Citrix NetScaler OverviewUNIXBusinessApplication

Citrix NetScaler is the #3 ranked solution in top Application Delivery Controllers. PeerSpot users give Citrix NetScaler an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. Citrix NetScaler is most commonly compared to F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM): Citrix NetScaler vs F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM). Citrix NetScaler is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 62% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 17% of all views.
Citrix NetScaler Buyer's Guide

Download the Citrix NetScaler Buyer's Guide including reviews and more. Updated: May 2023

What is Citrix NetScaler?

Citrix NetScaler is an application delivery controller (ADC) and load-balancing solution for multi-cloud environments. Because its software and hardware form factors are all built on a single code base, Citrix NetScaler provides operational and feature consistency with comprehensive security for monolithic and microservices-based applications on-premises and in the cloud. The solution is designed to optimize, manage, and secure network traffic. Switching features, security and protection features, and network integration efficiency capabilities are all part of its feature set.

Citrix NetScaler Features

Citrix NetScaler has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

  • Citrix Gateway
  • Secure Access
  • Layer 7 content switching
  • Database load balancing
  • Triscale clustering
  • E-based policy enforcement
  • Surge protection and priority queuing
  • Application acceleration
  • Application security, including DoS attack defense, content rewriting and response control, SSL encryption, and more.
  • Network Integration

Citrix NetScaler Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing Citrix NetScaler. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

  • Improved Application Performance: Citrix NetScaler optimizes the delivery of applications, reducing latency and improving the user experience.
  • Scalability: The solution can scale to handle large amounts of traffic, ensuring that applications are available even during periods of high demand.
  • Advanced Security: Citrix NetScaler includes a range of security features, such as SSL offloading, to help secure applications and protect against threats.
  • Availability: Load balancing and failover capabilities ensure that applications are always available, even in the event of a failure.
  • Good user experience: The solution’s Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB) ensures that users are directed to the nearest available application, reducing latency and improving the user experience.
  • Reduced costs: By improving application performance and reducing downtime, Citrix NetScaler can help organizations reduce costs associated with application delivery.
  • Agility: Citrix NetScaler makes it easier for organizations to deploy and manage applications, helping to increase the speed and efficiency of IT operations.
  • Analytics and monitoring: Provides insight into network and application performance, helping organizations to identify and resolve issues quickly.

Reviews from Real Users

Citrix NetScaler is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are that it is easy to use, is robust, and has good load balancing.

A Senior Citrix Engineer at Troye, says, “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.”

“The feature that I have found most valuable is its load balancing,” explains a Security Consultant at a tech services company.

Timur G., Team Head of Network Security at DOM.RF, writes, “The most valuable feature of Citrix ADC is its ease of use.” 

Another PeerSpot reviewer, Nirav S., Technical Solutions Architect at MindTree, mentions, "Compared to other solutions, Citrix ADC is much more robust in terms of the native integration to cloud platforms. It is far more robust from an operational point of view as well."

Citrix NetScaler was previously known as Citrix ADC, NetScaler, Citrix NetScaler VPX.

Citrix NetScaler Customers

ABB Schweiz, Aer Lingus, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Amnet Technology Solutions, Aramex International, Ascenty, Atos, Autodesk

Citrix NetScaler Video

Citrix NetScaler Pricing Advice

What users are saying about Citrix NetScaler pricing:
  • "Price-wise, I feel that the solution is a little bit expensive."
  • "The solution is undoubtedly very good, but it is expensive."
  • "F5 BIG-IP is much more expensive than Citrix ADC. For example, If we choose two platforms, Citrix ADC, 3000 version, and we choose F5, F4200 version. F5 BIG-IP has connections, timers, and throughput similar to Citrix ADC, but the price is very expensive."
  • Citrix NetScaler Reviews

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    VivekKumar10 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Co-Founder at Virajo
    Real User
    Top 10
    Good stability and offers various valuable features like WAF
    Pros and Cons
    • "For NetScaler, our major use cases are database load balancing, PowerVPN VPN access gateway, WAF (Web Application Firewall), and content switching."
    • "Manageability and adaptability can also be challenging for end customers."

