Citrix Netscaler: Robust Tool for any Citrix Environment
February 02, 2019
Citrix Netscaler: Robust Tool for any Citrix Environment
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Citrix NetScaler
I work as a consultant specialized in virtualization and its supporting technologies. In our scope for our client (a division of a larger enterprise) we manage a secured Netscaler deployment that ensures our Citrix Environment is (pardon the redundancy) first and foremost secure. From an analytical standpoint, we leverage the features Netscaler provides like single sign-on to storefront and the ability to monitor other key infrastructure components like our XML Brokers and Storefront itself. In our deployment, our Netscalers are load balanced, built for high-availability for a demanding customer base.
- Secures connection to XenApp and XenDesktop (SSL)
- Easy central management for XenApp and XenDesktop (SmartControl)
- MFA Support.
- Initial configuration can be time-consuming, one misconfigured item can require a reset and restart.
- Firmware upgrades. Have a back up handy even though the process has improved over time its always a good idea to have the latest backup on hand just in case, this has saved me a few times.
- User stability. like with all product peak hours can degrade performance significantly sometimes leaving sessions hung which require manual intermission. These cases are minimal, not a daily occurrence.
- Positive: Has been a great security endpoint when publishing to external users (international).
- Positive: has had minimal downtime over the past 2 years.
- Negative: Has a learning curve and GUI isn't as friendly as one would hope but still usable.
I have experience with Fortinet Gateways and with Watch Guard gateways. I am aware these products are focused on different purposes but overall they are similar as they are Routers/VPN Endpoints. As far as Netscaler goes, it can compare well to these types of devices and excel when virtual application/desktop delivery is involved.