Cisco IOS SSL VPN and Cisco Secure Client compete in the secure remote access category. Cisco Secure Client seems to have an edge due to its advanced security features and cross-platform support.
Features: Cisco IOS SSL VPN offers user-based authentication, web portals customization, and strong encryption. It integrates with existing networks and provides stability and security. Cisco Secure Client provides cross-platform support and seamless VPN access, highlighting features like multifactor authentication, ease of integration, and use.
Room for Improvement: Cisco IOS SSL VPN could improve by simplifying configurations and enhancing scalability, with concerns about pricing and integration. Cisco Secure Client would benefit from better support on non-Windows platforms and an easier setup, along with a more modern interface and straightforward licensing.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco IOS SSL VPN is often deployed in on-premises and hybrid settings, recognized for stability and technical support. Cisco Secure Client offers flexible deployment in public and private clouds, with ease influenced by user experience. Both receive praise for customer service, with Cisco Secure Client users appreciating extended support contracts.
Pricing and ROI: Both products provide a solid return on investment due to comprehensive security features. Pricing for Cisco IOS SSL VPN is relatively high compared to competitors. Cisco Secure Client's licensing is slightly more flexible but still costly at the enterprise level. Both justify their costs with high reliability and security returns, though users desire more competitive pricing.
We contact support regularly, especially for deployments, and they are very responsive.
When Cisco first took over, it was a bit more difficult to get support, but they now integrate it without differentiating the support for Linksys versus full-blown Cisco switches.
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 integrates well with Cisco's ecosystem, providing flexibility and options to connect to diverse environments.
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.
Linksys can be fairly stable for easy environments, but in more complex network environments, Cisco is definitely a lot more stable.
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.
There have been issues with operating systems where newer updates cause problems with backward compatibility.
I believe Cisco could support easier configuration and having tools that allow for easier management and configuration.
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.
For more than one hundred users, it costs about $60 per seat.
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.
The solution is also very scalable, offering up to one hundred licenses for free, and can integrate well with Cisco's ecosystem, such as Cisco ISE and NAC.
Configuring QoS on Linksys is pretty easy, especially compared to Cisco QoS, which I am certified in, as it helps ensure that the bandwidth for voice or other applications doesn't bleed over into the data links.
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.
Product | Market Share (%) |
---|---|
Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) | 16.5% |
Cisco IOS SSL VPN | 9.1% |
Other | 74.4% |
Company Size | Count |
---|---|
Small Business | 23 |
Midsize Enterprise | 4 |
Large Enterprise | 24 |
Company Size | Count |
---|---|
Small Business | 26 |
Midsize Enterprise | 10 |
Large Enterprise | 46 |
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.
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