What is Remote Access?

Remote access enables people to connect to a computer network from any location using another computer.

The purpose is to be able to continue to use the organisation’s systems in order to retrieve information and send emails without the need to be office based. As long as you have access to the internet you will have the ability to work remotely. This can be achieved by using a wireless network, dial-up facility (though this is rare) or mobile phone access.

The main types of access available are via broadband or through a wireless network

With a global workforce and increased transportation costs comes the need for mobility and remote working. Remote access simply allows the user [worker] to access their applications and systems from anywhere and for vendors this is a strong growth market. The most notable of vendors is Citrix, who have excellent services for SME and Enterprise and for home and small office users GoToMyPc is a major brand as is Symantec’s pcAnywhere. Alternative Remote Access vendors are: Teamviewer, Logmein, Netviewer and GraphOn who are next generation remote access and is the vendor to watch.

The Future of Remote Access

It is likely that the number of employees working from home or remotely, (also known as telecommuting) will continue to grow. This means that remote access is an area where technology will continue to develop. 

More and more organisations have implemented remote access because there are so many benefits.

Why Remote Access?

By using remote access organisations can become more flexible and improve the way in which people work. This is because people are no longer restricted to using a desktop PC at the office but have the capability to travel or work remotely while still having the benefits using the organisations IT infrastructure or access data on their own home PC without actually being sat in front of it! 

It has substantial benefits and a potentially fast RoI (Return on Investment) because it reduces the cost of travel, i.e. people no longer have to commute long distances to the office every day, saving valuable time as a result, thereby allowing people to become more productive.

For further information about Remote Access, check out the TechZone here.