Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

Get remote access to your business' computer network

A virtual private network (VPN) is an inexpensive way to establish remote access to your business' computer network. With a VPN you can access your server files, internal Web pages and your office PC and its applications. Companies use VPNs so that remote offices or employees can access internal networks. By sending encrypted data over a public telecommunications infrastructure, a VPN offers small to midsize businesses an easy solution for remote access. Here's a quick how-to for a VPN:

1. Determine if installing a VPN is something your IT department can handle or if you need to outsource the job.
2. Make sure the VPN solution you choose is compatible with your framework.
3. Compare VPN products and prices.
4. Take advantage of online forums for quick answers to questions about installing and maintaining your VPN.

Don't go it alone

A VPN can be tricky to deploy. If you are a small business without much IT expertise, outsource the job to a specialist.

Make sure your network infrastructure will support a VPN

A VPN can be either a hardware solution, a software product or Web-based. It is crucial that you know and understand your company's network infrastructure before selecting and setting up a VPN.

Shop around to find a VPN that fits your needs and budget

A variety of VPN solutions are available for small to midsize businesses. Each solution has its own benefits and features as well as price. Use online product comparison guides to evaluate what VPN will work for you.

Where to go when your VPN isn't working

Even the savviest of IT experts encounter hard-to-solve VPN challenges. Fortunately, the Internet is jam-packed with VPN discussion forums and blogs. No matter what you are experiencing, there's a chance someone else has had the same issue and can offer direction.

• To avoid VPN deployment and maintenance issues, make sure everyone using your VPN has Internet access and compatible hardware.
• Create redundancy to eliminate downtime; for example, a back-up Internet connection or dial-up service.
• Keep your employees and/or whoever will be accessing your VPN in the loop when it comes to using it (access codes and passwords, connection guides, etc.)
• Regardless of what VPN solution you are considering, get references.

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