Juniper Exits SSL VPN Market; Customers & Vendors Seek To Fill Void

For many years, Juniper Networks was a leader in the SSL VPN market; first with its SA Series SSL VPN based on Netscreen/Neoteris technology, and later with the next-generation MAG Series and Pulse client for SSL VPN and NAC. However, in July of 2014, it was announced that Juniper would be selling its Junos Pulse business unit to Siris Capital Group in an effort to streamline operations and focus on strategic markets including cloud computing.

Although Siris completed its acquisition of Junos Pulse in October of 2014 and shortly thereafter formed a new company name Pulse Secure, many Juniper SSL VPN customers are left at a crossroads. Anytime a company changes hands there is cause for uncertainty. Common concerns include questions such as: Is the new company committed to the product? Are the people who made the product and company great staying on? Is the passion still there for developing the product and serving customers? What is the long term viability of the new concern?

For analysts covering mobile security and secure access markets, inquiries from enterprise customers have been at an all-time high. The takeaway is that businesses are pushing the pause button to evaluate their options with respect to future secure access purchase decisions. For some businesses, the right choice may be as simple as signing on as a Pulse Secure customer. For others, the evaluation process may shed light on alternate secure remote and mobile access vendors that are better suited to their particular needs or are better able to support the evolving needs of enterprise customers.

For businesses evaluating alternatives, it is important to keep in mind that not all SSL VPNs are created equal. Many are simplistic and embedded in multi-function UTM devices. These will generally not be suitable alternatives to a Juniper SSL VPN. Likewise, entry-level SSL VPN appliances designed for the needs of SMBs are not generally suitable for enterprise deployment. To provide a viable, or superior, alternative to Juniper, an SSL VPN solution needs to demonstrate outstanding reliability, performance and scalability and depth of features.

One such vendor is Array Networks, whose AG Series Secure Access Gateways scale from supporting a few hundred users to tens of thousands of users, as needed. In addition, Array SSL VPNs are proven in some of the world’s largest SSL VPN deployments and include some of the most advanced secure access functionality on the market, including: Web, application and network-level access methods, advanced end-point security, dual and multi-factor authentication with a range of third-party integrations, advanced AAA, portal theme customization, integrated Web firewall, unified client for PC and mobile access, mobile device and mobile application management. The SSL VPNs support up to 256 virtual SSL VPN instances to support the diverse needs of employees, customers, partners and other communities of interest.

For a limited time, Array Networks is making unbeatable deals for businesses that find it in their best interest to migrate from Juniper to a new SSL VPN vendor. Between now and June 30t 2015, customers can receive up to four free Array Networks AG Series Secure Access Gateways, meeting or exceeding the capabilities of their Juniper systems, with an agreement to purchase 3 years of gold support at a 30% discount.