPN doesn't support the configuration of multiple VPNs."
What is our primary use case?
We use Cisco IOS SSL VPN to connect to our servers. Our local IT team and vendors use the solution to connect to our servers.
What is most valuable?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable, and once we connect, we don't face any issues and can do our work. We also have integrated a multifactor authentication called Cisco Duo.
What needs improvement?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN doesn't support the configuration of multiple VPNs.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco IOS SSL VPN for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Around five users are using Cisco IOS SSL VPN in our organization. The solution is extensively used as our vendors continuously use it on a daily basis. I use the solution when I'm outside the office.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Cisco IOS SSL VPN is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
The solution was deployed in our organization through an in-house team. Cisco IOS SSL VPN's deployment was quite fast. However, deploying Cisco Duo took some time because the vendor had to call us, and then we had to arrange to share the password on a phone call.
Initially, we received an email from the vendor mentioning the URL of our server. The domain and the port were mentioned, and then we had to allow that in our network. Once we allowed it in our network, we had to install Cisco's client. They had given us a link for downloading it. After downloading it, we had to deploy it on whichever PCs were responsible for connecting to the network.
What was our ROI?
We have seen a return on investment with Cisco IOS SSL VPN because it comes with a lot of security and networking bundled in one package.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN comes with a cost-effective subscription. For example, we got around 25 licenses with the solution.
What other advice do I have?
I am using the latest version of Cisco IOS SSL VPN.
A normal person with some networking knowledge can deploy and maintain Cisco IOS SSL VPN because it's not that complicated.
Cisco is one of the best solutions as far as routing and networking are concerned. Cisco still has some configurations to be done using the command line interface (CLI). That is a challenge if you are not familiar with CLI. The GUI interface is quite simple, and it's evolved from what it was earlier. It's good from the security point of view that you need to do those configurations using CLI.
Overall, I rate Cisco IOS SSL VPN an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
An excellent brand with good support
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco certainly has a really strong support team."
- "In addition to Cisco, we work with other solutions on behalf of our customers, such as Fortinet for FortiGate, but this latter solution can achieve the same results at a lower price."
What is our primary use case?
We use the latest version. Even with us using the latest version, the 40, Cisco FirePOWER, is the new generation for ASA, with a set up SSL VPN, as well.
What is most valuable?
We consider Cisco to be one of the best brands in the network. Many people appreciate the good service of Cisco and we make much use of its router switches.
As there are many people who work with Cisco, this translates into the availability of more engineers to lend support.
What needs improvement?
In addition to Cisco, we work with other solutions on behalf of our customers, such as Fortinet for FortiGate, but this latter solution can achieve the same results at a lower price.
FortiGate does not charge the client a licensing fee, although Cisco charges clients a couple of dollars per year for each license.
Other brands, such as Fortinet and even Juniper, do not charge a fee for the very good training they provide, but Cisco does.
Cisco should make itself available at a discount, if not for free.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco IOS SSL VPN for more than 10 years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There are two types of VPN, one of which is SSL and is part of call remote access for users of laptops who wish to connect with the company network. This one is very popular.
The second we refer to as site-to-site VPN, which is used for connecting one seminar to another. It could involve the branch office connecting to the data center via the internet or one company connecting to another. This would require the setting up of an IP tunnel. We employ this widely, such as in a bank, or financial or government institution.
How are customer service and support?
Cisco certainly has a really strong support team.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We are mainly talking about an enterprise level solution, so we do not do too much on the cloud, although I do make use of the new Palo Alto VPN cloud, also known as Prisma VPN.
What about the implementation team?
There are not too many people involved in the deployment and maintenance. For example, in my previous company in the bank, we had around 80,000 employees. We support six VPN boxes, each capable of supporting this number times 5,000.
At the time, not everyone was in need of a VPN but, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have doubled the capacities to accomodate more people.
As such, one can say that there are only a few people who comprise the support team, the number consisting of three or four. Not too many people are needed since it will not break easily.
We are talking about monitoring capacity and some regular maintenance, such as the OS upgrade. RMA is the prescribed response in the event of device failure. Not much is needed besides this and it is reflected in the size of the teams.
As there are many who are familiar with these solutions and use them, this translates into more engineers working on them, thus making it easy to get support.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In addition to Cisco, we work with other solutions on behalf of our customers, such as Fortinet for FortiGate, but this latter solution can achieve the same results at a lower price.
FortiGate does not charge the client a licensing fee, although Cisco charges clients a couple of dollars per year for each license.
Other brands, such as Fortinet and even Juniper, do not charge a fee for the very good training they provide, but Cisco does.
Cisco should make itself available at a discount, if not for free.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
In addition to Cisco, we work with other solutions on behalf of our customers, such as Fortinet for FortiGate, but this latter solution can achieve the same results at a lower price.
