We are an SMB so we use the Netscaler VPX version of Citrix ADC. It acts as our main firewall for application delivery operations. We host a Citrix Web Interface and application farm behind it. Having users frequently in low bandwidth situations, our Citrix ADC implementation allows us to host the apps in our data center while requiring just scene shots and mouse/keyboard clicks from the user's side. We have been running it for 6+ and have had no security issues in that time frame. It allows us to avoid the complexity of a VPN in running all data through the Netscaler.
Pros
The GUI interface is fairly easy to learn making ramp-up time faster than some similar products.
It is used by thousands of companies around the globe so finding free support on Google is usually quite easy.
The virtual implementation version of the product runs on a Linux-based hypervisor install so no additional licensing is needed for the OS.
When used in conjunction with a Citrix Web front/Storefront, the integration is very tight making the passing of packets very quick.
Even in the lesser VPX versions, there is the ability to have a cluster of Netscalers to allow for uptime capability.
Cons
Although the GUI is easy to use, some of the more complex situations require knowledge that is not common among the average IT person.
The system makes it very hard to change and update SSL Certs.
Some adjustments do require leaving the GUI and going in via Putty/telnet/SSH to use the command line.
It mostly works well with other Citrix products.
Likelihood to Recommend
Citrix/Netscaler ADC is well suited for any shop that plans on publishing VDI-based applications or machines from a Citrix-based environment. The strong integration between the Netscaler and the back-end Citrix infrastructure cannot be beaten when it comes to having a 99% uptime-type solution. Having a Netscaler allows shops to publish apps via the standard internet without the need of worrying about VPN or other security measures You can add a VPN on top but the basis of the Netscaler is to allow the publishing in a clientless environment outside the Citrix client itself. if your back-end VDI infrastructure is not mostly Citrix-based, the Netscaler may work for you but it will be a bit more touch and go as to compatibility and uptime.
VU
Verified User
Manager in Information Technology (Construction company, 51-200 employees)
We are using Citrix NetScaler to provide a Citrix environment to deploy apps to users. We can also deploy a desktop and remote access to our users. This app is a mission critical app and Citrix provides fault tolerance. If one app server goes down we have several others to take over.
Pros
Load Balancing
Fault Tolerance
Centralized Administration. It's a lot faster to setup a Citrix account than a whole user. You can deploy that same app across platforms as the Citrix client works on both iOS and Windows.
Citrix handles video much better than Microsoft Remote Desktop Services.
Cons
Cost. Citrix costs more and you still need to have Microsoft Remote Desktop below it. However the value is there. Citrix does a better job.
Client needs to be reconfigured periodically. Keep your config file handy so you can just import it back in.
Little harder to troubleshoot issues. It's no longer a single server that could be the problem.
Likelihood to Recommend
Citrix is well suited for small IT shops where you need to reclaim time. Your time for user administration goes down. Citrix is very stable. Once you have it working you can usually set it and forget it. If you need failover Citrix handles it great. Just add more App Servers.