    What is our primary use case?

    There are two major verticals for Citrix: VDI and NetScaler. For NetScaler, our major use cases are database load balancing, PowerVPN VPN access gateway, WAF (Web Application Firewall), and content switching. But most of them are for load balancing, access gateway, and VPN for NetScaler.

    And for VDI, the major use cases are definitely securing the data and centralizing the entire infrastructure to the data center. Another major use case is publishing in-house applications for end-users who are working from home or from remote locations.

    How has it helped my organization?

    Our organization doesn't use it because we're very small. However, we have deployed the service for more than 10,000 users. Our smallest customer had 25 users, and the biggest customer had over 10,000 users.

    We have eight people in the maintenance team for Citrix NetScaler, plus 24/7 customer support for day-to-day issues. They are managing multiple customers. Their expertise is at the level of RL1, three at RL2, one at L3, and one at L4.

    What is most valuable?

    For VDI, centralization, data protection, and data management are the most important features. As for NetScaler, its key features include a firewall, GSLB, load balancing, and an actual gateway. These are the four tiers of NetScalers.

    What needs improvement?

    Pricing is one area for improvement. It's on the higher side because NetScaler is a premium product used for over 70% of internet traffic worldwide. However, price is not the only concern. Manageability and adaptability can also be challenging for end customers, who may require the assistance of experts like us to deploy and manage the product effectively. Although this is good for us as partners, it can limit the product's appeal to customers who prioritize ease of use.

    Moreover, having some GUI-based tools for log management and troubleshooting would be helpful and make it easier for customers to manage and troubleshoot their databases.

    For the future release of Citrix NetScaler, I would like to see better pricing, as well as improved manageability and log management features.

    Another thing is if a problem occurs, we have to rely on the central support system. We need to collect the log and send it back to support for analysis, and then Citrix support will provide the solution. It would be much easier to troubleshoot if something is handy, such as a web portal or a common platform where customers can upload logs and resolve some of the issues automatically.

    Buyer's Guide
    Citrix NetScaler
    May 2023
    Learn what your peers think about Citrix NetScaler. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2023.
    706,951 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been working with Citrix for over twelve or fifteen years, so I know everything about Citrix. We are using the latest update of this product.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    It is a rock-solid solution, and I would rate it a ten out of ten.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    It is a scalable solution. I would rate it a nine out of ten.

    How are customer service and support?

    Previously, their support was great, especially two years ago. But these days, I'm seeing lots of slowness in providing solutions. The L1 support team is not ready, or the L2 team has a lot of work and is overburdened.

    Therefore, sometimes they are very good and sometimes slow in responding, resulting in slow solution delivery.

    How would you rate customer service and support?

    Neutral

    How was the initial setup?

    The deployment process is quite complex because it's a premium or tier-one product. It requires great knowledge and experience to make it easier. If you don't have the necessary knowledge and experience, you may struggle.

    Moreover, the deployment process depends on the customer's requirements and priorities. If the customer is focusing on multiple options or use cases, it may take seven to ten days. But if it's a straightforward installation with only one solution, then two or three days is more than enough.

    We are using both on-premises and cloud-based versions.

    What about the implementation team?

    We have a good team of ten people in India, and we are expanding our partnerships all over the world. We have even received orders from the USA. We are focusing more and more on the interaction market and are not looking to hire any consultants or other sources. Our company is the SI (system Integrator) for the product.

    What was our ROI?

    It's a good investment tool. If your own organization or any other organization invests in this product, it will be useful for their product line. This product is robust and reliable, which helps customers a lot.

