Gateway provides access control for virtual desktops.
Press Release Summary:
Integrating with Citrix XenDesktop(TM), Citrix Access Gateway v8.1 features SmartAccess technology that allows IT departments to provide access to specific applications and data based on user's identity, location, and results of any end point analysis of client device. Configuration wizards help accelerate deployment in virtual desktop environment by automating several commonly performed XenDesktop configuration tasks. MSI packaging for Windows automates client installation.
Original Press Release:
Citrix Introduces First Secure Access Solution for Virtual Desktops
New Citrix Access Gateway Release Adds Intelligent Policy-Based Controls for Citrix XenDesktop
SANTA CLARA, CA, 6/9/2008 - Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTXS), the global leader in application delivery infrastructure, today announced the first solution in the industry designed to provide highly scalable secure access to virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments. The newest release of the company's popular Citrix Access Gateway(TM) appliance now includes integration with Citrix XenDesktop(TM), allowing companies to deliver virtual desktops securely to thousands of end users based on their unique identity, location and security status. Unlike traditional virtual private network (VPN) and network access control (NAC) solutions which control access solely to the network, Citrix Access Gateway provides intelligent access directly to approved applications and desktops through its innovative SmartAccess technology, an increasingly important requirement as datacenter resources become more virtualized and physically separated from end users.
By providing highly scalable secure access for virtual desktops, Citrix is making it easier for IT organizations to realize the tremendous security and cost reduction benefits that come from centralizing applications and desktops in the datacenter and delivering them virtually to end users in any location. The new Citrix Access Gateway 8.1 release accomplishes this by introducing the following key features:
o SmartAccess for Virtual Desktops
Access Gateway's innovative SmartAccess technology allows IT departments to provide access to specific applications and data based on the user's identity, location and results of an end point analysis of the client device. Extending this capability to virtual desktops makes it easier for corporations to move to a delivered desktop model without compromising security or end user experience.
o Improved Scalability for Secure Virtual Desktop Access
Adding a highly scalable Access Gateway appliance in front of virtual desktops in the datacenter can dramatically enhance an organization's ability to deliver XenDesktop securely to thousands of XenDesktop users, regardless of how far away they are from corporate headquarters.
o Fast Configuration and Deployment
New Access Gateway configuration wizards simplify and accelerate deployment in a virtual desktop environment by automating several commonly performed XenDesktop configuration tasks. In addition, new standalone MSI packaging for Windows simplifies and automates client installation by enabling administrative deployments through the broadly-available standard software deployment tools.
"With this announcement, Citrix is really delivering on its promise to bring the virtualized desktop closer, and more securely, to users," said Zeus Kerravala of Yankee Group. "By offering the industry's only out-of-the-box smart access solution for virtual desktops, Citrix is making virtualized desktops more compelling for IT organizations."
"Partnering with Citrix allows us to offer our clients a one of a kind solution for virtual desktops," said Steve Daly, director of systems engineering at Accelera Solutions. "Strengthening its strategic focus on application level access with SmartAccess, Citrix Access Gateway is an easy-to-use and easy-to-deploy solution that meets enterprise requirements for secure access and delivery of applications and virtual desktops. As a valued partner, we are happy to work with Citrix on the expanded market opportunities that secure access of virtual desktops brings to us."
"The new release of Citrix Access Gateway for XenDesktop solves a thorny issue that enterprises face today. Enterprise customers can now restrict the access and use of desktops and approved applications from a central location, without network reconfiguration or end client software changes," said Sanjay Uppal, vice president of product marketing at Citrix Systems, Inc. "By integrating scalable secure access with the Citrix XenDesktop product line, we greatly simplify the control of critical datacenter resources without compromising security."
Pricing and Availability
These capabilities are available today in the new 8.1 release of Citrix Access Gateway. Access Gateway user licenses are included at no additional charge with Citrix XenDesktop purchases. Appliances must be purchased separately, starting at a suggested retail price of $3,500 per appliance.
About Citrix
Citrix Systems, Inc. is the global leader and the most trusted name in application delivery infrastructure. More than 215,000 organizations worldwide rely on Citrix to deliver any application to users anywhere with the best performance, highest security and lowest cost. Citrix customers include 100 percent of the Fortune 100 companies and 99 percent of the Fortune Global 500, as well as hundreds of thousands of small businesses and prosumers. Citrix has approximately 8,000 partners in more than 100 countries. Annual revenue in 2007 was $1.4 billion.
