Key Takeaways
- Licensing Update: Citrix launched Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud for Citrix Service Providers, simplifying licensing and boosting stability with an annual commit model
- NetScaler Flexed Licensing: Offers 999 instances per form factor, 1 Tbps bandwidth, and centralized management via NetScaler Console for easier license application.
- Service Provider Solutions: CSPs can offer scalable services tailored to customers, including secure access, multi-IDP integration, and advanced load balancing features.
- Security & Performance: NetScaler Console enhances security and performance with proactive vulnerability management and new features in version 14.1 firmware.
This year has brought significant changes for Citrix Service Providers (CSPs). Since the program began in 2008, our CSP partners have been vital in delivering value to their customers through tailored services built around Citrix technology. With over 2 million active users served by CSP partners in 2023, updating the CSP program was essential to meet evolving market demands. Introducing Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud for CSP, which features NetScaler Flexed licensing and enhances NetScaler capacity and capabilities. For detailed licensing information, check out this blog by my colleague, JP Alfaro: Citrix Universal for CSP: We’ve Transitioned, Now What?.
Key Updates for CSPs
Licensing Simplification
The Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud for CSP initiative simplifies licensing through an annual commit model and drastically reduces complexity by consolidating thousands of SKUs into just two. This change enhances stability while increasing capacity and capabilities across the board. As part of this transformation, we learned that this model may not be suitable for some of our CSP partners. To address this, we announced a new strategic partnership with Arrow that will enable those partners to take advantage of a program better adapted to their customers’ specific needs. For more information on this topic, please read the blog titled Partnering with Arrow Electronics to Boost Support for Smaller CSP Partners in North America and EMEA by Citrix VP of Channel Programs, Ethan Fitzsimons.”
Introducing NetScaler Flexed Licensing
One of the standout items of this update is NetScaler Flexed licensing. This new licensing model offers significant advantages:
- 999 instances per form factor (VPX, VPX FIPS, SDX, and MPX)
- 1 Tbps bandwidth for powering those instances
- Centralized management through the NetScaler Console, making license application and management a breeze
The shift to NetScaler Flexed means all licenses are now Premium, eliminating concerns about different editions and features during provisioning. Additionally, with the legacy CSP model, NetScaler licensing was directly tied to the VPX appliances. The new model allows for management via the NetScaler Console, enabling you to monitor and streamline your environments effectively.
Enhanced Service Provider Solutions
With these updates, you can now offer scalable services tailored to your customers’ needs, including:
- Secure remote access for applications
- Multi-Identity Provider (IDP) integration
- Advanced load balancing features
The Importance of Security and Performance
Citrix has prioritized security and performance in the new updates. The NetScaler Console now includes proactive vulnerability management and new features introduced in version 14.1 firmware. By enhancing security measures and offering a centralized view of performance metrics, you can better protect customer applications while ensuring optimal performance.
Security Features
The enhanced security features provided by the NetScaler Console empower you to build and enhance managed security services, helping to capture market share and retain customers. Some key features include:
- Web Application Firewall (WAF) for securing web applications
- IP Reputation to block malicious traffic
- Bot Management to defend against automated attacks
Moreover, the Security Advisory feature continuously scans for known vulnerabilities, offering step-by-step remediation guidance. This proactive approach ensures that you maintain a strong security posture, safeguarding both applications and data.
Performance Optimization
The new licensing also supports improved performance. You can leverage Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB) to deliver business continuity and increase application performance across regions. This flexibility ensures that applications remain available, even in the event of outages or maintenance.
The Path Forward
The transition to NetScaler Flexed licensing not only enhances the capacity and capabilities available to your business but also opens the door to new customer use cases. With features that go beyond the traditional Citrix Gateway, you can create innovative solutions to meet customer demands effectively.
You are now better positioned to deliver services that enhance availability, remote access, and application and network security to your customers. By leveraging the powerful features of the NetScaler Console, you can streamline operations, reduce time to identify and resolve problems, and create a robust and stable environment for your customers.
As Citrix moves forward with these innovations, the focus remains on empowering you to deliver exceptional value to your customers. With the addition of the NetScaler Console, you gain access to a unified interface that simplifies management and enhances the security and performance of your deployments.
Conclusion
The updates brought by Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud for CSP and NetScaler Flexed licensing represent a significant step forward for our CSPs. By simplifying licensing, enhancing security and performance, and expanding service capabilities, Citrix is committed to helping you succeed in an ever-evolving service provider market.
As you work to grow your business and explore new opportunities, now is the time to embrace these changes and leverage the Netscaler capacity and capabilities available to you. Reach out to your account team to start a conversation about how you can leverage these updates to create new services and drive growth in your organization.
Disclaimer: This publication may include references to the planned testing, release and/or availability of Cloud Software Group, Inc. products and services. The information provided in this publication is for informational purposes only, its contents are subject to change without notice, and it should not be relied on in making a purchasing decision. The information is not a commitment, promise or legal obligation to deliver any material, code, or functionality. The development, release, and timing of any features or functionality described for products remains at the sole discretion of Cloud Software Group, Inc.