Citrix Updates NetScaler For GlobalizationCitrix Updates NetScaler For Globalization

Citrix Systems on Monday rolled out version 8.0 of NetScaler, its product line for the delivery of Web-based applications. Citrix says the latest version makes it easier and more cost effective for companies to deliver apps to any user on any device.

NetScaler 8.0 comes with two major enhancements. First, it allows the control of application and user-specific policies with the AppExpert Policy Framework and makes those policies easier to configure with the AppExpert Visual Policy Builder. "It's designed for the networking guy to understand business-savvy concepts," said Wes Wasson, VP of marketing and product strategy at Citrix, in an interview.

Second, NetScaler 8.0 includes an integrated Secure Sockets Layer virtual private network for securing access to applications, a Web application firewall for protecting applications and data, and end-user experience monitoring for measuring application performance. Each of these capabilities plugs into Citrix's AppExpert Policy Framework so that administrators have control over the entire Web application delivery process, the company says.

NetScaler 8.0 is available starting this week at a suggested retail price of $17,500.

Large technology vendors, including IBM, Microsoft, SAP, and Oracle, will be urging their business customers to build infrastructures for application delivery, said Wasson. Businesses have to be prepared for globalization, expanding branch offices (often overseas), growing mobile workforces, and e-commerce, coupled with the consolidation of data centers and the pressures of regulatory compliance.

Citrix acquired application delivery company NetScaler in 2005 for $300 million and followed with the acquisition of Orbital Data, a company specializing in app delivery to branch offices over wide area networks, for $50 million last year. About 75% of all Internet users go through Citrix's NetScaler system on a given day, according to the company.