OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise and Cisco Secure Client compete in the VPN solutions category, with OpenVPN often favored for its cost-effectiveness and community support, while Cisco is recognized for its robust security features and reliability.
Features: OpenVPN Access Server is valued for its affordability due to open-source status, ease of use, and platform compatibility, including two-factor authentication for enhanced security. Cisco Secure Client is recognized for its multifactor authentication, seamless VPN connectivity, and integration with enterprise security systems, providing a reliable remote access solution.
Room for Improvement: OpenVPN Access Server could benefit from a more user-friendly interface and improved stability. Users note complexities in setup and occasional performance bottlenecks. Cisco Secure Client could enhance automatic connectivity and modernize the user interface while addressing frequent update issues. Simplifying licensing and improving compatibility with newer operating systems would also be beneficial.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: OpenVPN Access Server offers flexible deployment across various environments, supported by community-driven resources and extensive documentation. Cisco Secure Client provides wide deployment options, including hybrid setups, with responsive professional technical support, though OpenVPN’s community support can be both a resource and a challenge for immediate assistance needs.
Pricing and ROI: OpenVPN Access Server delivers significant cost benefits with a free community version and straightforward licensing, appealing to smaller enterprises focused on budget management. Cisco Secure Client, while more expensive, offers reliable ROI through its secure connectivity and comprehensive features, valued by larger enterprises prioritizing security investments.
Cisco offers very high-quality customer service.
Cisco technical support is difficult, and it requires lots of contracts.
Over the years, there's been a decline in the quality, mainly in areas such as the experience level of support engineers and the time taken to address and escalate issues.
It was very good, and I would rate it an eight.
I have not dealt with support or customer service, however, the documentation is good, and I would rate it a seven out of ten.
A smaller firewall can handle fewer sessions, while a larger one can handle tens of thousands of sessions.
The scalability of Cisco Secure Client depends on the hardware I choose.
Regarding scalability, Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) rates as excellent because we can scale out by simply buying more licenses from the vendor.
It's not very easy to expand, and it would be beneficial if the process were simpler.
It does not utilize much memory or CPU on the VM.
I would give OpenVPN a six out of ten for scalability, as it's usually a single user or single device.
I would rate the stability ten out of ten.
The stability is really good, and I would rate it up to nine.
Regarding the performance of Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect), I have not seen any issues because performance-wise it functions properly.
I am using Intune for deployments, and it's not easy to create an automated deployment where users do not need to register server addresses.
Vendors offer more features, such as a kill switch.
Cisco's security portfolio, including Secure Client and the firewalls, is falling behind.
If they had a one-click setup where you provide credentials instead of manually running commands, that would be beneficial.
If there was a dedicated plan for startups, it would be really helpful.
OpenVPN could improve in centralized management.
Palo Alto and Fortinet provide free VPN connections, but Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) requires a license purchase.
I perceive the pricing to be a seven, however, I have perpetual licenses.
The pricing seems to align equally with other competitors like Palo Alto during a competitive situation.
My experience with pricing is excellent as the pricing is free.
The experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing for OpenVPN Access Server is really good, not that expensive.
Beneficial for businesses needing secure access outside the office.
Additionally, it gives the user flexibility of working from anywhere, which is a major feature we are looking at.
Cisco Secure Client's AnyConnect VPN's reliability has been absolutely wonderful, as well as the ability to connect from any network, regardless of location.
The most valuable features of OpenVPN are its ease of use, client familiarity, end-user familiarity, operating system integration, and price points.
What I appreciate the most about OpenVPN Access Server is that it's very easy to set up.
Before using OpenVPN Access Server, only developers mainly had access to databases. We can create read-only users for databases and internally give them access using OpenVPN Access Server.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| OpenVPN Access Server | 15.4% |
| Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) | 6.8% |
| Other | 77.8% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 27 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 10 |
| Large Enterprise | 45 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 31 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 7 |
| Large Enterprise | 14 |
Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) delivers reliable, stable connectivity and seamless integration with Active Directory, ensuring secure remote access through a one-click VPN capability. It's lightweight, user-friendly, and supports major operating systems, enhancing remote work flexibility.
Cisco Secure Client, including AnyConnect, is designed for secure remote connectivity, offering multi-factor authentication, advanced malware protection, and automatic error diagnostics. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, it provides an intuitive setup and a clean interface. While it excels in ease of use, issues such as the outdated Linux build and the need for modern UI enhancements persist. Users also face connectivity challenges with frequent updates and high prices, alongside the need for better endpoint security and system integration. Popular for remote work, it facilitates secure access to corporate networks, allowing seamless interactions with resources like emails, documents, and applications.
What key features does Cisco Secure Client offer?Cisco Secure Client is widely implemented across industries for secure remote connectivity, especially in sectors requiring constant access to servers, data centers, and research labs. It supports remote work by enabling employees in diverse fields to access internal resources efficiently, maintaining productivity and security.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise provides secure, scalable remote access with strong encryption and cross-platform compatibility, leveraging open-source flexibility for cost-effectiveness. It's ideal for connecting remote workers, maintaining privacy, and securing network communications.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise is renowned for its ease of setup and adaptability, supporting Linux and different operating systems, which ensures robust security and seamless integration across network scenarios. With features like two-factor authentication and customizable installers, it emphasizes privacy and remote connectivity. While it offers robust documentation and community support, there are challenges with user management due to the lack of a simple GUI. Users note stability issues under heavy traffic, and improvements in security features and configuration automation are desired. Despite these areas for enhancement, it remains a reliable choice for secure remote access.
What are the key features?
What benefits and ROI should users seek?
In industries such as finance and healthcare, OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise secures sensitive data while enabling remote access across LANs and VPCs. It's utilized for encrypted traffic protection, facilitating site-to-site VPNs, and connecting mobile workers securely, thus maintaining data integrity in interoffice communications and IoT platforms.
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