Array, Ericom Team Up Against Citrix

Array Networks and Ericom Software Nov. 13 will team up to take on Citrix Systems by packaging together their respective products.

Array brings to the table its SPX Universal Access Controller SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) VPN and TMX Application Delivery Controller for load balancing and traffic management, while Ericom brings its PowerTerm WebConnect terminal services products.

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Combined, the products can compete on a broad basis with Citrixs Presentation Server, NetScaler WAN optimization, Access Gateway SSL VPN, XenDesktop and GoToMyPC remote control offerings.

"Customers today are looking for a more comprehensive application delivery solution, but theres really only one company that provides it [Citrix]. That leads to vendor lock-in," said Sunil Cherian, vice president of product marketing at Array.

Read more here about Arrays products.

"We offer a point solution against [Citrixs] Presentation Server, and our partnership with Array gives customers alternatives," said Brian Berns, Ericoms chief operating officer. "We see a variety of scenarios where people are looking for an alternative to Citrix."

Together, the two vendors will offer a lower-cost alternative to Citrix, said Michael Suby, an analyst at Stratecast. "I would view [Array and Ericom as] being best suited to those where cost takes a higher consideration than customization."

In addition to joint products that cost less to maintain, Ericom and Array provide products that are simpler to administer and scale better than rival offerings from Citrix, claimed Eran Heyman, Ericom CEO.

Through their partnership, the two vendors will cross-train their respective sales forces as well as channel partners in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. The pact also calls for joint marketing activities.

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