Telecommuting Solutions.

Looking for a cheaper, better, faster telecommuting solution? Why not--this is the Internet age, isn't it? Historically, telecommuting solutions have relied on the analog phone line as their mode of operation. For example, remote-control software such as pcAnywhere can be used very effectively over a regular phone line. However, telephone charges can grow rapidly if you use pcAnywhere via a long distance phone call. Using pcAnywhere over the Internet can reduce your telephone charges. However, its security can be a hassle to implement and once security is implemented, performance suffers greatly.

VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS

In terms of addressing security over the Internet, virtual private networks have emerged as a cost-effective piece to the modern telecommuting puzzle. With a VPN, the Internet can function as an extension cord connecting two PCs. These PCs become their own little network, a 'virtual, private network." VPNs are cost effective because you can connect to the Internet with a local call, regardless of where you are. Once online, using VPN technology, you'll be able to access your office PC.

Imagine you're at the Cannes International Film Festival in France (http://www.festival-cannes.fr). With a local call you connect to the Internet and using the magic of VPN, voila, you connect to your office PC in California and take care of some business.

IN A NUTSHELL

At a minimum, a VPN requires two PCs, with VPN software that is connected to the Internet. A VPN secures private information that is transmitted over the Internet by adding the following qualities: confidentiality (encryption), authenticity (proof of sender), integrity (detection of data tampering) and replay protection (defense against unauthorized re-sending of data).

One or both sides of a secure VPN connection can be a local area network. PCs on a LAN do not need VPN software installed, rather, a device on the LAN (either a PC or a special VPN software or hardware appliance) contains the VPN software and all PCs on the LAN share the VPN connection created by this device. In a VPN environment, the LAN is connected to the Internet, quite often with DSL or some other "always on" technology. Because the LAN is always connected to the Internet, installing a firewall is highly recommended. A firewall is software that prevents unauthorized access to the LAN.

GETTING YOUR WORK DONE

Once you've created the VPN, how do you use it to get your work done? Typically, you'll want to run one or more software applications or access data files over the VPN. However, if you're using POTS (plain old telephone service or a regular phone line) at one end of the VPN, response time may be unsatisfactory as a VPN can be slow. Remote-control software, which can be used with a VPN, addresses both of these issues.

Using both remote-control software such as pcAnywhere, and a VPN, you now have many advantages--functionality and performance using pcAnywhere, and security and cost savings using the VPN. Unfortunately, as you might have guessed, VPNs and firewalls are complicated to design, install and maintain.

THE NEXT GENERATION

The next generation telecommuting solution eliminates the complexity of a VPN but maintains all of the benefits, and includes remote control features and functionality. Recently announced, http://www.GoToMyPcc.om (and its competitors such as http://www.uroam.com and http://www.etunnels.com) produce web-based alternatives to a VPN and remote-control software.

GoToMyPC offers a web-based, secure, remote-control solution that allows users to access and work on any of their computers registered through the GoToMyPC Web site. Unlike with a VPN, users can access and control their host computer from any Internet-connected computer without having special software installed; the main advantage: simplicity.

Telecommuting solutions have become more cost effective because of the Internet; easier to implement because of Web-based offerings; and faster because of DSL, cable modem and other high-speed communication lines. Looking forward, telecommuting will become faster (performance will improve over analog phone lines), better (security will improve and become more transparent) and cheaper (how about free).

Just scratching the surface of telecommuting solutions, this article may have raised more questions than it answered. But know that, yes, you can play in Cannes and work too.

Jim Torii, MCSE, is a network consultant working for Moss Adams LLP. He is an active member and pro gram chair of the Westside Technology Users Group (WTUG). Toni can be reached at Jim [e-mail].