Remote Access

This document details the type of remote access available, and the pros and cons of each.

User Access

User access is suitable for temporary access (e.g. when on holiday), or for users that connect from many different PCs that belong to a 3rd party.

User access allows a user to logon from almost any Internet enabled PC to check email, calendar, or take temporary remote control of an office PC to check bank accounts or work on documents. The remote PC may be a public PC, or an unsupported home PC or laptop.

Web Access

		Fastest and simplest way to view Emails, Calendar and Intranet
		Can save Email attachments to remote PC
		Can be accessed from almost any Internet terminal

		Cannot work with files

Remote Desktop

		User can work exactly as if they were in the office
		No concurrency problems associated with file synchronization
		Can use local applications that cannot run remotely, e.g. databases
		Any application that can be installed on a PC can be accessed remotely (some graphic-intensive applications will be slow)
		Can remotely use hardware attached to the office PC, e.g. modems and dongles for online banking

		Cannot work with files
		Requires a PC in the office for each remote user
		Generally used by staff with Desktop PCs working from a home PC – not by laptop users that carry their laptop with them
		Requires a reliable broadband connection at both ends
		Cannot use graphic-intensive applications
		Cannot save email attachments to remote PC
		Limited Cut and Paste to remote PC
		Limited printing support to remote PC

Terminal Services

		Similar to Remote Desktop, but instead of one PC per user, one server replaces multiple PCs
		Suitable for laptop users that need a Remote Desktop facility Suitable where there are a large number of remote users

		Not all applications will install onto Terminal Server
		Multiple users sharing a single server requires good security configuration
		Additional costs to setup and maintain Support costs will be higher due to complexity

Device Access

Device Access is best for users that work remotely from a regular PC or Laptop (e.g. a home PC) that is managed by the organization. Because the remote device has full access to the network, it is important the device is free from viruses and other security threats.

File Synchronization

		User does not need to be connected to continue working on documents
		Can work where no Internet connection is available, e.g. train or plane

		Can become confusing if more than one person works on files at the same time – changes can be overwritten
		Users should co-ordinate file usage Recommend only “My Documents” is synchronized
		Data stored on laptops should be encrypted to protect against loss and theft

VPN Access

		Extends the office network to the end user at IP level
		Technically identical to working from the office – all facilities should be available – but in practice speed makes it unsuitable for working on remote files directly
		Good in an emergency
		Can copy files Can synchronise emails

		Too slow for regular Explorer use or to open documents directly in an application
		Slow performance can cause system instability – direct file use recommended for experienced users only

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