Ava AbbottCitrix Systems is an American cloud computing and virtualization company based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ed Iacobucci founded the company in 1989 to develop remote access products for Microsoft operating systems and source code. In the 1990s, Citrix became the world’s leading thin client tech provider. This product enables purpose-built devices to access remote servers and resources.
In July 2023, the company expanded its cloud and on-premises solutions for hybrid apps. Users can now access Citrix’s Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) through Citrix Universal. [1]
Citrix’s software provides secure access to applications and content. The company expanded its virtualization, cloud computing, IaaS, and SaaS offerings through strategic acquisitions. In September 2022, Vista Equity Partners and Evergreen acquired Citrix and merged it with TIBCO Software. The company spun off its Citrix ADC division into a standalone entity, Netscaler.
Citrix now offers DaaS, VDI, gateway, SD-WAN, web app and API protection, Podio, RightSignature, and ShareFile. In August 2023, Citrix and Google ChromeOS partnered with several technology providers to integrate Citrix DaaS VDI with ChromeOS. Citrix faces stiff competition from Cisco, Microsoft Azure, F5, Google Cloud, AWS, Fortinet, Zscaler, Dell, Check Point, and Palo Alto Networks. [2]
Here is an in-depth analysis of Citrix’s top competitors and alternatives:
1. Cisco
Year founded: 1984
Headquarter: San Jose, California
Cisco is a multinational digital communications technology corporation. The company offers robust enterprise-grade networking and security solutions, such as Anyconnect VPN, which secures remote access and simplifies collaboration organization-wide. In January 2023, Cisco had 84,900 employees.
Cisco offers a comprehensive networking and security product portfolio. In June 2023, the company unveiled its Cisco Networking Cloud vision to deliver an integrated management platform for on-premises and cloud operating models. Customers can now access single sign-on (SSO), API key exchange, cross-platform navigation and UI, and expanded end-to-end cloud monitoring capabilities. Cisco is the top Citrix competitor and alternative. [3]
2. Microsoft Azure
Year founded: 2008
Headquarter: Redmond, Washington
Microsoft Azure is one of the world’s leading cloud computing platforms. The service also offers virtualization, IaaS, and SaaS solutions. In January 2023, Microsoft employed over 220,000 people.
Microsoft is renowned for its innovative solutions, which leverage cutting-edge technologies. In 2023, the company launched new features to accelerate AI transformations in media. It helps production teams adopt AI-driven tools and platforms to empower artists, filmmakers, and creators. Several companies, like Nota, use Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to build AI-assisted solutions. Microsoft Azure is a formidable competitor for Citrix. [4]
3. F5, Inc.
Year founded: 1996
Headquarter: Seattle, Washington
F5 is a cloud and security services company. The firm offers multi-cloud management, application and network security, access and authorization, online fraud prevention, app delivery, and app performance solutions. In April 2023, F5 laid off 9% of its staff and cut bonuses of senior execs to reduce costs. The layoff affected 623 employees. [5]
F5 specializes in multi-cloud apps and security solutions. Organizations use F5’s services to secure and optimize apps and APIs on-premises, in the cloud, or at the edge. According to Gartner, F5 has 4.5 stars out of 5. F5 is one of the best alternatives to Citrix. [6]
4. Google Cloud
Year founded: 2008
Headquarter: Mountain View, California
Google Cloud is a cloud platform that accelerates organizations’ digital transformation. The company has customers in more than 200 countries. In September 2022, Google employed 187,000 people, but the tech giant laid off about 12,000 employees in January 2023.
