We are living in an increasingly mobile world, with access to all kinds of resources becoming easier every day.

Companies are providing remote access to emails and company resources and requiring that we stay more and more accessible every day.

For users that are constantly on the road we have Outlook Anywhere (RPC/HTTP) that keeps us constantly connected to the company network in a fast, secure and convenient way using an encrypted connection. We don’t have to rely solely on mobile devices, or the slower access provided by having to use VPNs or Outlook Web Access.

For a more internal presence on the network we can also count on Windows Terminal Services or Citrix Servers that make all internal resources available to users by providing a personal “desktop” that is unique to each user and allows use of all resources, placing the remote users “virtually” inside the office at a few mouse clicks. This kind of access has its drawbacks though, as certain types of images can take a long time to render on the screen and paging down through a long PDF or PowerPoint presentation can be painfully slow depending on the internet speeds that are connecting the user with the office.

Another way to access company files remotely is through the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) tunnel, either by setting up permanent tunnels from satellite offices or homes, or by using “VPN Client’ applications that create encrypted tunnels on the fly and securely grant you access to the company network anywhere you are provided you have an internet connection.

With Outlook Web Access you can also access emails from any computer that has an internet browser, anywhere in the world. Again, assuming you have an internet connection. This works well if you travel but don’t carry a laptop, or are on vacation and just need a quick look at emails.

With the proper implementation, by people with the right knowledge to guarantee that the company isn’t being exposed to any security holes, you can be “at the office” anywhere you are.

With new paradigms such as “cloud computing”, a “day at the office” as we know it will no longer be at the office at all.

With emails, mobile devices, video conferencing and remote access to company resources from virtually anywhere, people are able to work together without ever having even met.

The ability to collaborate with others across the country or the globe makes great business sense, though the more “connected” we become business-wise, the more “disconnected” we become socially. Sometimes spending hours, days, or months working alone from home, or a hotel room with no real interactions at all, leaving many depressed and lonely. Not to mention the loss of our personal time. By being accessible at anytime, anywhere we are now expected to return an email or phone call that in the past had to wait until the next day. This blending of personal and work time causes other social problems like loss of family time and meaningful conversations and stress in general, etc.

These are side-effects we are just beginning to take notice of and will be seeing its consequences in the years to come. In the end, technology is great and is here to simplify our lives, but it’s up to us to maintain a balance and make sure it doesn’t take over completely.

 - Aline Menezes, Premier IT, Inc.

In the past few years we have all been a witness to the amazing advancements that happened in the mobile and remote computing world.  Now we have more processing power in the palm of our hands that was used on the Apollo mission to go to the moon.  With all of the innovations that allow the average person and company to work remotely and still be as productive as ever, it is only a small fraction of forward thinking companies that have embraced these technologies.  Sure, everyone has a cell phone now and many even have email on their mobile device.  But with all of the options available to us, most still do not understand that with a very little effort you can work from any computer with an internet connection.

Remote Desktop has been available for use with the Microsoft operating systems and server platforms since Windows 2000.  In the current environments most users are familiar with, Windows XP and Vista, Remote Desktop automatically comes with the OS and is right on the start menu.  The following will describe basic instructions on accessing remote desktop, and connecting to your office remotely.  There are two ways to remotely connect to your office.  One is to remote desktop directly into your computer in the office, and the second is to remote desktop into a terminal server.  The below instructions will work for either case.  You should talk to your IT resources regarding which is right for you. 

Accessing and Connecting with Remote Desktop (Windows XP, Vista, and 7)

• First Click on the Start Menu, select All Programs, and then Accessories. You will find the Remote Desktop Connection icon on this menu, or within the Communications menu.
• Click on the “Remote Desktop Connection” icon to open the application.
• Next you will need to type in the appropriate address to access the destination computer you are trying to connect to. (your office terminal server, or office PC). Your IT resources will be able to provide this information.
• Once you have the correct address entered in the “computer” field, simply click connect to make the connection to the remote computer. 
• Typically you will be prompted for your login information to access your computer and or terminal server. 

Now you have access to all the same network resources you have when you are sitting in your office.  You can compose documents, print files, and generally work as easily as you can sitting in front of your desk after a long commute. 

 - Robert Praul, Premier IT, Inc.