Item: Kemp LoadMaster
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Kemp LoadMaster

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Our primary requirement is load balance and protect the exchange active sync and OWA requests. We were using Microsoft TMG server previously for proxy server to protect our exchange server. We recently decided to upgrade exchange server, but MS TMG server support has expired. I was looking for a solution that can provide similar solution as TMG server. While I was talking to a consultant, they recommended Kemp load balancer. On top of proxy server, I also configured Exchange with DAG, so we needed load balancing as well. We are using it for whole corporation, and it provides the business continuity.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Installation & configuration is really easy. The web portal is self explanatory.
The load balancing by Kemp for our exchange server is doing excellent job.
The tech support is par excellence.
The backup/restore feature is so simple. In case of failure, you can bring back Kemp in a short time.

Cons

I enjoyed the live logs and reporting in TMG server, which i miss it here.
The license file is locked with the MAC address. In case of restoring it on a different VM would cause issue.
The Web portal is sometimes looks more complex and confusing. It can be more simplified.

Return on Investment

So far it's all positive impact.
The cost of Kemp is very low compared to other solutions in the market, so ROI is really good.
For us business continuity is more important, which is provided by Kemp so overall the return is way more comparing the cost of the software.

Alternatives Considered

We only used MS TMG server in past. The product is discontinued and out of support. It was our consultant who recommended Kemp to us. We trusted his suggestion and we don't regret it.

Key Insights

Do you think Kemp LoadMaster delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Kemp LoadMaster's feature set?

Yes

Did Kemp LoadMaster live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Kemp LoadMaster go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Kemp LoadMaster again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Spiceworks Help Desk, AnyDesk, LogMeIn Central, PDQ Deploy, Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection, FortiAnalyzer, FortiClient, Veritas Backup Exec, Veritas Enterprise Vault

Likelihood to Recommend

When it comes to load balancing the requests, Kemp is doing an excellent job. The intrusion prevention and web application firewall is another excellent feature. If your organization needs all these great features but in cost crunch, Kemp is the solution.
If tech support is more important, Kemp is the solution. I have had fewer conversations with their tech support, and they impress me every time.
If you need more detailed live reporting then Kemp is lagging there. If you are using virtual server then the restore is easy except the license is locked with MAC so changing licenses might be an additional headache. I just tried to transfer my VM from one host to another host, but it locked it due to MAC restriction. I called support, installed new VM and restored my configuration. I was up in no time.

Evaluating Kemp LoadMaster and Competitors

Products Replaced

Yes - I was using Microsoft threat management gateway (TMG) server in past. They discontinued the product, so i was need of a software that can do something similar. During my conversation with a consultant i was introduced with KEMP. I talked their sales team and they confirmed that KEMP can do lot more than what i was looking for. I bought the software and never regretted it.

Key Differentiators

Price
Product Features
Product Usability
Product Reputation

With my exchange server upgrade, i implemented it with DAG. Because i had 2 exchange, now i need a load balancer on top of my OWA and Outlook sync requests. KEMP has this functionality, and it's much cheaper so selecting it was a no brainer.

Evaluation Lessons Learned

I think i have made the best decision so i would not change my evaluation or selection process.

Using Kemp LoadMaster

Users and Roles

Support Headcount Required

Business Processes Supported

OWA
Outlook active sync
DAG traffic load balance

Innovative Uses

Security protection

Future Planned Uses

Not sure yet

Likelihood to Renew

Kemp LoadMaster Implementation

Implementation Rating

The installation was straight forward. Once i installed it, their technical support team helped me with configuration.

Implementation Details / Implementation Partner

Implemented in-house

Implementation Phases

Implementation Issues

None.

Kemp LoadMaster Support

Support Rating

We have 24/7 support with Kemp. I have used them on numerous occasion (day time, night time, weekend etc.) and they are always available and very knowledgeable. They are always willing to help with patience.

Kemp LoadMaster Customer Support Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response	None

Premium Support

I have their enterprise license. I didn't purchase the premium support. With the support i have, most issues were resolved so i never needed it.

Bug Resolution

Exceptional Examples of Kemp LoadMaster Support

Recently, i needed to move my KEMP server to new VMware physical host. I was under the impression that i can simply move it and it will be fine. After i moved the VM, the license was not working due to MAC restrictions. I called their support, and they walked me through with installing it from scratch and restore the configuration from old server. This was done in a very short time. I was really happy with the support.

Using Kemp LoadMaster

Usability

It serves the purpose for what we bought it for. We also got few more additional feature than what we had before.

Usability Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar	None