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

    The cost of the product depends on the customer's requirements, so there is no fixed price. There are multiple licensing models. There are no additional costs for using this product. It comes with a support bundle, and the licensing is subscription-based. It means that you have to pay on a yearly basis.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    Citrix can be quite expensive, and it can be challenging to qualify or close leads for 50 users or less than 100 users. Therefore, we are considering evaluating multiple products in parallel and finalizing one product we can pitch in our product line.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would recommend using Citrix. Overall, I would rate it an eight out of ten because every product has room for improvement. If I rated it a nine, it means there's almost no room for improvement, which is not entirely true. So, eight is a fair rating.

    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?

    Microsoft Azure
    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: System Integrator (SI)
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    PeerSpot user
    it_user1295586 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Senior Citrix Engineer at Troye
    Reseller
    Top 5
    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
    Flag as inappropriate
    PeerSpot user
    Buyer's Guide
    Citrix NetScaler
    May 2023
    Learn what your peers think about Citrix NetScaler. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2023.
    706,951 professionals have used our research since 2012.
    Retief Zietsman - PeerSpot reviewer
    Citricx solution achitecht at Troye
    Real User
    A well-rounded, well-featured product with good reliability
    Pros and Cons
    • "The solution can scale."
    • "Technical support could be improved."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use it for web applications, firewalling, EDOS protection, load balancing, and content switching. There are quite a lot of use cases that we use it for. It just depends on what the client requires. It's a multi-purpose software.

    What is most valuable?

    It's a well-rounded, well-featured product that is quite flexible in terms of covering quite a lot of use cases depending on the client's environment.

    It's quite a competitive solution if you compare it to others. It's one of the market leaders in terms of functionality and features.

    It's a stable product.

    The solution can scale.  

    What needs improvement?

    Technical support could be improved. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've used the solution for seven years or so. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    It's a stable product. I'd rate its reliability eight out of ten. There are few bugs, and it doesn't crash or freeze. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The scalability is fine. I'd rate its ability to scale ten out of ten. 

    How are customer service and support?

    We aren't fully satisfied with technical support at this time. We'd like them to have a faster response time. Sometimes those responding to requests aren't technical enough, and the case needs to be passed through to someone else. 

    How would you rate customer service and support?

    Neutral

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

    We did not previously use a different solution. 

    How was the initial setup?

    How long the solution takes to deploy depends on what features are deployed. The deployment of the VPN and general balancing stuff doesn't take too much time. However, if you are looking at web applications and/or firewalling, it can get a bit more complex. The implementation will take longer. 

    I'd rate the ease of setup an eight out of ten. There are some complex configurations, however, it isn't something that we generally can't handle ourselves. 

    What about the implementation team?

    The initial setup is usually done by our team. We would usually reach out to the vendor for support in the case of a bug or something like that.

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

    I'm not involved in licensing aspects of the solution and cannot speak to the exact cost of the product. 

    There is only a licensing fee. There aren't any extra costs attached.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    We did not previously evaluate other options. We use Citrix a lot. It's our bread and butter. 

    What other advice do I have?

    We're Citrix partners. 

    I'm using the latest version of the solution. 

    We have multiple implementations of the product, including on the cloud and on-premises. When we use the cloud version, we use Azure and AWS. 

    I'd rate the product nine out of ten. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Private Cloud

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

    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
    Flag as inappropriate
    PeerSpot user
    Security Consultant at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
    Real User
    Top 10
    Seamless virtual desktop integration, but not suitable for largescale enterprises or complicated uses
    Pros and Cons
    • "The feature that I have found most valuable is its load balancing."
    • "In terms of what could be improved, I would say the user interface because sometimes it can be complicated."

    What is our primary use case?

    We are only using it for load balancing and application firewalls.

    What is most valuable?

    The feature that I have found most valuable is its load balancing.

    Citrix ADC is actually not the most preferable product from our perspective but for the virtual desktop use it is very efficient. It's very integrated with the virtual desktop. It has a seamless integration and that is the most valuable part.