Google Cloud offers enterprise-grade solutions, such as Workspace, with over 3 billion users and 10 million paying customers. In August 2023, Google Cloud unveiled new innovations to help businesses, governments, and users benefit from generative AI. The company has also launched AI-enhanced tools, including Cloud TPUv5e, Cross-Cloud Network, GKE Enterprise, and GDC. Google Cloud is an innovative competitor for Citrix. [7]
5. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Year founded: 2006
Headquarter: Seattle, Washington
AWS is a cloud computing, storage, and infrastructure platform owned by Amazon.com, Inc. It offers Amazon WorkSpaces, a virtual desktop service similar to Citrix’s VDI. In H1 2023, Amazon laid off around 27,000 employees. The e-commerce giant employs over 1.5 million people, including AWS’s staff. [8]
The main competitive advantage of Amazon WorkSpaces is its integration with AWS, the world’s leading cloud computing platform. In July 2023, Amazon extended its partnership with Microsoft to deliver Microsoft 365 Apps to Amazon WorkSpaces. Customers can leverage a bring-your-own-license (BYOL) model to plug Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneDrive applications into Amazon Workspaces. AWS is one of the top competitors for Citrix’s DaaS and VDI. [9]
6. Fortinet
Year founded: 2000
Headquarter: Sunnyvale, California
Fortinet is a global cybersecurity firm specializing in networking and security. The company offers an integrated portfolio with over 50 enterprise-grade products. In 2022, Gartner named Fortinet a Visionary in the Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection. [10]
Fortinet serves over half a million customers, including startups, SMBs, and the world’s largest organizations. The company offers FortiClient VPN, a robust solution that helps users access their organizations’ resources through their laptops securely and remotely. In Q3 2023, Fortinet was named a Leader in the Forrester Wave: Zero Trust Edge Solutions. Fortinet is a worthy alternative to Citrix. [11]
7. Zscaler
Year founded: 2007
Headquarter: San Jose, California
Zscaler is a cloud security service provider. The company offers the Zscaler Private Access for VPN solution, which competes against Citrix. In March 2023, Zscaler laid off about 177 employees after doubling its workforce in 2022 to around 5,900 workers. [12]
Zscaler specializes in zero-trust and cloud security solutions. In February 2023, Zscaler acquired Canonic and introduced new cloud resilience capabilities built on its SSE and zero-trust platform. The company plans to leverage Canonic’s capabilities to enhance its cloud access security broker (CASB) and SaaS security posture management (SSPM) services. Zscaler is one of the best alternatives to Citrix.
8. Dell Technologies
Year founded: 1984
Headquarter: Round Rock, Texas
Dell is an American tech company specializing in computers and related products and services. Its E-class SRA helps users securely connect their devices with their organization’s network. In 2022, Dell employed over 133,000 people.
Dell offers multi-cloud application and virtualization solutions. In May 2023, Dell expanded its APEX Cloud portfolio with new initiatives to support multi-cloud IT operations. The tech giant now provides integrated cloud platforms across hybrid cloud, virtualized, and multi-cloud environments in partnership with Microsoft, VMware, and Red Hat. Dell is a formidable competitor for Citrix. [13]
9. Check Point Software Technologies
Year founded: 1993
Headquarter: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Check Point is a multinational hardware and software provider for IT security. The company offers network, endpoint, cloud, mobile, and data security and security management. As of October 2023, Check Point served over 100,000 organizations. [14]
Check Point offers cybersecurity solutions to corporate enterprises and governments globally. Its product portfolio includes Infinity, Harmony, CloudGuard, Quantum, and Horizon. In Q2 2023, Check Point was named a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Enterprise Email Security. Check Point is a worthy alternative to Citrix. [15]
10. Palo Alto Networks
Year founded: 2005
Headquarter: Santa Clara, California
Palo Alto Networks is a leading cybersecurity provider. The company offers Global Protect VPN, which secures remote access to companies’ networks for employees working from home or traveling. According to Gartner, Palo Alto’s Global Protect has 4.2 stars out of 5 from 122 ratings.
Palo Alto offers cloud-centric cybersecurity solutions, including Cortex XDR and Global Protect VPN. Its products leverage AI, analytics, automation, and orchestration to protect organizations’ networks, endpoints, and apps. In October 2023, Palo Alto was named a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN for the fourth year. Palo Alto Networks is one of the best alternatives to Citrix. [16]
11. Apple Inc.
Year founded: 1976
Headquarter: Cupertino, California
Apple is a multinational tech company renowned for its iconic iPhone, iPad, and iPod consumer electronics. The company also offers robust virtualization capabilities on top of its Hypervisor Framework. In January 2023, Apple had over 164,000 employees.
Apple is the largest tech firm globally by revenue and the world’s most valuable company. In June 2022, Apple expanded its macOS virtualization capabilities. Users can configure and create virtual machines on Apple Silicon to run macOS or Linux. The company also launched Rosetta for Linux binaries. Apple’s virtualization framework is the best alternative to Citrix for macOS users. [17]
12. WatchGuard
Year founded: 1996
Headquarter: Seattle, Washington
WatchGuard is an American tech company specializing in network security. Its solutions help protect computer networks from malware, ransomware, and other external threats. According to Gartner, WatchGuard has 4.6 stars out of 5 from 36 ratings.
