Jayne Parkhouse

In this Group Test we look at software solutions and hardware products which provide the means to access networks remotely, enabling security to be maintained when someone comes calling asking to be allowed in. Here we have a combination of an authentication software enabler and the means to access remotely using tokens and cards designed to ensure security levels are maintained.

The software, CRYPTOAdmin, is an authentication server and the backbone of the whole remote access solution. When combined with CRYPTOCard tokens and smartcards it provides a strong basis for remote access from anywhere in the world.

Sometimes dialing into access data just isn't enough, and NetOp Remote Control allows remote access for the control of multiple PCs. This allows users to remotely initiate work from a distant location on their office workstation, enabling work to continue when they are unable to physically be at their desk. It can also provide useful and cost-efficient support from administration for problem solving, staff training and observation, or simply data use, all rolled into one.

NetOp Remote Control secures the communication while allowing authorized access. Controlling a keyboard and mouse, and viewing the screen of a remote computer is made easy with this solution, which makes an ideal tool for administration and management purposes wherever the skilled user is located. This means that a business can employ an expert at one location, but the enterprise can benefit from his or her expertise in branch offices no matter how diverse they may be ­ geographically.

Not all remote access initiatives are used solely to provide employees with multi-location access. It may be necessary to provide a wider core of access rights that are in line with your business activities and, therefore, a more extensive resource may be required to fulfill all of your objectives.

This is where a solution such as Novell iChain comes into its own. This solution accomplishes more than simply allowing one level of access. It is capable of delivering a web-based authentication process that can be granular to your business needs, allowing customers and partners to access areas crucial for your commercial needs.

Similar to LapLink, pcAnywhere has long been a serious contender for employees and employers requiring remote access to data. It also provides a very easy to use software system, but without the cables for synchronization of PCs that LapLink provides. What you get is a CD that installs with ease and a quality user's guide. pcAnywhere also provides the administrator with a rebootless host to allow for installation without the usual reboot ­ - great for servers that are critical to your business and require a problem to be assessed and ­ resolved remotely.

We've looked at software solutions available for remote access, ideal for both corporate and employee use with many features, as well as being easy to install, configure and use. But what of the hardware alternatives to the problem? Do they also offer ease of use when accessing systems from geographically diverse sites?

Our next solution is a sleek and visually pleasing hardware alternative, which has been developed for the permanent off-site situation. This unit delivers a secure and robust communication between both sites without the remote user requiring new software or special training.

So far we have tested conventional remote access solutions, but the next product is designed for remote access with a difference. Take a situation where you have servers in many different geographical locations, but where employing IT specialists around the world is not economically viable.

American Megatrends, Inc. recognized this problem and introduced a hardware solution that enables the remote access required to repair and develop new installations and configurations from afar. The MegaRAC G2 provides a speedy connection, enabling one employee to oversee all your IT needs from just one location - in an instant.

Hardware located in the main office on your LAN can allow remote workers punctual and user-specific access to work areas that need to remain secure during any remote communication periods. The ability to use this type of access improves productivity and ensures that employees are able to work remotely without compromising your network security.

It is not always a software solution that saves the day when you want to work remotely. From a small branch office or home office a VPN tunnel may fit the bill and SonicWALL has several hardware solutions that may provide the security that you are in need of. We took a look at the SonicWALL TELE3 SP as an alternative solution for secure remote access communications.

From a user perspective it is easy enough to install, and anyone who has purchased a PC and set it up at home for themselves will be able to get to grips with this small but secure solution. The TELE3 SP takes up very little room and is ideal for those using an always-on broadband connection. Alternatively, it comes with a fail-over modem connection, which can be set as default for non-broadband users.