    Since it has a significant integration with its virtualization, that has improved the usability access of the virtual desktops.

    What needs improvement?

    In terms of what could be improved, I would say the user interface because sometimes it can be complicated.

    In the next release, I would like to see advanced language support for managing the traffic, rather than only the RegEx. That would be helpful.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Citrix ADC for about five years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    In terms of stability, it is not as good as F5. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    It is not as scalable as F5.

    There are three people using it, and they're all engineers.

    It takes one staff member for the deployment and maintenance - also an engineer.

    We have a static user base in our organization, but for our customer base its use is going to be expanded.

    How are customer service and support?

    The technical support is not bad.

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

    We are using most of the solutions together, so there is no switching between the products. We are currently using F5, too, and we always prefer that first. But it depends on the deployment and it depends on the needs. For deployments we choose Citrix.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is straightforward. It took two hours.

    Our strategy is just deploy and use it. It's a simple process for us.

    What about the implementation team?

    We are the integrators.

    What other advice do I have?

    If they are going to use it with the VDI, it is a very good product, but it has weaknesses in application firewall development. So if they are going to only do load balancing in an SMB solution, it is a good product. But if they're consulting as an enterprise product and in a very large scale deployment enterprise, Citrix is not a complete solution. But for an SMB product and a basic cloud balance, it is a good product.

    On a scale of one to ten, I would give Citrix ADC a seven. It does what it does. It is a product for some simple tasks, but just not suitable for the complex tasks.

    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.
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    PeerSpot user
    Owner at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
    Real User
    A stable networking solution for web applications that needs improvement in their customer support
    Pros and Cons
    • "It is a stable solution. It crashed only once, four years ago...There is a return on investment using the solution."
    • "The technical support could be better. Whenever I contacted support, I rarely got the solution that we needed. And most of the time, I finished fixing the problem by looking on the internet or by finding documents about the problem on Google."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use Citrix NetScaler for policy URLs for web applications and RDP for Windows servers.

    What is most valuable?

    Reducing the content searching to publishing your web application, the OTP for two-factor authentication is the most valuable feature of NetScaler.

    What needs improvement?

    I wanted to use most features of NetScale, like the Web Application Firewall, but I need to learn how to use it. When we want to use OTP for two-factor authentication, it first appears on the authentication page where we can put the credentials. Then, we are directed to the application page and type the credentials again. But we want to use the OTP and access the web application without typing the credentials again. Typically, if we have an issue in the configuration and ask for a support request, that support doesn't help. They only talked about new implementations and charged me for it.

    The customers needed help but did not find the web useful for the tool.

    The technical support could be better. Whenever I contacted support, I rarely got the solution that we needed. And most of the time, I finished fixing the problem by looking on the internet or by finding documents about the problem on Google.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Citrix NetScaler for seven years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    It is a stable solution. It crashed only once, four years ago. We're using the DSLD configuration with two load balancers, two carriers, and two ISPs.

    How are customer service and support?

    The technical support is bad. Whenever I contacted support, I rarely got the solution that we needed.

    I rate it five out of ten.

    How would you rate customer service and support?

    Neutral

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

    Previously, I used Microsoft TMG but then switched to NetScaler since it is a better solution.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup was complex initially. The first time it took about six months to be deployed. But it's straightforward now and takes only a couple of hours. Around four to five people were needed to complete the deployment.

    What about the implementation team?

    It was implemented through an in-house team.

    What was our ROI?

    There is a return on investment using the solution.

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

    The solution is undoubtedly very good, but it is expensive.

    What other advice do I have?

    My experience with the support is not good. Owing to its poor technical support, I rate the solution seven out of ten.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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    PeerSpot user
    PeerSpot user
    IT Manager at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees
    Real User
    Top 5Leaderboard
    Easy to deploy and setup with good stability
    Pros and Cons
    • "It's very easy to configure."
    • "The solution could be more secure."

    What is our primary use case?

