Demand for remote access services is soaring as more and more people perform their work from a variety of locations that are not the "main office." Having the ability to "work anytime, anywhere" is a big plus when it comes to having convenience and flexibility.

The ability to access computers from remote locations carries significant security considerations with it also. It is critical to only allow access to those who have the proper credentials, and keep everyone else out of your important business data. If these remote access services are not properly "configured," the possibility of a security leak and improper access to company data is increased.

There are multiple Remote Access Solutions available on the market today. Your choice will depend of what you want your employees to be able to do with their access, the budget you have for the solution and the security level you need to protect your data and your network.

Here are some exemple of solutions:

1. Light Solutions for single user and SOHO

a. I'm in touch, Go to myPC
These solutions allow users to access and work on their computer through a web-browser. The only condition is to install the software on the computer you want to access and register for a monthly fee. You don't have to install any software on the client computer, only on the host computer.

b. Remote access in Windows XP Pro
While connected, you can use most of your business applications, documents, and network resources on your office computer. There is no need to transfer files and applications over the network. Remote Desktop transfers only the screen data, keyboard input, and mouse clicks over your network connection.

A computer running Windows XP Home Edition, or any version since Windows 95, can use the client software and Internet access to remotely control a computer that runs Windows XP Professional with Remote Desktop enabled. The client software is available on the installation CD for Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition.

2. Business Solutions for small and mid-sized businesses

a. Windows Terminal Services
The Terminal Services component of the Windows Server operating system delivers the Windows Professional desktop and the latest Windows-based applications to a wide variety of desktops, including those that normally would not be able to run Windows. Through terminal emulation, Terminal Services allows the same set of applications to run on diverse types of desktop hardware.

b. PC Anyware
Includes a light solution like I'm in touch or Go to my PC but can also be used for remote control and managment of a server. But needs an installation of the software on each PC.

c. VPN
The traditional way to provide remote access to Internal resources is to provision a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts all data traveling between specified endpoints, ensuring the privacy of all such data even while it travels across public networks. .

I'm in touch is a regitered tradmark of 01 Communique
Go to My PC is a regitered tradmark of Expercity Inc.
PC Anywhere is a regitered tradmark of Symantec Corporation
Windows XP and Windows Terminal Services are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.