WatchGuard offers ThreatSync XDR, a robust solution that secures cloud infrastructure and applications. It helps organizations centralize cross-product detections and automate threat response from a single interface. In September 2023, WatchGuard won the Cloud Computing Security Excellence Awards. WatchGuard is one of the best alternatives to Citrix. [18]
13. SonicWall
Year founded: 1991
Headquarter: San Jose, California
SonicWall is a cybersecurity company owned by Francisco Partners and Elliott Investment Management. The firm offers Internet appliances for content control and network security. As of December 2022, SonicWall had 17,000 partners globally.
SonicWall was spun out of Dell Technologies in 2016. The company offers SonicWall GVA, which helps users connect to their organizations’ private networks. In December 2022, SonicWall CEO Bob Van Kirk announced plans to revamp the company’s partner program to boost sales. The main competitive advantage of SonicWall over Citrix is its channel-focused business. [19]
14. Akamai
Year founded: 1998
Headquarter: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Akamai is a content delivery network (CDN), cloud service, and cybersecurity company. Enterprises can use Akamai’s cloud computing solutions to develop, run, and secure highly performant workloads closer to wherever users connect online. As of March 2023, Akamai’s edge network spanned over 4,100 locations across 134 countries.
Akamai helps companies build, deliver, and secure digital experiences. In March 2023, Akamai agreed to acquire cloud-based storage tech provider Ondat. Ondat’s Kubernetes-native platform runs stateful apps anywhere at scale. This acquisition strengthens Akamai’s cloud computing offerings, increasing its competitive advantage over Citrix. [20]
15. Cradlepoint
Year founded: 2006
Headquarter: Boise, Idaho
Cradlepoint is a tech company owned by Swedish telecom giant Ericsson since 2020. The company offers 4G and 5G routers and adapters linked to Cradlepoint NetCloud. Before its acquisition by Ericsson, Cradlepoint had 700 employees.
Cradlepoint is a pioneer in Wireless WAN and a global leader in cloud-delivered network edge solutions. Enterprises use Cradlepoint’s Cellular Intelligence to build secure networks to connect sites, vehicles, IoT devices, and remote workers. In July 2023, the company unveiled its rollout strategy for its 5G-optimised Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution. Cradlepoint is a worthy alternative to Citrix. [21]
16. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
Year founded: 2015
Headquarter: Spring, Texas
HPE is a global edge-to-cloud company founded after Hewlett-Packard (HP) was split into two entities. The IT firm owns HPE Aruba, a cloud-based security networking provider. In 2022, HPE had 60,200 employees.
HPE offers intelligent technology solutions as a service. Its portfolio spans cloud services, AI, high-performance computing, intelligent edge, software, and storage. In October 2023, Gartner recognized HPE Aruba Networking as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN for the sixth year. As a subsidiary of HPE, Aruba has enough resources to compete and poach some customers from Citrix. [22]
17. Imprivata
Year founded: 2001
Headquarter: Waltham, Massachusetts
Imprivata is a digital identity security company. It offers solutions to help organizations solve complex workflow, security, and compliance challenges and protect critical applications and data. As of April 2023, Imprivata served customers in over 45 countries.
Imprivata provides a robust platform with interoperable identity, authentication, and access management solutions. Users can manage and secure all enterprise and third-party digital identities. In April 2023, the company launched the Imprivata Digital Identity Maturity Model and Assessment tools. These free products cater to clinicians, IT, and security teams in the healthcare sector. Imprivata is one of the top competitors for Citrix. [23]
18. AnyDesk
Year founded: 2014
Headquarter: Stuttgart, Germany
AnyDesk is one of the world’s leading remote desktop software providers. The company serves over 170,000 clients in around 190 countries, including global giants like Google, McDonald’s, and Bosch. As of May 2023, customers had downloaded AnyDesk’s apps over 700 million times.
AnyDesk is one of the top 50 fastest-growing firms in Germany. Its remote control, VPN, and file transfer solutions compete against Citrix’s offerings. In May 2023, the company created the AnyDesk Anti-Fraud Taskforce to help customers stop fraud. AnyDesk is a fast-growing competitor for Citrix. [24]
19. Oracle VM VirtualBox
Year founded: 2010
Headquarter: Redwood City, California
VirtualBox is a robust open source, cross-platform virtualization tool for enterprises. It has a 4.5-star rating on G2.com and competes against the Citrix DaaS virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) category. In January 2023, Oracle Corp had around 164,000 employees.
