Cisco IOS SSL VPN and OpenVPN Access Server are competing in the secure remote access solution category. Cisco IOS SSL VPN appears to have the upper hand with robust security and integration capabilities, whereas OpenVPN Access Server excels in flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Features: Cisco IOS SSL VPN is known for its reliable security, seamless integration with enterprise systems, and multifactor authentication, providing users with a solid security framework. OpenVPN Access Server offers high flexibility, ease of use, and strong encryption across multiple devices, making it a popular choice among open-source advocates.
Room for Improvement:Cisco IOS SSL VPN needs to adjust its pricing, simplify deployment, and enhance management tools. Users have voiced concerns about its pricing structure, especially among cost-conscious sectors like nonprofits. OpenVPN Access Server needs to improve its user interface, expand integration options, and enhance stability under high loads. Additionally, it lacks some advanced security features and requires a more intuitive GUI.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco IOS SSL VPN is frequently deployed in hybrid and on-premises settings, noted for strong support and reliable infrastructure. OpenVPN Access Server allows flexible deployment across cloud and on-premises environments, appreciated for easy deployment, though users rely less on support compared to Cisco but find it responsive when needed.
Pricing and ROI:Cisco IOS SSL VPN is considered expensive with complicated licensing structures, yet users see value in its bundled security features. OpenVPN Access Server is valued for being open source, with low initial costs, making it attractive for budget-sensitive environments, delivering good value for cost-effective security solutions.
Now, with the SAML and Active Directory integration, the process is down to under two minutes, which frees up our senior staff to focus on critical infrastructure tasks instead of managing access tickets.
The platform automatically reads the user role and maps them to the correct network subnets instantly, saving us countless hours of administration overhead every month.
The relevant metrics show that it saves time in terms of implementation and adoption.
We contact support regularly, especially for deployments, and they are very responsive.
When Cisco first took over, it was a bit more difficult to get support, but they now integrate it without differentiating the support for Linksys versus full-blown Cisco switches.
I would definitely rate customer support 10 out of 10.
The ticketing system is responsive, and the technical team knows the product inside and out.
My advice is to map out your user access groups and routing subnets before configuring the server; this makes it easier to enforce least privilege.
It integrates well with Cisco's ecosystem, providing flexibility and options to connect to diverse environments.
When we deploy and install OpenVPN Access Server, the principle is to install and forget.
You can easily upgrade the underlying hardware resources or spin up additional nodes in a cluster configuration if you need to handle a massive surge in concurrent users.
It's not very easy to expand, and it would be beneficial if the process were simpler.
Linksys can be fairly stable for easy environments, but in more complex network environments, Cisco is definitely a lot more stable.
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is extremely stable.
OpenVPN Access Server is 100% stable in my experience.
Regarding stability, I have not had any crashes, performance issues, or stability issues with OpenVPN Access Server.
OpenVPN Access Server is very stable, and we have a hassle-free work experience using it.
There have been issues with operating systems where newer updates cause problems with backward compatibility.
I believe Cisco could support easier configuration and having tools that allow for easier management and configuration.
Lastly, it would be awesome to see native support for newer, lighter protocols through WireGuard built straight into the platform alongside standard OpenVPN for better performance efficiency.
Additionally, native support for newer, lighter protocols like WireGuard built straight into the platform alongside standard OpenVPN for better performance efficiency would be beneficial.
With WireGuard, which is locked down over UDP, it is harder for attackers to probe ports.
For more than one hundred users, it costs about $60 per seat.
The sticker price may look clear, but the real cost includes the time spent untangling subscription limitations, account conflicts, sales handoffs, and unclear guidance.
My experience with pricing is excellent as the pricing is free.
The experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing for OpenVPN Access Server is really good, not that expensive.
The solution is also very scalable, offering up to one hundred licenses for free, and can integrate well with Cisco's ecosystem, such as Cisco ISE and NAC.
Configuring QoS on Linksys is pretty easy, especially compared to Cisco QoS, which I am certified in, as it helps ensure that the bandwidth for voice or other applications doesn't bleed over into the data links.
The valuable features of Cisco IOS SSL VPN are the ease of use and the speed.
The most valuable features of OpenVPN are its ease of use, client familiarity, end-user familiarity, operating system integration, and price points.
The main benefits I have seen from using OpenVPN Access Server include secure access to private resources over the public internet.
OpenVPN Access Server has positively impacted my organization by allowing access to our private services, enhancing security, and enabling remote work from anywhere.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| OpenVPN Access Server | 11.7% |
| Cisco IOS SSL VPN | 3.3% |
| Other | 85.0% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 23 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 4 |
| Large Enterprise | 26 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 43 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 13 |
| Large Enterprise | 24 |
Cisco IOS SSL VPN ensures secure remote access for businesses, offering user-friendly management and strong security features. It provides fast, reliable connectivity and scales effectively to meet varying demands, making it a preferred choice for networking.
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is a powerful tool designed to support businesses with secure remote access to sensitive business applications and corporate networks. Its integration with multi-factor authentication and versatile remote settings enhances user experience and accessibility. Despite its premium pricing, it remains highly regarded for its enhanced security solutions and ability to ensure encrypted communication from any location, facilitating work-from-home setups and VPN access in restrictive environments. While users benefit from its stability and secure connections, they do express the need for easier configuration and management tools, along with a more user-friendly interface and flexible licensing options.
What are the key features of Cisco IOS SSL VPN?In industries where data privacy is crucial, such as finance and healthcare, Cisco IOS SSL VPN is implemented to ensure secure and encrypted communication between remote environments and internal servers. Organizations leverage this technology for connecting mobile workforces and maintaining productivity while protecting valuable information efficiently. Its use in educational institutions and corporate setups enables secure access to resources, supporting diverse operational structures.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise provides secure, scalable remote access with strong encryption and cross-platform compatibility, leveraging open-source flexibility for cost-effectiveness. It's ideal for connecting remote workers, maintaining privacy, and securing network communications.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise is renowned for its ease of setup and adaptability, supporting Linux and different operating systems, which ensures robust security and seamless integration across network scenarios. With features like two-factor authentication and customizable installers, it emphasizes privacy and remote connectivity. While it offers robust documentation and community support, there are challenges with user management due to the lack of a simple GUI. Users note stability issues under heavy traffic, and improvements in security features and configuration automation are desired. Despite these areas for enhancement, it remains a reliable choice for secure remote access.
What are the key features?
What benefits and ROI should users seek?
In industries such as finance and healthcare, OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise secures sensitive data while enabling remote access across LANs and VPCs. It's utilized for encrypted traffic protection, facilitating site-to-site VPNs, and connecting mobile workers securely, thus maintaining data integrity in interoffice communications and IoT platforms.
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