If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that businesses should be prepared for any eventuality — including a sudden need to shift employees to working from home. Remote network access is critical to keeping your company running, customers happy, and workers productive.
Remote Access Solutions
Telecommuting helps companies cut overhead costs and lets employees work at their own pace. There are a few ways to set up remote access:
- A complete Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Remote desktop access
- A cloud computing network with shared files, for a virtual office setup
Virtual Private Network
Pros: good for intermittent or full-time remote access; encryption keeps data transfer secure; the VPN itself isn’t directly vulnerable to attack.
Cons: unprotected PCs can transfer malware to the VPN; harder to set up than remote desktop access.
Remote Desktop Access Solutions
Three main options: remote access software, enterprise remote desktop, and direct remote access. Remote access software is less secure with limited centralized control but affordable for smaller companies. Enterprise remote desktop is more scalable and seamless but costs more. Direct remote access is free but requires strict security protocols and on-site fixes for hardware issues.
Cloud Network Remote Work
A good option for a fully virtual office, offering flexibility and cost benefits — though it’s harder to control what employees do with their home hardware.
What to Consider
- Ease of Installation — time, effort, and downtime during the transition
- Ease of Use — for both employees and your IT department
- Cost — against the savings it provides your company
- Security — and how dependent it is on users following protocol
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