F5 Networks provides Omnissa users with a more comprehensive management layer for network traffic between public and private networks, along with additional integrations to enable IT infrastructures to adapt more seamlessly and respond more quickly to issues.
F5 offers Omnissa customers a consolidated management layer, built-in Zero Trust security, smart routing, maximum availability, identity management compliance, and faster VDI migrations. These are a wide range of capabilities that we’ll briefly discuss separately below.
DMZ sprawl and network headaches
Since Omnissa is not a security platform, organizations need a third-party provider to ensure that hybrid work environments operate securely. A layered defense strategy is always recommended to prevent attacks as much as possible. The problem with these layers is a level of complexity that makes them difficult to manage. The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) architecture is particularly risky, as it typically involves multiple firewalls and interacts with various settings to control the behavior and access of appliances and data. F5 BIG-IP Zero Trust Access (ZTA) therefore serves as a VDI and application proxy, reducing the DMZ to a single management layer.
Furthermore, F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) directs network traffic in a way designed to ensure maximum availability, combined with proper load balancing and resilient entry points. Together with F5 BIG-IP DNS, this traffic steering extends to multi-site and multi-pod Omnissa Horizon environments, supporting both Active/Active and Active/Standby resilience and disaster recovery.
Seamless identities and migrations
The other innovation resulting from the expanded partnership once again revolves around simplicity and ease of use. For example, a new integration between BIG-IP ZTA and Omnissa Access ensures seamless switching between the service provider and identity provider, eliminating the need for manual intervention to continuously harmonize these services.
Another benefit F5 offers is faster migration of VDI environments. This involves more than just the technology, which is why partners also play a major role. Companies like Presidio help organizations make the right choices, from architecture to deployment and service delivery, and securely roll out hybrid work environments through Omnissa and F5.
See also: F5 launches AI security platform and acquires SurePath AI