VM VirtualBox helps developers, IT teams, and solution providers deliver code faster, reduce operational costs, and simplify application deployment to the cloud and on-premises. In July 2023, Oracle released VM VirtualBox 7.0.10. Oracle VM VirtualBox is one of the best alternatives to Citrix DaaS. [25]
20. Array Networks
Year founded: 2000
Headquarter: Milpitas, California
Array Networks is a global networking and security firm. The company offers network traffic encryption tools, including a web app firewall, AG series SSL VPN, and DDoS protection. According to Gartner, Array Networks has 4.3 stars out of 5 versus 4.1 stars for Citrix.
Array’s SSL VPN gateway helps employees securely access their organization’s network and apps remotely from anywhere. In August 2023, the company partnered with Luna Technologies to provide advanced security solutions in Malawi. Array Networks is a worthy alternative to Citrix. [26]
References & more information
- MacRae, D. (2023, Jul 27). Citrix expands cloud and on-premises capabilities to support hybrid customers. Cloud Computing News
- Gali, M. (2023, Aug 7). The Successful 2023 Collaboration of Citrix and Google: An Inside Look. Citrix.com
- MacRae, D. (2023, Jun 7). Cisco updates aim to simplify networking and securely connect the world. Cloud Computing News
- Venturini, F. (2023, Aug 24). How the Microsoft Cloud is accelerating AI transformation in media. Microsoft.com
- Reuters Staff (2023, Apr 20). Software firm F5 to lay off 9% staff, trims fiscal revenue guidance. Reuters
- F5, Inc. (2023, Jul 24). F5 Reports 4% Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue Growth. F5.com
- Google Cloud (2023, Aug 29). Google Cloud Kicks Off Next ’23 with a New Way to Cloud. PRNewswire
- Haranas, M. (2023, Apr 6). AWS Confirms Layoffs Impacting ‘Single Digit Percentage’ Of Employees. CRN
- Wright, T. (2023, Aug 2). Microsoft 365 Apps Come to Amazon WorkSpaces. UC Today
- Fortinet (2023, Feb 3). Fortinet Named a Visionary in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms. Fortinet.com
- Fortinet (2023, Aug 16). Fortinet Named a Leader in the 2023 Zero Trust Edge Solutions Report by Independent Research Firm. Stock Titan
- Liu, N. (2023, Mar 3). Zscaler Lays Off 3% of Workforce to Address Inefficiencies. SDX Central
- Kerner, S. (2023, May 27). Dell Technologies Advances APEX Multicloud IT Operations. IT Pro Today
- Check Point Software Technologies (2023, Oct 2). Check Point Software to Announce Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results. Globe Newswire
- Jacob, M. (2023, Jun 22). Check Point Software Named a Leader in the 2023 Email Security Report by Independent Research Firm. Global Security Magazine
- Ramachandran, K. (2023, Oct 3). Palo Alto Networks was named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN. Palo Alto Networks
- De Simone, S. (2022, Jun 10). Apple extends macOS Virtualization Capabilities and introduces Rosetta for Linux Binaries. InfoQ.com
- The Editor (2023, Sep 4). WatchGuard Wins Cloud Computing Security Excellence Award. WatchGuard.com
- Fitzgerald, J. (2022, Dec 20). SonicWall CEO: Partner Program Revamp on Tap for Early 2023. CRN
- Akamai Technologies, Inc. (2023, Mar 2). Akamai Technologies to acquire cloud storage technology company Ondat. PRNewswire
- Cradlepoint (2023, Jul 12). Cradlepoint Announces 5G SASE Strategy for Cellular and Hybrid WAN Security. Globe Newswire
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (2023, Oct 3). HPE Aruba Networking Positioned as a Leader for Six Years Running in 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN Report. Business Wire
- Imprivata (2023, Apr 13). Imprivata Launches First Digital Identity Maturity Model and Assessment for Healthcare IT, Security, and Clinical Leadership. Globe Newswire
- AnyDesk Software (2023, May 16). AnyDesk Fights Back Against Fraud. Press Portal
- Coter, S. (2023, Jul 19). Oracle VM VirtualBox 7.0.10 is now generally available. Oracle.com
- Ranjan, A. (2023, Aug 24). Array Networks Partners with Luna Technologies to Bring Advanced Security Solutions to Malawi. Tech Africa News
- Featured Image by Caspar Camille Rubin
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