Citrix vs VPN
Virtual Private Networking is a method of creating a smaller private network that is running on top of a bigger network. Computers connected to a VPN act as if they are connected to the same network switch even if the other computer is halfway around the world. Citrix is a company that provides services and applications that operate on a VPN and allows users to access files and applications on a server remotely.
Creating a VPN can be accomplished with the use of a wide variety of software that can be acquired from different sources. Setting-up a VPN from scratch can be a complex task as there are a wide variety of concerns that needs to be addressed, not the least of which is security. Citrix provides an all-in-one service as it is capable of handling the huge majority of things needed to create a fully working VPN.
Citrix also produces applications that run on top of the VPN to provide more advanced features. VPN, at its basest, is only capable of providing file sharing services. Citrix allows users from a remote location to run applications on the server and have access to resources as if they are located on the server itself. Citrix simplifies and unifies the deployment of applications for the whole company as only the server needs to be updated when adding or upgrading your software. In a standard VPN, you need to update each and every computer that uses the application.
The application delivery system of Citrix can be very advantageous when working with very large files. In a traditional VPN, the file being opened needs to be downloaded to the client. With Citrix, everything is on the server and the only data that needs to be transmitted are the communication between the server and client.
The multiple benefits of Citrix can be very expensive as it is meant for larger companies with complex networking requirements. Implementing a traditional VPN would cost a lot less, especially if you already have the knowledge in setting it up. You simply need a capable router or a routerOS installed on a computer.
Summary:
1. VPN is a smaller private network that lies on top of a bigger network while Citrix is a company that provides VPN services.
2. VPN can be implemented with a wide variety of software and Citrix is an all-in-one solution.
3. At its basest, VPN only provides file sharing while Citrix provides virtualization and application delivery.
4. Citrix is much better than traditional VPNs when working with large files.
5. Citrix is out of the budget of most people while VPN can be free.