We used Citrix NetScaler for load balancing in our application, where our users connect via the portal. This portal is load-balanced via a ServiceNet NetScaler. Additionally, our core banking application also runs on this infrastructure.

NetScaler VPX - Customer Licensed
Cloud Software GroupExternal reviews
External reviews are not included in the AWS star rating for the product.
A effective solution for load balancing with gateway
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
What is most valuable?
Citrix NetScaler has its capabilities and benefits. From a security standpoint, It is a comprehensive solution in a single box. We also have additional features such as gateway and global service load balancing. Furthermore, there's a provision for expanding data capacity.
What needs improvement?
In the latest version of Citrix NetScaler, there are specific improvements in the appliances, particularly in the management interfaces, which were not available in previous versions. If one device or switch fails, the failover to another device is not seamless which is painful. There needs some changes in their subscription-based model.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Citrix NetScaler for over four years. In 2020, we purchased two NetScalers for our Citrix solution. It's effective in load balancing. We always stay updated on critical vulnerability updates.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
More than 5000+ users are using this solution.
How are customer service and support?
We purchase support every year, making it more convenient. We have dedicated support and assistance with the subscription, ensuring stability.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is neither difficult nor straightforward, but some products have their challenges, but it's a good product.
Deployment depends on the requirement. After complete connectivity and power on, it will have some configuration requirements.
What about the implementation team?
Local vendors are also available for the solution's deployment.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Efficiently optimizing and securing application delivery, providing robust load balancing and reverse proxy features for enhanced performance
What is our primary use case?
We provide services to our customers related to Citrix ADC.
What is most valuable?
The reverse proxy for virtual apps and desktops, along with load balancing, stands out as the most valuable feature. The flexibility in configuration options is impressive.
What needs improvement?
I just hope they don't change the name again. It was challenging explaining to customers that it's no longer NetScaler but ADC, and now it's not just ADC but also the rebranding from NetScaler. When I first started working with NetScaler, it seemed a bit complex. However, with experience, I've come to appreciate its user-friendly nature, especially when you know your way around it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with it for three years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate its stability capabilities eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It offers exceptional scalability. I would rate it ten out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
I've only reached out to tech support once, and they swiftly resolved my issue. I would rate it nine out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
I would rate the initial setup eight out of ten.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
For the specific use case that my customers primarily engage with, I would give the pricing a rating of seven out of ten. However, if you're exploring the full range of NetScaler's capabilities, my rating would drop to four out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate it eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
A layered security solution that restricts the ability of clients to be compromised with keylogging and screen-capturing malware
What is our primary use case?
Citrix Web App serves as a valuable solution for enhancing security in IT, particularly within API environments. This aspect is crucial for ensuring security.
What is most valuable?
I prefer this solution because of its user-friendly interface. I find it simple and close to what I am currently using, which is Citrix Fortiva Access for Multi-Factor Authentication. I appreciate the familiar user interface and troubleshooting tools it offers.
What needs improvement?
I am not an expert in this solution, but simplicity and user-friendly interfaces are crucial for me. I would appreciate advice from Citrix, particularly in the form of an interactive guide for API protection. It would be helpful if they could provide specific points and recommendations for cybersecurity, indicating areas that need attention or improvement. I find such interactive guidance valuable.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Citrix Web App for the past five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate it 9 out of 10.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability 8 out of 10.
How are customer service and support?
I have interacted with them only once and they respond well.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I am familiar with Citrix, and I acknowledge that it is a good solution. Generally, our customers also prefer it. While I recognize other options as a good solution, personally, I have a preference for Citrix. It is easier for me to work with Citrix, and this preference is based on my experience.
How was the initial setup?
I did not encounter any difficulties during the installation process. I don't recall the exact duration, but it might have taken around two hours in total.
What about the implementation team?
There are ten individuals in our team in Turkey, including engineers and specialists.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In Turkey, everything is good, but it seems expensive for us due to the currency exchange. I don't have a specific rating scale, but if I had to rate the price, I would say it's around a six out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend it for other users and rate it 8 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Optimizing application delivery and ensuring robust network performance with its excellent stability and comprehensive load-balancing capabilities
What is our primary use case?
