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| 08 | 2006 |
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| Remote Access: Bridging the Distance Between You and Your Files |
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A businessman from New York is meeting a client in Los Angeles. He discovers that the presentation he thought was saved to his laptop was never copied. How can he quickly retrieve it from his computer in NY?
A healthcare emergency in the middle of the night makes it detrimental for a doctor to retrieve a patient’s information from his home. How can he access the records quickly and securely?
The answer to these and countless other questions that ask how to bridge distances between computers is remote access, the ability to access a computer or network from a distant location. Over the last several years, remote access has become not just a beneficial feature, but a necessary one. It is a tool to increase the productivity and efficiency of companies and their employees, as well as a key element in successful business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
In this article, we review the first step to enabling remote access – determining which method fits your network and requirements. However, each method comes with its own set of security challenges. To insure your remote access is secure, read “Remote Access: Security Solutions” where we outline strategies to insure that the method you select creates a secure gateway for your mobile office.
Selecting your connection
Whether you are connecting from your home computer to the office, from a business laptop to the company network or from a public computer to a private network, there are a number of solutions available. Some of the most secure options include:
1. IPSec (Internet protocol security) VPN
2. SSL (secure sockets layer) VPN (virtual private network)
3. Windows Remote Desktop
4. Third party software
1. IPSec VPN
Known as the traditional option for secure remote access, a Forrester Research study recently announced that 62 percent of businesses in North America use IPSec for their remote access. Originally designed as a way for businesses to have site-to-site connectivity between branch offices, the use of IPSec also provided a means to avoid deploying expensive private WAN connections. However, utilizing IPSec remote access for a large mobile workforce that requires unlimited access points can prove both difficult and costly. IPSec clients require different configurations depending on their access point, do not support all access points and are not available for unmanaged end points, therefore the costs of tech support are higher and access points are limited. For a more flexible solution that does not require the deployment of dedicated VPN clients and is better suited for a mobile workforce, check out SSL VPN options.
2. SSL VPN
Although IPSec has been the tradition in remote access, SSL VPNs are quickly becoming the superior choice, and according to Infonetics, SSL VPNs rank higher with small to mid-size businesses. A web-based VPN based on the SSL protocol used to protect e-commerce transactions, this form of remote access is less costly and easier to deploy, manage, support and use. Its usability with nonmanaged equipment allows for remote access from any end point – from kiosks to mobile devices. The flexibility of the SSL VPN is ideal for mobility. There are a number of options available and users should consider the features of each and be aware that some solutions may provide limited access to non-client applications or have complex options requiring increased IT management. Consult a professional to help find the solution that best fits your needs.
3. Windows Remote Desktop
Windows XP Professional allows your computer to serve as a remote desktop host. Any PocketPC, Smartphone or computer running Windows 95 or later editions can serve as the client machine by utilizing Remote Desktop client software. You’ll need either an internet connection or the ability to connect to your company’s local area network. If you’re connecting through the internet, you’ll also need to form a VPN between your host computer and your client computer to get through the firewall protecting the company network. Once you are connected remotely using the Windows Remote Desktop, you will feel as though you are sitting at the host computer. With a secure VPN, this system can prove easy for both the IT Department and the end users.
4. Third party tools
There are a variety of third party tools available for all sizes, from individuals to enterprise companies. Each come with their own set of features, but most contain built-in security with encryption and password protection, easy file transfer, admin controls, full-screen mode, remote printing, and more. Some are available by purchasing support hardware while others require online accounts through which you will also initiate your remote connections. When using third party tools to connect to your company computer, it is best to consult with an IT professional to insure the security of your remote access. Also be aware that many third-party companies will charge monthly fees based on the number of computers to be used. If your need for a remote-access solution is temporary (for example, a one-time business trip), third party tools may be your answer. If, however, you are an enterprise company with traveling employees and an on-going need for remote-access capabilities, a more permanent and less costly long-term alternative should be considered.
Regardless of which type of remote access solution you choose, it is a superior business tool used to increase productivity by enabling easy file access during commutes, travel, after-hours work, business meetings and more. The flexibility of remote access allows for a mobile workplace and, as a result, has also quickly become a vital part of business continuity.
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About The Brookfield Group
The Brookfield Group has become a leader in IT, ISP, ASP and web solutions by providing next level technology solutions managed by experts who give you peace of mind without the tech-talk. The company's services are customized to fit any enterprise-size businesses and include: IT project management; hosting solutions and maintenance; systems security and patches; telecommunications services, server and desktop setup, repair and applications; network infrastructure design; audio visual products; surveillance and security solutions; as well as a variety of other software, hardware, services and accessories. Located in Carmel, Indiana, more information about The Brookfield Group products and services is available at www.thebrookfieldgroup.com or by calling 317.524.6000.
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