NetScaler VPX - Customer Licensed

I have been working with all Citrix NetScaler VPX platforms: BLX, VPX, MPX, SDX, with all of them. I have completed more than 300 deployments with several different customers. I work with virtual and desktops, GSLB, Web Application Firewall, and all features that exist on Citrix NetScaler VPX.

I have been doing projects with customers integrating solutions because they have specific needs and require either new deployments or help solving issues on existing deployments. With Citrix NetScaler VPX, I have worked with environments with 10,000 users or more. I work with customers where the maximum number of users I have worked with is 30 to 35 with SDX. With Citrix NetScaler VPX, I have worked with environments with 5,000 users or fewer. They are using Reverse Proxy, Content Switching, Load Balancing, Cache Redirection, AAA, virtual servers, multiple configurations, and Multi-Factor authentication with Gateway and VPN capabilities.

The needs depend on your requirements. If you need to work with remote users, Citrix NetScaler VPX Gateway and virtual server features are very important. If you are providing websites, you need to use Content Switching, Traffic Management, and Load Balancing. When working with those configurations, you need to always implement SSO and two-factor authentication. You must authenticate users and always require a second factor. You must not work with just user and password authentication. You always need to configure Multi-Factor authentication with Citrix NetScaler VPX for access to the websites that you are load balancing. When connecting to Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops applications, this is very important. The most used features could be Traffic Management, Content Switching, Load Balancing, and Citrix NetScaler VPX Gateway.

I have been deploying in many customers because you are encrypting and decrypting on Citrix NetScaler VPX and you offload the backends. However, several customers always want to use SSL end-to-end with no SSL offload configuration. If you need safety, you need to configure all the servers, Citrix NetScaler VPX and also the backends for safety reasons. You are introducing additional load on the backends, but nowadays most customers want to use SSL in all the ways and in all the communication paths.

I have been deploying Web Application Firewall in many customers. Web Application Firewall has many configurations. Citrix NetScaler VPX Web Application Firewall works at Layer 7. You can configure signatures, which is the easy way to configure Web Application Firewall, but there are many security checks that you can configure and you need to talk with many developers to deploy it. It is very complicated. I have completed many deployments, and it is amazing, but sometimes it is confusing for most people because you need to do a lot of work when you configure security checks of Web Application Firewall feature.

I have been working with several different customers in all the fields. Normally, they are not small companies. The companies could be medium to high.

Content switching and load balancing are being used by customers. There are many different applications such as WebLogic, Oracle, websites, Tomcat, and more. There are plenty of web servers such as Microsoft IIS Web Server. It does not matter because you can load balance all kinds of web servers. You can load balance, keep the persistence, and do many things with all the applications and all web servers. Most of them are using HTTP regardless of the version, and also using WebSocket protocol.

Stability is an area for improvement. Sometimes stability issues occur. Stability can be improved by avoiding security issues. There are many problems with Citrix NetScaler VPX. There are many CVEs.

Stability issues sometimes occur when you deploy and when you update. It is very often that you have many issues because the deployment and updates introduce many issues. This is a huge problem if you have been working a long time with Citrix NetScaler VPX. It is not just Citrix NetScaler VPX. It also happens with MPX, SDX, CPX, or BLX. It is the same.

I have plenty of issues.

Some issues occur with SDX and the hardware crypto SSL cards. I have many problems with Citrix NetScaler VPX and stability with many customers. Some versions and new release versions had many issues. They were not working and not doing what Citrix NetScaler VPX was supposed to do and it was not working well.

It depends on the customer. I tend to deploy on-premise, on-premise, on-premise. I also have many users who are working with cloud and I tend to deploy their Citrix NetScaler VPX on cloud.

Customer service has been horrible. It has been horrible for some time. Since two years ago, it has been a nightmare. I have solved many issues and found many bugs myself. I solve the issues by doing workarounds because they are not able to solve or help me. Sometimes I tend to open the case, but I know that I am going to spend a lot of time wasting my time and trying to work in parallel solving the issues by applying workarounds.

