Cisco IOS SSL VPN and OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise compete in the VPN market. Based on features and deployment ease, OpenVPN has an edge due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
Features: Cisco IOS SSL VPN provides user-based authentication, strong encryption, and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure. It offers robust management portals and scalable configurations. OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise is known for its open-source flexibility, ease of integration across platforms, and strong encryption, providing significant adaptability and accessibility, particularly for small to medium-sized enterprises.
Room for Improvement: Cisco IOS SSL VPN has limitations in interface options and faces pricing concerns. Users desire improved integration, enhanced scalability, and simplified management. OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise has setup complexity and GUI inadequacies, needing more user-friendly configuration processes and enhanced stability under heavy concurrency.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco IOS SSL VPN is deployed on-premises and hybrid clouds, with a strong local support structure offering partner-based assistance. OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise provides flexibility across various environments, valued for clear documentation and ease of support, accessible in self-managed deployments. Technical support is generally good, varying with paid support levels.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco IOS SSL VPN is expensive yet justified by its stable performance and robust security, offering value for enterprise-level applications. OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise presents cost advantages with free community versions and cost-effective paid support, offering exceptional value, especially for budget-conscious organizations.
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.
We contact support regularly, especially for deployments, and they are very responsive.
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.
It integrates well with Cisco's ecosystem, providing flexibility and options to connect to diverse environments.
It's not very easy to expand, and it would be beneficial if the process were simpler.
I would give OpenVPN a six out of ten for scalability, as it's usually a single user or single device.
Linksys can be fairly stable for easy environments, but in more complex network environments, Cisco is definitely a lot more stable.
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.
It doesn't matter if it's Windows, Apple, Mac, or Linux - they're all very easy.
OpenVPN could improve in centralized management.
For more than one hundred users, it costs about $60 per seat.
My experience with pricing is excellent as the pricing is free.
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.
The best feature of Linksys in my opinion is cost, as they tend to be more cost-effective compared to larger switches or Cisco switches.
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.
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?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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