We use it for load balancing, creating a gateway to the Internet, and establishing a remote VPN connection.
What is most valuable?
One of its most valuable features is fundamental load balancing, supporting both basic load balancing and database teams.
What needs improvement?
The stability is good but should be enhanced. Each time a vulnerability is identified or a new release with applicable security fixes is issued, we find ourselves obligated to perform firmware upgrades as part of the remediation process. There is room for improvement in the technical support aspect. Currently, the support team's responsiveness is lacking, and the technical personnel on calls often seem unfamiliar with the issues or inadequately trained.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been working with it for the last five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate its stability capabilities nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is very scalable. I would rate it nine out of ten. In the production environment, all users accessing the application have their traffic routed through the load balancer.
How are customer service and support?
The support service would benefit from being more prompt and having a higher level of technical expertise.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, I used physical devices for application-related control.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
The overall deployment typically takes around one week. During the process, we replicate the existing configuration onto the NetScaler. We set up a virtual load balancing gateway, operating in one-arm mode, connected to a switch. In this setup, incoming requests reach the switch, which then directs them to the load balancer. The load balancer performs the necessary load balancing and forwards the requests to the switch. From there, based on the layer to condition, the switch routes the requests to the appropriate node.
What was our ROI?
Its value lies in the fact that we have observed these devices to be highly stable. There have been minimal to no new issues identified in the devices.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The firewall license is included by default, with no additional costs.
What other advice do I have?
It is suitable for scenarios with minimal production traffic. However, in high-traffic situations, it is advisable to explore alternative solutions such as Wi-Fi or other options. Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Intuitive to use once you've familiarized yourself with it, but upgrade times are a bit long
What is our primary use case?
We provide the solution to customers on their premises. We use Citrix to provide their network infrastructure for their business solutions. We have an automated scenario implemented where we can deploy architectures with an automation script.
What is most valuable?
We have good customer support. And since we've been working on the solution for the last five years, it's intuitive to us, and we can provide new solutions, applications, and implementations.
What needs improvement?
One of the most glitchy things in NetScaler comes whenever they upgrade something. Their upgrades are not very backward compatible, and sometimes they mess up, and we'd have to speak to someone. Also, Citrix is limiting their support for the load balancer to their legacy customers only. They are not providing the services to new customers or clients. Citrix is changing its business model.
We also need more things on a DNS-based system. For some of the new DNS, the features that can be included would be good.
Moreover, the solution should be more user-friendly. If one implements it once, they will get all the dos and don'ts. But first-time users would not know. And the documentation has limits and gaps. First-time users need to go to the support team and get their expertise to get it done.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have a setup that's been running for the past six years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the solution's stability a six-and-a-half out of ten. Sometimes, we face issues with upgrading time.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the solution's scalability an eight out of ten.
Since we use quite a lot of electricity, we don't just scale up. We also scale down when we don't need it for cost-effectiveness. With scalability, we are not facing any issues, and the solution works quite well.
We have more than 2,500 individual customers daily. That is the smallest customer base we have on this solution.
How was the initial setup?
I rate the initial setup a six-point five or seven out of ten because it was difficult. Because we have lots of experience already on this product, we understand how to work with it. But people purchasing it and trying to implement it for the first time would need support from the support team. If first-time users mandatorily need support, it's not user-friendly.
Because we have automatic implementations enabled, the solution takes half a day to deploy. But it will take longer for new users. If I were doing a POC, I would probably take three to four business days to deploy the solution.
The deployment process is all automated. We prepare our environment using Ansible scripts.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate the pricing an eight out of ten since it is expensive. The pricing can be a problem for smaller businesses.
There is a separate cost grade for the kind of support you get.
What other advice do I have?
I suggest everyone does their own POC because everyone has their requirements. They should do their research and see what fits better for them.
I rate Citrix Web App and API Protection a seven-and-a-half out of ten.