I am totally comfortable with the initial setup.

I am an integrator. I integrate for several customers.

I have done maybe 500 or 1,000 deployments. I have automated many things and it is very easy to configure. You can use NITRO API scripts using PowerShell with several different languages and it is very easy to do it.

The setup cost is a little expensive for some customers. For some customers, this could be an issue.

Nowadays bugs that introduce new features are typical. Some versions are not working well in the initial version. My review rating for this product is 9.

I am a consultant and do not recommend specific products. I work with customers, and they decide what they want to buy. I'm a CISO as a service, dealing with security. I'm from an integrator company, and they usually sell a few products. One customer uses NetScaler for a VDI system with Citrix.

The customer is a college using NetScaler for VDI use. It allows students and lecturers access to necessary software for their courses cost-effectively.

Regarding integration with the Citrix environment, NetScaler is better. It serves as a VDI gateway. It allows students to access required software for their studies.

The configuration is complex, and only one or two people know how to assist when problems arise. It would be beneficial if F5 and NetScaler could be combined.

I started planning the network about nine and a half years ago and have made adjustments over the years.

We have not had problems with network traffic during peak periods, thanks to efficient planning.

The network was planned with consideration for future growth, so scalability has not been an issue.

There are only one or two people who have the expertise to help, and one of them is not in Israel.

I recommended F5. It is easier, however, the customer chose NetScaler for cost reasons.

The initial setup was complex due to the configuration.

I planned the network myself, leveraging my experience as an integrator and network architect.

Regarding pricing, educational institutes often receive better prices. In the context of virtualization, prices are increasing, affecting small to medium businesses in Israel.

Each product has its advantages, and combining certain features of F5 and NetScaler could be beneficial.

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

One of our customers uses the solution for his payment portal.

The solution can be configured very granularly and has good control over security. I can customize it for different web portals. If one customer has five portals and I need different configurations for those five portals, I can use the configuration multiple times. I can do different configurations for each web portal. I can configure a different combination of configurations for various portals. On top of that, I can define security at its best. It is one of the most granular control firewalls.

The solution's pricing is very high compared to its competitors. This is the only challenge I faced when I tried to sell the solution for VPN, L7 firewall, or GSLB solution. I would like to enhance the solution's bot protection features.

Citrix Web App and API Protection is a very stable solution.

Citrix Web App and API Protection is a scalable solution. If I want to upgrade it, I just need to add licenses to it. Around 2,000 to 3,000 users are using the solution from my customer’s side. The solution was deployed in a single location.

It took around one week to conclude and deploy the policy for Citrix Web App and API Protection. Two to three people were involved in the solution's configuration.

The solution's pricing is very high compared to its competitors.

Our customer has an API for payment gateway integration, and the solution provides very good security for that. The customer is satisfied, and the configuration and appliance are stable. I can scale that bigger appliance, and it is a seamless solution for the customer and us.

I didn't face any challenges while integrating the solution into the existing system. When we sell the solution, we check the prerequisites, authentication, and integration requirements from the customer side. We check what kind of applications, authentication, and other things need to be integrated with the solution.

We give the solution based on all those considerations so that we do not face any hurdles in the future. So, I didn't find any integration issues with the solution till now.

The solution's deployment is very flexible. I'm able to create any kind of granular policy because of the solution's technology, configuration style, or language, which benefits customers.

Before choosing the solution, users should check what kind of integration they want to do with it. Most integrations are available with Citrix Netscaler, but I would recommend checking all the authentication systems, like multi-factor authentication, before placing the order. I would recommend the solution to other users.

Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

The solution is used for application security. We had many applications that external users accessed. We used it in the production environment. We have suspended it due to support issues. We used multi-layer security.

The product protected us from SQL injection. Citrix is good for application protection. It has advanced features to protect from attacks.

A company acquired Citrix and stopped providing support for the tool.

