Understanding remote access (Splashtop, Teamviewer, VPN, Sharepoint, etc.)

We wanted to help clarify some confusion and misunderstandings. Sometimes, we are even guilty of using “remote access” as a generic term. The fact is there are many types of methods to access data, networks, and even printers while not in the office. The main question or misunderstanding we see is that there has to be a second computer available (not being used) for remote users to control. The standard design is an office user who has a desktop at work and a work laptop. They would take a work laptop home and control the work desktop so they have access to everything they do as if they were “sitting at their desk” at work. The downside is if the office user only has an office laptop and takes it home/remote, what are they going to remote control since there is no computer in their office? Some companies allow employees to use their personal computer to remote into their office computer (especially if it is a laptop) but obvious security issues can arise from this configuration.

Here are some options and explanations (in no particular order).

1. SOFTWARE VPN: These are paid and free (but limited) versions of software used to create a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection. This software is designed to allow a user to connect to a computer or the server from a remote location. They can allow remote users to connect to network drives, printers in their office, and even control computers if preferred. The main issue with VPNs is they require VPN servers/additional hardware and extensive configuration. While very common, they are difficult to maintain and administer and the most expensive. The upside is no second computer is required.
   REMOTE connects to DESIGNATED office network ON DEMAND = DIFFICULT + HIGH COST
2. HARDWARE VPN: This configuration uses two hardware VPN devices to create a full-time VPN connection between the remote location and corporate office. This allows a remote user to connect to a computer or the server from a remote location at any time and stay connected. Remote users have a full-time connection to network drives, printers, NAS, servers, etc. in their office. They can also control computers if preferred. The main issue with VPNs is they require VPN servers/additional hardware and extensive configuration. While very common, they are difficult to maintain and administer and the most expensive.
   REMOTE stays PERMANENTLY connected to office network = DIFFICULT + HIGHEST COST
3. TEAMVIEWER/GoToMyPC/LogMeIn: These are paid and free (but limited) versions of remote control software. This software is designed to allow a user to control a computer from a remote location. The key is you have to have a SEPARATE computer to control the office computer and there is a cost involved.
   REMOTE controls OFFICE COMPUTER = EASY + EXTRA COST
4. SPLASHTOP: This is a free version of remote control software that comes with an RMM solution from Cross Computers. This software is designed to allow a user to control a computer from a remote location. The key is you have to have a SEPARATE computer to control the office computer and there is NO separate cost involved.
   REMOTE controls OFFICE COMPUTER = EASY + NO SEPARATE COST
5. SHAREPOINT/ONE DRIVE/GOOGLE DRIVE: These are termed to be cloud storage/drives. The concept is a user has access to files from the “server” while not physically located in the office. The reasoning is the files are stored on a cloud system, not on a physical server in the building. We have designed and implemented these systems for many of our customers with great results. While Microsoft Sharepoint is by far our best performer, we have had success with all Cloud applications. The main concern and understanding have to be with security and backups. Once files are no longer stored at your location, understanding and implementing proper security is mandatory in our opinion.
   REMOTE accesses files needed on-demand = EASY + MODERATE COST