The solution’s simplicity is good, but its pricing should be improved
What is most valuable?
I like the solution's simplicity compared to Citrix's on-prem solutions. Citrix is not an easy technology, but they tend to make things very simple now.
What needs improvement?
The solution's pricing is a big concern and should be improved.
How are customer service and support?
I prefer not to contact the solution's technical support. They will not resolve the problem, and we will have to do it ourselves.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
I rate Citrix Web App and API Protection a six out of ten for the ease of its initial setup.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing an eight or nine out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
I have been working with Citrix for more than eight years. I recently discovered Parallels RAS, which is better than Citrix in terms of cost and simplicity. Unlike Citrix, Parallels RAS is an all-in-one solution, and it's easy to deploy.
Overall, I rate Citrix Web App and API Protection a seven out of ten.
Works as a reverse proxy solution and helps with load balancing
What is our primary use case?
We use the product for load balancing and as a reverse proxy solution.
What needs improvement?
The tool's pricing is a pain point since we have many cheaper alternatives.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with the solution for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate Citrix ADM's stability a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the tool's scalability a seven out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
Citrix ADM has a good tech support.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
I rate the solution's deployment an eight out of ten, and was straightforward. It was completed in three weeks.
What was our ROI?
Our customers are mostly medium enterprises.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate the tool's pricing an eight out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Citrix ADM a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Helps with load balancing but needs to add a feature to access network policy manager
What is our primary use case?
My clients use it for load balancing.
What needs improvement?
The tool needs to add a feature where we can access the network policy access manager.
For how long have I used the solution?
We are a distributor of Citrix NetScaler for nine years.
How was the initial setup?
You need to just upload the installation script. The deployment time ranges from minutes to days.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the tool a nine out of ten.
Has good stability and an easy initial setup process
What is our primary use case?
We are using the solution for SSL offloading and load balancing.
What needs improvement?
The configuration for the solution's web application firewall is complicated. It requires technical knowledge. They should improve the process.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using the solution for almost 12 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the solution's scalability an eight. We have 8000 solution users in our organization.
How are customer service and support?
The solution's technical support is good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
In comparison with Azure and Cisco products, Citrix is a stable solution.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's initial setup process is easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is expensive compared to Azure. We purchased its three-year license model.
What other advice do I have?
The solution needs enhancement from a security standpoint. I rate it an eight out of ten.
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
A stable networking solution for web applications that needs improvement in their customer support
What is our primary use case?
We use Citrix NetScaler for policy URLs for web applications and RDP for Windows servers.
What is most valuable?
Reducing the content searching to publishing your web application, the OTP for two-factor authentication is the most valuable feature of NetScaler.
What needs improvement?
I wanted to use most features of NetScale, like the Web Application Firewall, but I need to learn how to use it. When we want to use OTP for two-factor authentication, it first appears on the authentication page where we can put the credentials. Then, we are directed to the application page and type the credentials again. But we want to use the OTP and access the web application without typing the credentials again. Typically, if we have an issue in the configuration and ask for a support request, that support doesn't help. They only talked about new implementations and charged me for it.
The customers needed help but did not find the web useful for the tool.
The technical support could be better. Whenever I contacted support, I rarely got the solution that we needed. And most of the time, I finished fixing the problem by looking on the internet or by finding documents about the problem on Google.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Citrix NetScaler for seven years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution. It crashed only once, four years ago. We're using the DSLD configuration with two load balancers, two carriers, and two ISPs.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is bad. Whenever I contacted support, I rarely got the solution that we needed.
I rate it five out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, I used Microsoft TMG but then switched to NetScaler since it is a better solution.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was complex initially. The first time it took about six months to be deployed. But it's straightforward now and takes only a couple of hours. Around four to five people were needed to complete the deployment.
What about the implementation team?
It was implemented through an in-house team.
What was our ROI?
There is a return on investment using the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is undoubtedly very good, but it is expensive.
What other advice do I have?
My experience with the support is not good. Owing to its poor technical support, I rate the solution seven out of ten.