The product is scalable. We can scale it according to our requirements. The solution is suitable for medium to large enterprises.

The support was good before. Now, it has transitioned. So, we have decided to move to a different tool.

The setup was not simple. It was complex. We need knowledgeable in-house developers who know the features of the application. If there is any error, the functionality might be reduced. We need experts from both the vendor and our side for the deployment. The learning process is very important. The time taken for deployment depends on the applications. If an application is not complex, the deployment might take one day. If it has a lot of databases, the deployment might take longer.

We pay an annual subscription fee for the tool. The tool is cheap.

F5 and Fortinet are good products. There are only slight differences between them and Citrix.

Some solutions are available on the cloud, while some are available on-premise. I will recommend the tool if the support issue is sorted out. Overall, I rate the tool a nine out of ten.

Not many of our customers use the solution's web application firewall. We use the solution's IP Reputation and bot protection features. We use the solution mostly as Citrix and Gateway ICA proxy and load balancing. There are a lot of changes with the solution, but Citrix NetScaler has quite a comprehensive portfolio of training courses.

The licensing model and technical support of the solution could be improved. The exchange rate with the local currency contributes a lot to why some of our customers are looking at alternatives.

I have been working with Citrix NetScaler since it first came onto the market. I have been using the solution before the Gateway feature was a part of NetScaler, and it was a stand-alone product. I have been using the solution since Citrix acquired the product.

Citrix NetScaler is a scalable solution.

Citrix NetScaler has many features. The solution's basic features, like load balancing and Gateway, are pretty easy to use. It becomes complicated very, very quickly in large environments because it has many features. I would recommend the solution to other users.

There are much cheaper alternatives if you just need the solution for basic load balancing. There are no alternatives to Citrix NetScaler if you want to use it as a Gateway and access it from the public network. Integrating Citrix NetScaler with the existing infrastructure and applications is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of things.

Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

I use Citrix NetScaler to secure and reliable access to our back-end applications hosted in our data center. With its robust features like SSL security, content switching, load balancing, and application firewalling, it streamlines traffic management and enhances overall performance while keeping our data safe from threats.

The most valuable feature for us is the application firewalling in Citrix NetScaler, ensuring only valid traffic enters our environment. Additionally, it provides insights into the origin and destination of traffic within our data center, giving us control and visibility over our network performance.

Citrix NetScaler is a robust product, but mastering it requires significant learning and training due to its complexity. While it could be easier to manage, it is like transitioning from driving a car to flying a plane – a different experience altogether.

Additional features could include better integration with community-developed scripts and APIs, making it easier for users to access and utilize these resources. Streamlining the interface and ensuring standardization would enhance usability and provide smoother integration with third-party services.

I have been working with Citrix NetScaler for about 20 years.

I would rate Citrix stability at nine out of ten because it is solid, but many issues stem from neglecting regular maintenance. If you overlook upkeep like clearing disk space, even the best products can falter, but it is not the fault of Citrix NetScaler itself.

The scalability of Citrix NetScaler is impressive, ranging from small setups to handling gigabit-level traffic. It is designed for clustering and can sync data traffic across multiple interfaces, making it highly adaptable to varying needs. In our organization, we serve several large clients, with some deployments handling up to 7,000 users daily.

The technical support is very good.

Setting up Citrix NetScaler can vary from straightforward to complex, depending on the deployment requirements. For basic setups, it is easy, but for more intricate configurations involving clusters and firewall settings, it becomes complex and requires expertise. While there are ARM templates available for deployment, understanding your specific needs is crucial for achieving the desired outcomes.

Using Citrix NetScaler provides immense value to our organization. Its indispensable role is in facilitating remote access and managing various assets, whether on-premises, cloud, or hybrid.

Having a robust load balancer like Citrix NetScaler is essential for our infrastructure. While there are other options like F5 and Azure load balancers, NetScaler stands out with its comprehensive features beyond just basic traffic routing, offering advanced functionalities like security controls, content switching, and application firewalling.

