Citrix Releases NetScaler 10

Citrix unveiled NetScaler 10, designed to bring the elasticity and expandability of the cloud to both enterprise and carrier networks.  The new release lets an enterprise build a large cloud network, just like a large cloud computing provider.

TriScale: Scale Up, In, Out

NetScaler 10 introduces new TriScale technology, making it possible to scale networks up, in and out with ease. The new technology elevates NetScaler beyond traditional service and application delivery controllers, creating an advanced cloud networking platform.

TriScale enables scaling up to 5x faster performance on-demand with the pay-as-you-grow software-based licensing model. Scaling in allows consolidation with the multi-function NetScaler SDX platform to streamline and eliminate appliance sprawl. Scaling out is achieved through the ability to expand capacity up to 32x by adding appliances to existing NetScaler deployments with TriScale clustering, without the need to stand up redundant high-availability pairs.

“Citrix NetScaler 10 provides the simplicity and expandability that SoftLayer needs to power Internet scale global cloud infrastructure, while empowering granular control over cloud services," said Nathan Day, Chief Scientist at SoftLayer. "The ability to scale performance on demand, with no disruption to applications or services, and no wasted network resources, gives our business a tremendous competitive advantage.”

New Features

Over 160 new features are introduced in NetScaler 10, including built in cloud connectivity with Citrix CloudBridge, making it easier for customers to extend their enterprise data centers into external clouds with optimal security, performance and manageability. New capabilities to power the delivery of virtual desktops with XenDesktop, including support for smartcard authentication for secure access to virtual desktops, and sophisticated policy management that completely separates virtual desktop management from on-going network administration tasks. Real-time monitoring and adaptive policy controls are possible through new Action Analytics. Advancements to the Citrix Application Firewall module make it easier to protect against leakage of sensitive data and fully support the common event format (CEF) standard.

“NetScaler 10 is a significant milestone - in not just the ADC market, but also in heralding in a new infrastructure era where the network takes center stage as enterprises and service providers transform due to the unstoppable forces of mobility and cloud," said Sunil Potti, Vice President and General Manager, NetScaler Product Group at Citrix. "Building on our leadership in powering the world’s largest internet and cloud providers, NetScaler 10, now with groundbreaking TriScale technology, propels forward to being the most advanced cloud networking platform available today.  NetScaler 10 enables enterprises to embrace a cloud-first network design across all service delivery functions including cloud connectivity, security and visibility, giving IT the control and confidence to take on the transformation to the cloud network era.”

Prices for NetScaler begin at $2,000 and the new software release is available at no additional charge for existing Citrix NetScaler customers with a valid NetScaler maintenance agreement.NetScaler 10 will be featured in the upcoming Citrix Synergy 2012 conference May 9-11 in San Francisco.