Wrapping up, be aware that only the smallest companies with the least complicated access problems to solve will be able to put a single type of remote data access in place that works for all their needs. Almost all companies will benefit from using multiple access methods to handle multiple access scenarios.
Just to complicate matters, more people than just employees may need access to your data. Partners, customers, and suppliers may need to see some parts of your work system to read or modify information. One advantage in favor of hosted services is the ability to control access well enough to let partners see some, but not all, of your online data.
My most important advice for those adding or modifying remote access tools? Put security at the top of the requirements list, not the bottom. Too often, small businesses think of security last if they think of it at all. Remote data access means your most important business asset, your information, will be exposed. Those not careful in this process will at least suffer data losses and at the most may wind up a hacker playground, losing complete control of your data, including your financial information like usernames and passwords for online banking. Do you suddenly want all your money to transfer to some hacker in Russia? Then put security at the top of your list.
Many vendors have sent me notes about how their products solve remote access problems. If you sell a solution, put a note in the comments. If you use a solution you think is wonderful, let everyone now in the comments. If you use a solution you think stinks worse than summer roadkill, say that in the comments.
Accessing remote data is much easier than it used to be, but it still requires care. Your important first step, after writing “security†at the top of the requirements list, is deciding which data must really be seen from outside your local area network. The less data you want available, the less expensive your solution in most cases.
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