Citrix NetScaler enhances our application delivery by intelligently directing traffic to healthy servers and services. It ensures that even if a server is up, but its services are down, traffic is rerouted to functioning servers, preventing downtime and ensuring a smooth user experience. With built-in probes, it continuously monitors the health of services, identifying issues and optimizing traffic flow accordingly.

The SSL upload feature in Citrix NetScaler has significantly improved our security by encrypting traffic and ensuring data integrity. Additionally, the global server load balancing capability allows us to efficiently host multiple services behind a single static IP address, streamlining deployment and reducing the need for multiple certificates and IP addresses.

The analytics and reporting capabilities of Citrix NetScaler have improved significantly in the past year.

For those considering Citrix NetScaler, my advice is to research its capabilities thoroughly to understand which features align with your needs. Start by experimenting with one feature at a time and learn as you go to maximize its potential for your organization.

Overall, I would rate Citrix NetScaler as a nine out of ten.

For our VDI setup, we have two types of Citrix Netscaler solutions: one for providing application and desktop services, and another for load balancing. We sometimes face challenges like virtual appliances becoming unregistered, but we usually resolve them through checklists. Overall, Netscaler works well for load balancing in our infrastructure.

Citrix Netscaler makes it easy to provide services to end users, offering better visibility into user sessions compared to VMware. However, instability in network or machine can cause headaches as it's hard to pinpoint issues. SSL offload feature enhances security posture by providing secure connectivity between end users and backend systems. We use additional Azure remote security solutions for comprehensive protection.

Improvements are needed to address the issue of machines becoming unregistered, ensuring stability for end users. Troubleshooting with Citrix support can be challenging, so clearer diagnostics would be beneficial. As for global server load balancing, it works well on-premises, depending on user volume and service stability. Overall, it's satisfactory for us.

We have been using Citrix NetScaler for the past four years.

The stability of Citrix Netscaler is rated at 7 out of 10. Approximately 2,000 to 2,015 users are currently using it, and we plan to increase usage.

The scalability is considered to be good, almost 8 out of 10.

Some aspects of deploying Citrix Netscaler are straightforward, while others require professional services due to complexity. Skilled manpower and previous deployment experience are crucial. Initially, deployment required around five to six technical experts, but internalization of administration processes made it easier for us.

We handled it internally, though it took time to finalize and analyze. We didn't use third-party integrators.

The return on investment for us with Citrix Netscaler is favorable. By centralizing user support and management, we save costs on user device procurement and resource allocation. This approach is more cost-effective compared to traditional methods.

After deployment, Citrix Netscaler shifted to a subscription-based license scheme for support, which is slightly more expensive.

I'd rate Citrix Netscaler around 7.5 out of 10. For remote connectivity, I highly recommend it for its ease of use. As for analytics and reporting, it helps in decision-making. The main area for improvement is stability, which could be better.

We utilize Citrix NetScaler primarily as a load balancer, gateway, and application delivery controller. Employees connect to NetScaler, which then distributes sessions to Citrix Studio Server.

In terms of network performance, NetScaler has consistently provided reliable load balancing, preventing session timeouts and queuing issues. It's proven to be a solid and versatile tool over the years.

One of the most beneficial features for application delivery is its integration with Citrix Storefront, facilitating user logins and ensuring continuity during data center outages.

I can't speak much about NetScaler's security features as I'm not involved in managing them.

NetScaler's impact on operations has been significant, ensuring smooth traffic distribution and minimizing employee complaints about system performance.

In terms of drawbacks, finding relevant documentation for learning NetScaler can be challenging, especially for beginners who prefer a web interface over command-line interfaces.

I have been using Citrix NetScaler for the past 10 years.

NetScaler has been exceptionally stable, earning a top rating in that regard.

Regarding scalability, I'd rate it highly, although there may be aspects I'm not aware of.

