The Hilltop Blog

As "snowmageddon" interrupted almost everyone's regular schedule Hilltop fielded a lot of remote access questions. We can get you set up now to keep things working even when you can't be in the office. There are a range of useful tools we can configure, including:

• Remote Web Workplace: Installed standard with every Windows Small Business server, this technology allows one to remotely control their office workstation from home. It requires Windows on both the home and office computer -- which must be turned on and not in use -- though the cost per user is free.


• VPN: Connect your home computer to the office network to reach resources such as network drives, documents, and printers. A VPN connection is fast and secure, and it's an easy way to get at all the important files on your network drives. A VPN connection can be made from any Mac or PC and the cost per user is generally free. Remember that each home computer will still need the right software installed to open documents. For example, this means your home computer would need Microsoft Office 2007 to open that important Word .docx file from the office.


• Citrix or Windows Remote Desktop:These technologies give each remote employee a virtual desktop that can be called up from any machine. When connected, one has access to all the programs, drives, and files needed to do their work, and it can be customized to each person or group. Fast, secure, and centrally administered these solutions offer the maximum amount of customization and convenience. These connections can be made from any Mac or PC, including many newer smartphones. The cost per user varies.


• SharePoint: A Web-based document-management and communications hub, SharePoint is great way for distributed teams to share their work -- including teams that are temporarily and unexpected distributed by the weather. With its tight integration into Microsoft Office, SharePoint can track which documents are checked-out for use, and keep track of a document's version history. SharePoint is a great way to put a stop to the question of, "Who has the most recent version of that document?" A connection to a SharePoint site can be made from any Mac or PC. Each connecting machine should have Microsoft Office, and the cost per user varies.


• Webmail: Make sure your team knows how to access their mail from where ever they might be. In particular, the Webmail offered by Exchange 2007 is exceptionally good. It looks and works just like Outlook 2007 and includes search. If your office is still running Exchange 2003, Hilltop has the experience to make this upgrade quick and seamless.


• LogMeIn or similar services: For anyone without a dedicated office server, a service such as as LogMeIn Free can be worth a look.