single user remote access

[itisme]

Any recommended solution to allow a home computer access to another for a small business?

Home computer internet access is dialup with possible plans to install broadband service.

Office computer has no internet access yet. Broadband will be ordered as a part of this project.

How about a managed VPN solution for example the one from Bell South? Or is it cost effective to simply buy PIX 501 devices for each location.

The home PC will be running an accounting client software package accessing the data from the office computer; inventory, payroll, payables. Nothing more than that.

 

[sofiabpm]

You need firewall in the buisness with VPN capability. YOu must have on both sides high speed conection if you dont want to get angry on the mistakes you will do with the dial up conection.

 

[mattjurado]

Hang on, is there data really being pushed back and forth, or does the user simply need remote access to the applications in the office, and thus manipulating data that way?

If that's the case, vpn and firewalling is a lot. I would simply use a router in the office to port forward pcanywhere, and secure pcanywhere with a good password.

If you are pushing data back and forth, consider setting up the office computer with all the programs and data, and just giving the home computer remote access. Heck, even if you had to add a second low end desktop to serve up remote access, might be easier and cheaper than vpn with hardware firewalls.

In the end, its up to you to look at costs and decide which is more cost effective. Oh, and don't forget backup. Tape can sound like a lot for one or two desktops, but I've seen countless stacks of cd backups that various sites have made, and you would be suprised at the percentage of disks that are blank or unreadable. A simple ide tape drive is the safe route to go.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.