Traditionally most companies with remote access today have used Microsoft Terminal Services to provide access to the local network and resources.  Recent offerings now include other options for remote access.  With today’s mobile workforce on the rise, we would like to review a few of the predominant methods used.

Click here for a quick comparison of remote access solutions.

Terminal Server is software that is usually installed on a server-class machine that has client applications installed on it, such as Word and Outlook.  This software enables multiple users to connect to the server at the same time.  Multiple people can connect to the server at the same time, but the more people that are simultaneously connected the slower the performance will be for everyone currently on the system.  This setup has the benefit of being on a server-class machine, which means it has redundancy built in to the hardware in case of a failure.  This machine is usually on an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), meaning that power fluctuations will not affect it.  Server-class machines are also configured by default to automatically power themselves on if they shutdown because of a power loss.  By contrast your workstation is usually not on a UPS and if it shuts off because of power problems, by default will not turn on by itself.

In addition to the base Terminal Server you can add Citrix.  This application has all the benefits of a terminal server but also has the benefits of additional options that will optimize performance during remote sessions and printer support.  Having a Citrix server can also provide other benefits, such as providing access to only one application without having a person log in to the entire machine.  This will both limit the access users have while also increasing performance.

A Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network, or SSL-VPN device is a piece of network hardware that allows users to connect to it securely and then access internal resources.  With a SSL-VPN device you can configure your network to prevent all external access to your network except through the SSL-VPN device, limiting your exposure to vulnerabilities, including hackers, viruses and worms.  You can also provide users who connect through a SSL-VPN access to more resources, such as internal websites and access to their own desktops.  By providing a user the ability to connect straight to their own desktop you allow them to connect to an environment that is more familiar to them, including their own favorites and quick fill email addresses.  This option will also give them access to any custom applications that you may not install on a shared Terminal Server.

Microsoft Small Business includes Remote Web Workplace that provides a portal to network resources similar to the SSL-VPN devices.

Both terminal server and SSL-VPN have benefits and drawbacks.  In certain cases it might be best to run both side by side, while other cases work well with one or the other.  An SSL-VPN device can greatly increase the overall security of your network, but requires software to be downloaded on the machine you are connecting from.  This may not be an issue for your home machine, but could be for public access machines like those found at a hotel or airport.  Using a Citrix server will also require software to be installed on your machine whereas the software needed to connect to a Terminal Server is installed by default on most systems.