    We have published our applications via Citrix and then given access to the business users to access those specific applications via Citrix. We have many applications where multiple users need access - whether it's an EVS or a CRM, all these have been published to Citrix. We also use the solution for the ADC. ADC is a front end, wherein I get queries, and we'll get all the requests from internal and external users as well.

    What is most valuable?

    The solution is easy to use. It's very easy to configure. The solution is not very difficult.

    Performance-wise it's okay. The solution is stable. 

    The solution is easy to set up and the deployment process is quite fast.

    What needs improvement?

    The solution could be more secure. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've used the solution for four or maybe five years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is quite stable and the performance is good. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable. The stability is good.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    We have about 3,000 users on this solution. The product can scale. 

    How are customer service and support?

    We are in constant touch with Citrix support. We get a good resolution from them. I'd say that we are quite satisfied with the level of support they provide. 

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

    I also worked with F5. We used it for a couple of years.

    How was the initial setup?

    The setup process is not overly complex or difficult. The installation should not take more than three to five hours so long as you have the right information on hand. 

    Since the solution is straightforward and stable, we only need three or four engineers to handle deployment and maintenance. 

    What about the implementation team?

    We handled the installation ourselves. We did not need outside help from consultants or integrators. We're capable of handling everything in-house.

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

    There is a licensing fee, and we pay it once a year.

    What other advice do I have?

    We're a customer and an end-user.

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

    I would recommend the solution to others. 

    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
    Timur Gadjiev - PeerSpot reviewer
    Team Head of Network Security at DOM.RF
    Real User
    Top 10
    Simple implementation, reliable, and good dashboards
    Pros and Cons
    • "The most valuable feature of Citrix ADC is its ease of use."
    • "Citrix ADC can improve if it provides a more user-friendly interface and clear working protocols. Citrix is not working with classic RFC, it is working with Citrix RFC, which is not common in the world. If engineers of Citrix can provide us with more information on working with the classic IP networks it would be a benefit."

    What is our primary use case?

    Citrix ADC is deployed on our VMware cluster. We use Citrix ADC for Virtual Virtual Desktop Infrastructure(VDI), load balancing, and SSL offloading.

    What is most valuable?

    The most valuable feature of Citrix ADC is its ease of use.

    What needs improvement?

    Citrix ADC can improve if it provides a more user-friendly interface and clear working protocols. Citrix is not working with classic RFC, it is working with Citrix RFC, which is not common in the world. If engineers of Citrix can provide us with more information on working with the classic IP networks it would be a benefit.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Citrix ADC for approximately three years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The stability of Citrix ADC is not working well. We have one cluster of firewalls and the firewall can switch from active mode to standby mode, but in active mode, Citrix is not recognizing the ARP or MAC address. When the ARP lease timer ends it is working properly again.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    We have approximately 10,000 users using Citrix ADC.

    The main IT and network security departments are using this solution the most.

    How are customer service and support?

    I wrote many emails about the lease ARP timer problem we were facing to Citrix, but they did not respond to my question.

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

    I have previously used F5 BIG-IP. Citrix is more user-friendly and scalable for engineers for doing configuring. The dashboards and interface are better in Citrix ADC than F5 BIG-IP.

    I found Citrix ADC the better solution.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup of Citrix ADC is easy. I have been doing it for many years.

    What about the implementation team?

    We have 10 network engineers that do the configuration and maintenance of Citrix ADC.

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

    F5 BIG-IP is much more expensive than Citrix ADC. For example, If we choose two platforms, Citrix ADC, 3000 version, and we choose F5, F4200 version. F5 BIG-IP has connections, timers, and throughput similar to Citrix ADC, but the price is very expensive.

    What other advice do I have?

    Citrix ADC is scalable.

    I recommend Citrix ADC to all of my friends and engineers.

    I rate Citrix ADC a nine 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
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    Updated: May 2023
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    Download our free Citrix NetScaler Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.