Mar 26, 2010
Virtualised WAN Optimization is here
While it's great to have an extreamly crippled version of LTM as a virtual edition, I think F5 need to start concentrating seriously on a commercially available version of LTM VE and other Modules.
An other well known WAN optimization vendor, possibly called 'red jacket', has today announced the first Virtual edition of a WAN acceleration solution based on their WAN acceleration appliance (basically, instead of installing the ISO onto their appliance, you install it on your own server) for sale.
We also all know that other vendors are already offering commercial versions of virtualised ADCs, SSL VPN appliances and Gateways. The trend is clear and although LTM is an exeption, many of the other product modules do not need a non blocking switch architecture to function well (ASM, WA, GTM, WOM, MSM, APM, Edge, FirePass, LC).
I would also question why so many of you are asking for ways to add extra CPUs, Memory, NICs to your LTM VE machine - how much CPU power do you need to test an iRule or show off the web GUI to a customer (which was the original intention of LTM VE)?
I don't think I am breaking any forum rules by bringing this up, if I am I appologise in advance, I look forward to your comments.