What is our primary use case?
We use the latest version. Even with us using the latest version, the 40, Cisco FirePOWER, is the new generation for ASA, with a set up SSL VPN, as well.
What is most valuable?
We consider Cisco to be one of the best brands in the network. Many people appreciate the good service of Cisco and we make much use of its router switches.
As there are many people who work with Cisco, this translates into the availability of more engineers to lend support.
What needs improvement?
In addition to Cisco, we work with other solutions on behalf of our customers, such as Fortinet for FortiGate, but this latter solution can achieve the same results at a lower price.
FortiGate does not charge the client a licensing fee, although Cisco charges clients a couple of dollars per year for each license.
Other brands, such as Fortinet and even Juniper, do not charge a fee for the very good training they provide, but Cisco does.
Cisco should make itself available at a discount, if not for free.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco IOS SSL VPN for more than 10 years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There are two types of VPN, one of which is SSL and is part of call remote access for users of laptops who wish to connect with the company network. This one is very popular.
The second we refer to as site-to-site VPN, which is used for connecting one seminar to another. It could involve the branch office connecting to the data center via the internet or one company connecting to another. This would require the setting up of an IP tunnel. We employ this widely, such as in a bank, or financial or government institution.
How are customer service and support?
Cisco certainly has a really strong support team.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We are mainly talking about an enterprise level solution, so we do not do too much on the cloud, although I do make use of the new Palo Alto VPN cloud, also known as Prisma VPN.
What about the implementation team?
There are not too many people involved in the deployment and maintenance. For example, in my previous company in the bank, we had around 80,000 employees. We support six VPN boxes, each capable of supporting this number times 5,000.
At the time, not everyone was in need of a VPN but, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have doubled the capacities to accomodate more people.
As such, one can say that there are only a few people who comprise the support team, the number consisting of three or four. Not too many people are needed since it will not break easily.
We are talking about monitoring capacity and some regular maintenance, such as the OS upgrade. RMA is the prescribed response in the event of device failure. Not much is needed besides this and it is reflected in the size of the teams.
As there are many who are familiar with these solutions and use them, this translates into more engineers working on them, thus making it easy to get support.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In addition to Cisco, we work with other solutions on behalf of our customers, such as Fortinet for FortiGate, but this latter solution can achieve the same results at a lower price.
FortiGate does not charge the client a licensing fee, although Cisco charges clients a couple of dollars per year for each license.
Other brands, such as Fortinet and even Juniper, do not charge a fee for the very good training they provide, but Cisco does.
Cisco should make itself available at a discount, if not for free.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
In addition to Cisco, we work with other solutions on behalf of our customers, such as Fortinet for FortiGate, but this latter solution can achieve the same results at a lower price.
FortiGate does not charge the client a licensing fee, although Cisco charges clients a couple of dollars per year for each license.
Other brands, such as Fortinet and even Juniper, do not charge a fee for the very good training they provide, but Cisco does.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco is a well known brand which provides good service and many people have familiarity with it, including businesses.
As Cisco IOS SSL VPN is a good solution, but comes with a cost that is higher than all others, I rate it as a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.