Citrix updates NetScaler for network consolidation and private clouds

Citrix has added four new models to its NetScaler network virtualisation appliance range designed to improve encrypted communications and better manage virtual network appliances.

The new systems cost $145,000 to $225,000, and allow enterprises to consolidate network appliances as virtualised devices running on a single hardware appliance.

Citrix said that the new models can manage up to 40 virtualised network appliances, and are aimed at consolidation efforts and private cloud deployments.

The systems also offer improved handling of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) connections, and can handle 90,000 secure connections per second and support up to 2,048-bit encryption systems, the firm said.

"Our ability to consolidate 40 virtual appliances into one network form factor is an amazing advance for customers implementing private or public clouds," said Sunil Potti, vice president and general manager for Citrix's cloud networking platforms group.

"The NetScaler platform is the only product in the market that uses integrated virtualisation to offer the flexibility to scale as needed without having to purchase additional hardware, thereby driving true elasticity into the network."

The NetScaler boxes also offer network optimisation services, and can isolate resources to help maintain application performance levels. Shipping is expected to begin later this quarter.