We are a mobile society.  We buy notebook computers over desktops by 3 to 1 simply because we want the mobility they offer.  For most companies, providing employees access to corporate resources such as servers, printers and other systems while they are away from the office enables them to maximize productivity.  Providing remote access while maintaining a secure network is often a challenge.  For smaller businesses, sometimes simply deploying the technology is beyond their capabilities.

Cerdant offers two effective technologies for providing remote access; VPN client software and SSL-VPN technology.

VPN Client Software

The same technology (IPSec) that allows you to connect remote locations together using Virtual Private Networks can be implemented as a software solution on any PC.  If a computer has access to the Internet, VPN client software can  create an encrypted connection to the corporate network.  Users can be authenticated and different policies can be applied based on the needs of an individual.

Once connected, users can see your network as though they were sitting in the office, allowing them access to all of the resources that they would be entitled to.

SSL-VPN

SSL-VPN technology is an appliance based solution that solves many of the challenges to VPN Client software and adds additional features to enhanced security.  It utilizes technology that exists on nearly every computer.  The same encryption software that allows you to securely do your on-line banking (SSL) and the same networking software that allows you to dial-up to the Internet are utilized to provide encryption and routing across the Internet to your private network.  Users simply launch a browser and enter the address of the appliance.  They are then displayed a menu of options for access that can be customized for any user or group.

The biggest benefit is that you can provide access to your network from any PC that has access to the Internet without installing a large application.  Since it utilizes the same technology as a browser, users are rarely blocked by firewalls or other equipment that cannot handle normal VPN traffic.  In addition, you can provide additional security to your network by examining the remote computer to determine it's integrity and adjust the user experience based on the results.  Since access may be available from a non-secure computer, the SS-VPN appliance can query the remote computer to determine if it is a trusted device or if it has the latest Anti-Virus updates.

Contact Cerdant to find out more about the latest technologies for remote access.