Unfortunately, I'd rate technical support from Citrix lower due to accessibility issues and a tendency to deflect problems onto other vendors like Microsoft.

I haven't worked with any other solutions similar to NetScaler in terms of load balancing, but I have experience with other firewalls for gateway and application delivery.

Deployment complexity is moderate, with challenges arising from the lack of a search function within the interface, making navigation difficult for new users.

Maintenance mainly involves updating the system for security patches, and while NetScaler is an expensive device, its reliability justifies the cost.

Regarding pricing, while it's expensive, I can't comment on the exact ROI without a budget analysis. However, in terms of service quality, it's worth the price.

NetScaler stands out as the best in terms of load balancing, and while I haven't extensively compared it with other gateways, it's been the preferred choice for our needs.

Overall, I'd rate NetScaler a 9 out of 10. My advice to those considering it would be to ensure proper training before implementation, as learning it on your own can be challenging due to limited resources. Additionally, initial configuration should be handled by a professional to avoid potential issues.

Citrix ADM provides centralized management for various internal programs, including inventory and sales tracking, communication tools, and office programs such as Teams and Azure.

We wouldn't have comprehensive insights into our system without Citrix ADM. It provides us with essential information.

Citrix ADM has the ability to implement policies to tighten security. For instance, you can restrict access to your network from outsiders or lack necessary security measures such as antivirus programs. Additionally, there's the Delivery Controller, which allows for comprehensive monitoring and management tasks such as remote restarts, maintenance, and registration. Another essential component is the Director, which provides detailed insights into sessions, including identifying session failures, connection issues, user lockouts, etc. It presents a list of problems to address, enabling you to click on them and resolve them efficiently.

They should invest in training their tech support team to enhance customer service. Previously, we've encountered issues with communication, so it's crucial to address this through training.

I have been using Citrix ADM for more than 10 years.

The product is stable.

The solution's scalability is easy. It has different interfaces. It was difficult for me to get used to it. It's easy to manage but once you get used to it, it is easy to scale.

We work with nearly 10,000 supermarket chain locations, and they rely heavily on Citrix for various operations. These supermarkets utilize Citrix for tasks such as syncing data, connecting to the data center, and managing inventory and sales reports. In case of any data loss on their local machines, we can swiftly resolve it without any loss of information.

I've used Nutanix and Horizon. Citrix ADM provides comprehensive monitoring tools, unlike VMware's Horizon, which lacks built-in monitoring capabilities. While Citrix excels in application delivery, Horizon is preferred for desktop delivery. However, Horizon requires additional VMware products for monitoring, whereas Citrix includes monitoring tools like Studio and Director within its installation package.

The initial setup of Citrix ADM was straightforward. My responsibilities revolve around upgrades and maintenance tasks.
I would rate the initial setup as an eight on a scale of one to ten, with one being difficult and ten being easy.

Citrix is more expensive than Horizon.

The user layer feature aims to enhance the user experience in VDI environments, but we've encountered difficulties implementing it effectively. Additionally, HTML5 support is crucial to allow users to access their applications via web browsers without requiring the Workspace app.

Overall, I would rate Citrix ADM a nine out of ten for its robust features and performance despite minor issues with specific functionalities.

I use Citrix NetScaler in my company for mostly two-factor authentication.

The most valuable feature of the solution is the two-factor authentication.

From an improvement perspective, the tool should be made easier in the area of the configuration capabilities that it provides to users. Currently, it is not easy to use the configuration capabilities of the product.

I have been using Citrix NetScaler for a month. I use the solution's latest version.

It is a very stable solution. Stability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

It is a scalable solution. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

Around 100 employees in my company use the product.

The product's initial setup phase was easy.

I did not do the product's installation. My colleagues managed the product's installation phase.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

I don't know about the maintenance part of the solution since the server we use in our company is operated from some other location.

The global server load balancing feature of Citrix NetScaler has improved our company's application availability.

I can recommend the product to those who plan to use it.

I rate the overall tool a nine out of ten.