Remote Access
 

Introduction to Remote Access

Remote access becomes important when two or more separated people need to share the same data. For more than 15 years, Citrix has been the defacto standard for establishing high performance remote access, and pcAnywhere has been the defacto low cost solution. In recent years new solutions have risen to challenge both of these solutions. In particular, Microsoft Terminal Srvices is arguably as good as Citirix, and priced lower by 30% tp 40%. In addition, a web based solution called “Go to My PC” is challenging pcAnywhere as the preferred low cost and easy solution. In addition, Microsoft Windows includes a remote solution as well. There are dozens of remote access solution; however the five main solutions are as follows:

Benefits of Using Remote Access

There are numerous situations that call for a remote access solution. Traveling employees often need access to their e-mail, calendar or contact list. Traveling sales representatives need access or to the accounting system for entering orders of looking up inventory levels and customer history information. Work-at-home employees need access to their office computer. Multiple location companies need to connect remote locations to a centralized accounting system. Troubleshooting/support professionals need to log into the customer’s remote system for maintenance purposes. Presented below are specific examples of how you might use a remote access solution in your organization:

Customer 
-          See or conduct live product demonstrations on any machine that has an internet connection
-          Discussions are real time 
-          CPAs can have remote access to their client’s accounting data to assist them in closing entries
-          Data can be obtained from the client's machine and then the accountant could perform necessary accounting tasks remotely 

Employees

-          Conduct their work from a variety of venues using remote access
-          Ideas can be documented and initiated immediately without going into the office
-          Employees unable to physically go into the office can perform tasks from home
-          Traveling employee can use a notebook without compromising secure office data
-          Remote access allows employees to travel with less costly computers than their primary PCs
-          Ensures data integrity since the data can remain on one machine without the need to update 

Support 

-          Technical or product support is often simplified as accessing the PC in question becomes easier
-          Support agents physically see the issue rather than relying on user descriptions
-          Web based tools can detect and evaluate hubs, routers and other devices from a central location.

General Comments About Remote Access Solutions

The Internet has successfully linked the world’s computer systems together and as a result remote access can be easily achieved using numerouis strategies or applications. The keys are to employ solutions which are easy and offer encryption. Secured Sockets Layer is a standard protocol that transmits your communications over the Internet in an encrypted form. SSL ensures that the information is sent, unchanged, only to the server you intended to send it to. Online shopping sites frequently use SSL technology to safeguard your credit card information. Typical solutions require multiple authorizations including passwords and correctly identifying the computer to be remotely accessed. Then the data is encrypted for transfer between PCs.  Today most remote access applications must contain a certain degree of firewall compatibility both protecting the integrity of the network without requiring in-depth configuration by the user. Sophisticated access programs may grant administrators the ability to monitor usage or create real-time reports of corporate, client, and group usage. Some solutions enable shutting down, locking, and rebooting workstations; logging off users, and viewing installed programs. 

A remote access application typically opens a new window for every instance of remote access to allow viewing of the accessed PC or host’s desktop.  Some applications allow the display to be resized. The most user-friendly solutions require minimal input and can actually distinguish between different operating systems on the host and open an appropriate window or Java applet. Some applications employ designated servers to facilitate the data transfer process.  In these cases, web servers are used to allow remote PC's to access host PC's.  Once the connection has been established, the encrypted data stream travels through another set of servers, which only act to transfer data.  These other servers are the communication servers. 

GoToMyPC is a web-based remote access solution that requires only a browser. This product technology can be installed and set up in about 2 to 5 minutes, and thereafter, you can connect any two PCs in the world in about 45 seconds. What makes GoToMyPC better than pcAnywhere is that no static IP address is needed to make the connection. What makes GoToMyPC better than Windows XP Point to Point tunneling is that GoToMyPC supports remote control. What makes GoToMyPC better than Citrix or Terminal Server is the product is very inexpensive and far easier. Other comments about GoToMyPC are as follows:

1.       GoToMyPC features end-to- end 128-bit encryption.

2.       With GoToMyPC the user can choose a user name and access code, and activate their account code within about 5 minutes.

3.       GoToMyPC is accessible from wireless devices such as PDA's without synchronization or data conversion.

4.       GoToMyPC works from any PC with Internet connectivity anywhere in the world.

5.       GoToMyPC can even link Windows computers to Apple computers.

6.       GoToMyPC offers one-time use passwords to foil key-logging scripts. 

7.       GoToMyPC’s web interface requires far less set-up and maintenance compared to VPNs. 

8.       GoToMyPC does not require a static IP. 

9.       GoToMyPC supports File Transfer Protocol 

Problem Areas:

 BE AWARE - Multiple users cannot access the same host PC using GoToMyPC. The host must be removed from one account and                 reconfigured for another.