FortiGate does not charge the client a licensing fee, although Cisco charges clients a couple of dollars per year for each license.
Other brands, such as Fortinet and even Juniper, do not charge a fee for the very good training they provide, but Cisco does.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco is a well known brand which provides good service and many people have familiarity with it, including businesses.
As Cisco IOS SSL VPN is a good solution, but comes with a cost that is higher than all others, I rate it as a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Global Buisness Services at Accenture
Provides efficient connectivity and has a simple configuration process
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco IOS SSL VPN provides fast connectivity and the option to connect through multiple servers."
- "The product's RPA tools need enhancement for simplified business process automation."
What is our primary use case?
We use the product to connect to remote computers securely.
What is most valuable?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN provides fast connectivity and the option to connect through multiple servers. We connect to any nearer server while working in any specific geographical area.
What needs improvement?
It is challenging to automate processes in a VPN. The product's RPA tools need enhancement for simplified business process automation. Its design could be more user-friendly.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Cisco IOS SSL VPN for two to three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The platform has good stability. However, we get logged out of a session if we don't use it for a long time. Otherwise, it works fine.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Earlier, we connected the VPN using a traditional two-factor authentication method, likely using hardware tokens or a similar mechanism. In comparison, Cisco IOS SSL VPN provides a simpler username and password-based authentication.
How was the initial setup?
The platform is simple to configure. The deployment process involves the installation of virtual machines and accessing credentials for the users. Configuring the machines becomes easier if the clients provide access to their user accounts.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the product in-house with the help of our technical team.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend Cisco IOS SSL VPN and rate it a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
DevOps consultant at Africa4Data
A scalable and stable solution that is easy to deploy and maintain
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very stable."
- "The product’s dashboard is not good enough."
What is our primary use case?
I use the solution for remote access to the company’s resources.
What is most valuable?
Overall, Cisco IOS is a great solution.
What needs improvement?
The product’s dashboard is not good enough.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is great. Almost 500 people in our organization are using the solution.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is not very complicated for people who are familiar with the solution.
What about the implementation team?
To deploy the product, we must acquire the equipment and have the license to use it. We need one IT engineer to deploy and maintain the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay a yearly licensing fee for the product. The licensing fee is expensive.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I rate the product an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Consultant at Velocity Technology Solutions
Reliable and secure with a quick setup process
Pros and Cons
- "It is stable."
- "The product costs a lot of money."
What is our primary use case?
Currently, we are working from home, so we don't need to go to the office. Therefore, we need a way to connect to the company and for that, we need to use Cisco VPNs.
What is most valuable?
From a data security point of view, the solution is very good. We get good connectivity. Our privacy is protected. No one can come in and disturb the data.
The product has been easy to install. The process is very quick. You just enter your username and password in order to connect and start using it. It's very user-friendly.
It is stable.
What needs improvement?
I'm not well-versed in VPNs. However, this solution does make me feel like I am secure.
The product costs a lot of money.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for the past two and a half years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's quite stable. We haven't come across many glitches on the system.
How are customer service and support?
I've never had to contact technical support. I can't speak to how helpful or responsive they would be.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I'm not sure if the company has ever used a different VPN previously.
How was the initial setup?
The implementation process is very simple and straightforward. We just downloaded a script. The standard operating procedure was all there, and we just followed the steps. It was easy to download to our machines to begin using it.
The deployment and fast. Downloading and installing it takes about 45 minutes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
My understanding is that this product is a bit more expensive.
What other advice do I have?
We're customers and end-users.
I'm not sure which version of the solution I'm using.
I'd recommend the solution to others as it is safe and secure and makes it easy to connect. Even in environments that have low data or slower internet connection, it works well.
I'd rat the solution nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Director at Rakuten
Immediate deployment, excellent software, and highly stable
Pros and Cons
- "I have found that Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable."
- "The company sets the policies for the default location, and destination, which the VPN connects. If there is a problem with one of those locations, which happens sometimes when I travel I need to have an option to select a different available location. Currently, I am unable to see that from a user's point of view."
What is our primary use case?
I use it for dialing into the corporate network.
What is most valuable?
I have found that it works well. I am able to connect it to the corporate network. I can also access it outside of my corporate network, so it does both.
What needs improvement?
The company sets the policies for the default location, and destination, which the VPN connects. If there is a problem with one of those locations, which happens sometimes when I travel I need to have an option to select a different available location. Currently, I am unable to see that from a user's point of view.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this virtual private network for the past six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have found that Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is scalable and we have more than one thousand users.
How are customer service and support?
I have not had to use technical support.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was easy and straightforward. They give you a link to download the application. You download from the link and installation takes place immediately.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN Is a good solution. They use an open SSL framework and VPN. The software is excellent. I would rate Cisco IOS SSL VPN a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

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Updated: September 2025
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