Do I want a VPN?

[markjohnson72]

First time poster here...sorry for the stupid questions as I see this is a very knowledgeable group and hoping someone can help me with.

My situation: Small business starting with 4-5 employees who all need to access the same information. I am currently using something called OMNIDRIVE but you have to Upload and Download the files to use them, it is basically a storage server. I want a server that I can not only store files but, for example, when I create a database then multiple users will be able to access and make entries into it.

Am I looking at a VPN? Of course since I am just starting out cost is a factor. Can anyone help me with my options?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dberg35]

You don't mention if your in the same office, assuming you are then no to VPN. If all your pc's are in the same workgroup then you can use a NAS drive. You can get these for about $150 on up. This unit connects to you pc or network and all can use. The workgroup is also important if you want all to use a database.

 

[markjohnson72]

We are not all in the same office. We would be remotely connecting to this network/server.

Would an NAS still work?

 

[Helenp1983]

There are many ways to connect to a remote network, but i think a vpn would help you.

The remote user can use windows XP to connect to a VPN end point (router/server)

Here is an expale of how to connect as a user from XP:

http://www.draytek.co.uk/support/vpn_setup2_winxp.html

A draytek is the adsl router, the user connects to the box as per the instrcutions and then is allowed access to the server behind it.

You don't have to use a draytek router.

 

[dberg35]

Yes VPN is what you would need and you can share the NAS drive for all to use. What ne your best solution is a Terminal Server where all of you log in to that and share apps. Now if you could get you hands on an old Win 2000 server box the you won't need licenses. Also sharing a database over a VPN can be done but will be real slow.