Pricing for Personal GoToMyPC Accounts 

Pricing includes unlimited remote access, the ability to swap host PC's at will, software and service upgrades, and technical support and maintenance during operating hours:

Pricing for Pro GoToMyPC Accounts

Pricing includes unlimited remote access, private administration controls, centralized billing and administration, options to add or remove employees at any time, software and service upgrades, and technical support and maintenance.

The screen above shows the GoToMyPC web page where you can log into any computer on the interest around the world. The screen below shows some of the preferences that can be set to make GoToMyPC behave to your particular tastes.

Set-up
 

Step 1: Log-in and download software by adding PC to list of “Host” computers 

Step 2: Once installed, click “Connect” which launches the viewer program 

You will be prompted for the host computer’s access code (a password created during installation).

 Step 3: Adjust the size of your viewer window and begin the remote access adventure. 

Symantec's pcAnywhere has been a long time favorite remote access solution that allows you to connect through a phone line or internet connection. However, to connect through the Internet, you will need to have a static IP address and there may be technical settings you must configure to allow this connection to take place. If you have a Static IP address already, then perhaps pcAnywhere is the best low cost solution for you.  Presented below are a few comments about pcAnywhere.

1.       Based on The NPD Group’s retail Top Selling Business Software list, Symantec’s pcAnywhere was the top-selling remote           access software product from August 1999 through April 2003

2.       Globally pcAnywhere is one of the most widely used remote access tools available

3.       Similar functionality compared to GoToMyPC, except a static IP address is needed

4.       Originally designed to be a tool used strictly for remote PC users

5.       Now considered to be an essential tool for IT support

6.       11.0 version improved on previous versions

7.       Optimized for Windows (XP) environments

8.       Highly customizable toolbars, installation components policies and security options

9.       Also compatible with broadband modems

Problem Areas:

1.   Potentially complex configurations and Dynamic IP difficulties

2.   Supports Windows operating systems only

3.   Requires configuration and installation of software on client PC
 

Citrix has been the defacto standard for many years, especially for larger companies and companies who want the best possible remote access performance. However Citrix is not cheap. A minimal installation of Citrix will typically cost about $15,000 to $18,000 by the time you purchase the software and implement a high powered Citrix server. Here are comments about Citrix:

1.       Allows users to securely access corporate data through a customizable interface.

2.       Centralizes data management and provides a Single Point of Access for users.

3.       Consolidation of data provides a controlled environment for data manipulation and distribution.

4.       Resources are available through an interface on a web browser.

5.       Data can be accessed through any machine with an internet connection.

6.       Any user who has been granted permission may access the data, including business partners, customers, and employees.

7.       Citrix can transfer a wide variety of data, including internet and intranet sites, file shares, documents, and streaming media.

8.       The user interfaces can be tailored to the needs of specific user types.

9.       Available for sale from resellers since it was designed for the data management for large corporations. 

Microsoft Terminal Server

Microsoft Terminal Server functions similarly to Citrix, but typically costs about 30 to 70% less to implement. While many Citrix installers argue that Citrix performs better that Terminal Server, many users who have used both report that there is either no difference in performance or that Terminal Server performs faster. Presented below are comments about Terminal Server: 

1.       Included in Windows NT, and 2000 operating systems.

2.       User controls data availability.

3.       Host sends client or viewer access information.

4.       The remote user will have access to the files and can manipulate them as if the files were located on the local machine.

5.       Fast response time.

6.       Widely used by Windows support and corporations.

Problem Areas

1.       Instances of security breaches and malicious code execution necessitated various patches and fixes.

Microsoft XP Desktop Connection 

Microsoft provides the built-in ability to connect remotely to other Windows XP computers. The connection wizard is shown above. Additional comments follow:

1.       Provided with Microsoft XP.

2.       Users invite remote clients via email or .NET passport.

3.       Host computers specify time of invitation and duration of assistance.

Problem Areas:

4.       Both computers must be running Windows XP.

5.       Does not provide remote control capability. 

There are many other remote connection options as well, for example WSFTP can be used to connect two computers together for transferring files back and forth. FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, establishes a direct connection between computers for the purposes of file sharing and communication. Be advised that FTP requires intermediate Internet and connectivity knowledge to configure an FTP server which may be accessed by client computers.

Recommendations 

CPAs can use remote access solutions
q     To support client’s accounting system
q     Connect 2 offices
q     Work from home or alternate locations 

GoToMyPC vs VPN alternatives - https://www.gotomypc.com/downloads/pdf/m/GoToMyPC_Personal_VPN_Comparison_White_Paper.pdf

GoToMyPC vs pcAnywhere - https://www.gotomypc.com/downloads/pdf/m/GoToMyPC_Personal_pcAnywhere_Comparison_White_Paper.pdf  

- END -