Are you satisfied with your WAN optimization vendor?

I can't get no satisfaction,
I can't get no satisfaction.
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try.
I can't get no, I can't get no.
--Rolling Stones

One of the most frustrating experiences for an IT manager is to invest in a vendor offering that doesn't function as promised and delivers a very unsatisfactory experience.  This becomes even more painful in the case of WAN optimization, because the WAN optimization devices must be physically scattered over numerous locations throughout the WAN infrastructure.  Troubleshooting and maintaining problematic devices under such circumstances is truly a nightmare.

Twice every year, Riverbed performs customer satisfaction surveys of its existing customers.  In the most recent survey, more than 1400 Riverbed customers responded; they gave Riverbed an overall satisfaction of 8.41 out of 10, with 10 being the most satisfied.  More than 4 out of 5 respondents gave Riverbed an overall satisfaction rating of 8 or higher (out of 10).

It's quite clear that overall, Riverbed customers are very satisfied.  But beyond that gratifying observation, the more important implication for prospective customers is that selecting Riverbed is a very low-risk/high-reward option.  We are not aware of any other vendor that receives such consistently-high customer satisfaction ratings for their WAN optimization offerings.