

Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway and Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) are two prominent solutions in the VPN and remote connectivity category. Cisco Secure Client appears to have an upper hand due to its seamless connectivity and robust security features coupled with user-friendly configuration.
Features: Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway provides fast and secure cloud connectivity with features like BGP protocol support, IPsec/IKEv2 for enhanced security, and seamless integration with Azure’s services suite. It offers robust networking tools and vendor interoperability without third-party services. Cisco Secure Client delivers reliable, secure remote access, highlighted by its ease of use, scalability, and multi-factor authentication capabilities. It ensures seamless connectivity and robust security, integrating well across different operating systems.
Room for Improvement: Users suggest Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway improve pricing, simplify setup processes, and enhance monitoring tools. There is also feedback on stability improvements and integrations to reduce complexity. Cisco Secure Client could improve by simplifying deployment and addressing connectivity speed and version compatibility issues. Enhancements in license management and user interface are also recommended for a better experience.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway supports hybrid cloud environments, suitable for businesses transitioning to the cloud. Users report varying experiences with Microsoft’s technical support, with some noting delays unless selecting premium support. Cisco Secure Client supports both on-premises and cloud deployments, offering flexibility. While its setup can be challenging, it receives positive feedback for reliable technical support and user-friendly configuration.
Pricing and ROI: Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway is seen as cost-effective, replacing physical network infrastructure with competitive pricing when considering its security and integration. Cisco Secure Client may be more expensive compared to competitors like Fortinet or Palo Alto, which offer free VPN with firewall purchases. Despite higher licensing costs, Cisco is valued for its reliability and seamless integration with corporate infrastructure, indicating a positive return on investment.
With Cisco Secure Network Analytics implemented, we have achieved collaboration as an IT support team where we reached out to network-related members to understand how they work on Cisco Secure Network Analytics-related issues.
The solution provides significant cost savings, transitioning expenses from CapEx to OpEx.
Time savings have notably increased because establishing the connection with Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway was straightforward.
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.
Prioritization of tasks can also be challenging, impacting the timely resolution of problems.
In a recent incident, I had an issue with the SharePoint API. It relates to documentation, specifically the lack of up-to-date documentation because Microsoft is moving away from the traditional SharePoint REST API to Microsoft Graph.
We received the required support whenever we encountered challenges.
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.
The process was very efficient to scale the solution, which supports a high level of scalability.
It is auto-scalable, and I do not see any issues regarding scalability.
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.
Azure VPN Gateway is very stable due to reliance on Microsoft's own network.
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.
More detailed logging would help in troubleshooting any failures during connection establishment or monitoring Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway.
The instructions on how to integrate P2N and P2S type networks into Azure VPN Gateway could be improved, though it is a constantly evolving process.
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.
We are paying around $300 per month for a VPN gateway, which seems high.
The pricing is somewhat high but acceptable, considering it replaces the need for physical network equipment, leading to cost savings.
The price of Azure VPN Gateway should be rated five from a purely invoice aspect.
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 Network Analytics filled the gap between the monitoring and management side, allowing us to check end user activity clearly from the Cisco Secure Network Analytics console.
It simplifies the process of deploying a VPN connection, replacing all the physical network elements with a software appliance.
The primary function of Azure VPN Gateway allows for designing subnets from existing networks, whether they are physical or virtual networks within Azure or other cloud instances.
The best feature of Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway is its sophisticated security mechanism for transmitting data between on-premise to Azure or Azure to Azure.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) | 5.0% |
| Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway | 3.1% |
| Other | 91.9% |

| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 28 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 10 |
| Large Enterprise | 49 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 14 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 2 |
| Large Enterprise | 14 |
Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) provides reliable, secure VPN connectivity for remote access, integrating seamlessly with existing enterprise infrastructure and offering quick setup and scalability.
Cisco Secure Client, featuring AnyConnect, is recognized for its robust VPN capabilities, enabling secure remote access from anywhere, thanks to strong encryption and multifactor authentication. It offers seamless integration with Active Directory and other vendors for enhanced security and protection. Users value its scalability, whether for small teams or large enterprises, along with ease of setup. However, feedback suggests improvements are needed in auto-connection to VPNs, better licensing visibility, and simplified authentication processes. Modernizing its interface and configuration along with less frequent updates are also highlighted.
What are the key features of Cisco Secure Client?In industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology, Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) is implemented to facilitate secure remote work environments. It ensures healthcare data confidentiality, supports financial services' compliance requirements, and maintains secure, consistent connectivity for tech companies' global operations. Organizations rely on its integration capabilities to work alongside firewalls, enhance security measures, and ensure secure access to critical resources, tools vital for productive collaboration and communication.
Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway enables secure cloud connectivity through scalable and reliable VPN solutions. It provides seamless integration with Microsoft's tools, ensuring high performance, availability, and security for businesses needing secure hybrid networking.
Leveraging Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway, businesses benefit from secure site-to-site connections between on-premise networks and Azure cloud environments. It supports high availability and robust encryption for secure data management. Azure's advanced security measures, including IPSec, ensure safe data transmission. The service is designed for scalability, user-friendliness, and effective workload management across SKUs, enhancing its value for enterprises seeking efficient cloud networking.
What are the key features of Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway?Organizations across industries implement Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway to create secure connections for CRM, ERP databases, and financial systems. It is vital for hybrid networking, linking data centers to cloud resources, and enabling remote user VPN profiles for secure management of virtual network infrastructures.
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