Back in January 2021, we held a webinar and published a blog outlining reasons to replace the Citrix NetScaler ADC load balancers with Progress Kemp LoadMaster load balancing solution. We followed up on that blog with another one in 2023. There has been a lot of change in the application delivery infrastructure sector over the last few years. The integration of cybersecurity functionality into load-balancing solutions has accelerated. Plus, as organizations continue their journey toward multi-cloud and hybrid infrastructures, the need for flexible, secure and cost-effective load balancing that fits into the unique infrastructure deployments of each organization is more important than ever.
Below, we outline reasons that build on the previous blogs, showing why the LoadMaster solution is still the superior choice compared to NetScaler ADC (formerly Citrix NetScaler) in 2025. Even if you’re using ADC to load balance Citrix Workplace to deliver VDI desktops and applications to end-users.
Streamlined Security and Performance
Unlike NetScaler solutions, LoadMaster load balancers integrate security at the load balancing layer via a Web Application Firewall (WAF), obtain TLS/SSL offloading and help deliver DDoS protection to provide both enhanced protection and optimized application performance. This security integration augments your dedicated cybersecurity solutions to help deliver the layered defense strategy that is a best practice in the 2025 threat landscape.
You can learn more about how LoadMaster load balancers help enhance your security posture in our free whitepaper titled Why You Should Perform Security Functions at the Load Balancing Level (registration required for download).
Modern Flexibility
The LoadMaster load balancing solution provides unmatched deployment flexibility across on-premises, private clouds or public cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. With consistent user interfaces and feature parity across all environments, the LoadMaster solution enables seamless transitions between platforms as organizations evolve.
NetScaler announced significant and unpopular changes to its licensing in 2023. Deployment of NetScaler can be restrictive and costly when organizations are looking to shift to hybrid deployment models. Flexible LoadMaster licensing options, including Metered Licensing and subscription models, mean you can scale up or down without being locked into complex, expensive contracts.
The LoadMaster load balancing solution provides tools and support to streamline migration from NetScaler. With templates for Citrix StoreFront, 2FA integration and support for Parallels RAS, the LoadMaster solution is ideal for environments using Citrix and other digital workspace solutions to deliver desktops and applications to users.
Faster Time-to-Value
The intuitive deployment process and consistent UI and scripting interfaces across all LoadMaster deployment platforms reduce setup and ongoing management overhead, enabling businesses to go live with applications faster and to spend less time managing them for security and performance over their lifecycle. The extensive catalog of pre-configured templates, integration guides and 24/7 support makes the transition from NetScaler to LoadMaster solution straightforward.
The LoadMaster capabilities offer:
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Intuitive web-based management interface
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Seamless DevSecOps workflow integration via RESTful APIs and PowerShell scripting
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Pre-built templates for popular applications
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Robust documentation and guides
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Expert technical support throughout the implementation process
Our services team provides dedicated migration support for organizations looking to migrate from NetScaler, and we’ve numerous references for organizations that have successfully made the switch.
Cost-Effective Scalability
As outlined in Reason 2 of the 2023 blog, the cost of deploying the LoadMaster solution is often significantly lower than NetScaler, without any loss in functionality or performance. The LoadMaster solution’s transparent, competitive pricing model offers more value for money compared to the high ongoing costs of Citrix NetScaler. And with LoadMaster, organizations can scale easily without the financial strain of NetScaler solutions.
The innovative LoadMaster Metered Licensing model allows you to deploy as many LoadMaster server instances as needed without incurring additional server license costs, giving you the flexibility to:
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Deploy dedicated instances for critical applications
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Avoid single points of failure
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Optimize resource allocation based on actual needs
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Scale up or down as needs change
Future-Proofed Technology Investment
Progress’ continuous R&D investment in the LoadMaster solution and associated application delivery technologies means that the product continuously evolves to meet new security threats and industry demands, providing businesses with a future-proofed load-balancing solution. Our R&D and Development teams maintain a focused approach to the core competency of secure load-balancing rather than treating it as just another feature within a product.
Final Thoughts
The LoadMaster load balancing solution offers organizations a superior alternative to NetScaler by providing a focused, efficient, cost-effective load-balancing solution that integrates essential security features into a broader modern cybersecurity strategy. As application delivery requirements continue to evolve beyond 2025, LoadMaster capabilities, ease of use and continuous development make it a smart choice for modern enterprises and IT decision-makers.
For more information about migrating from NetScaler to LoadMaster, contact our sales team or visit our website for case studies and technical resources. If you’re currently using NetScaler as a load balancer, try LoadMaster load balancing to see how it can improve your infrastructure and reduce your ongoing costs. Click the Free Trial button to start your journey to a better load-balancing experience for your web servers and applications.
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