Access Microsoft Outlook Remotely
Access Microsoft Outlook Remotely
Simplify Remote Access With A Hosted Vpn
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) connects a PC or laptop over the Internet to the office network allowing the remote user to work as if they were sitting at their desk in the office.
Normally, setting up a VPN requires significant technical skills as the office firewall needs to be reconfigured, the VPN server has to be setup and the whole lot has to be made secure. Once setup and working, the VPN server needs to be monitored (to ensure there is nothing suspicious going on) and maintained with the latest security patches provided by the VPN vendor.
However, there is an alternative way to setup a VPN by using a VPN service. A VPN service gives all the features of a VPN server but removes the complexity and cost of setup, monitoring and maintenance.
To setup a VPN provided as a service, you need to visit the providers website, register online and download a piece of software to a system in the office network. This software connects the office network to the VPN Service via the Internet without having to change your firewall. By not changing your firewall, you have removed a potential attack point for hackers who scan firewalls to identify weaknesses. Once the office network is connected, you can then add users to the service and setup their PCs for VPN access. The more advanced VPN services provide a way to let the remote user set themselves up for access to the office so that within minutes of registering, a remote user can be working on their applications and files as if they were in the office.
Some services only provide access to a person's own PC which means that their office PC must always be powered on and that they have a PC/Laptop when out of the office. While these type of VPN services work, they are not very eco-friendly (you need a powered on PC for each remote user) and they don't support activities such as composing and reading mail when there is no internet access (such as on an aeroplane).
Other VPN services connect the remote user to the office network as if their PC was on a very long cable. With these services a remote user connects directly to the file and mail servers without having to use a desktop PC. With this type of access, people use their laptop exactly the same way in and out of the office without having to remember if a file was stored on a server or on the laptop. Mail applications such as Microsoft Outlook work especially well on a network VPN as they allow the user to read and compose mail even when they are not connected to the VPN. When the user next connects to the VPN, outlook will automatically send all the newly created mail. Some VPN services will also provide a secure way to access mail and files from any web browser so that remote users do not need to have a laptop with them at all times.
By using a VPN service, you do not need to buy new hardware or employ consultants to set everything up and have the flexibility to add and remove users as you need.
About the Author
Maurice McMullin is VPN of Product Management at AccessMyLan
Visit AccessMyLan to see how you can setup a VPN in minutes
Can I connect Microsoft Outlook remotely over the internet?
My organization has offices in 2 locations - different netweorks. However, we have only one exchange server. Therefore, the other location can only access email via webmail - which is tiresome. Can they not use Microsoft Outlook by somehow connecting to the exchange server over the internet?
It would be necessary to open several ports in the network firewall, which many organizations consider far too dangerous.
Access Microsoft Outlook Remotely
Introduction to Outlook Web Access
Remote Worker Solutions From Genesis Communications
Modern employers are constantly adapting to the needs of their workforce. Flexible working arrangements are commonplace nowadays, as companies look to get the most from their workforce. With the recent fuel price hikes and shortages dominating the news headlines, it is little wonder that many workers are now opting to avoid the time and cost of commuting by working from home.
Another reason is the ever-changing needs of the modern family, making home working an ideal solution of those who need to juggle work activities with family commitments such as looking after children. From an employer’s perspective, allowing staff to work remotely can save the associated cost of office space and allow companies to attract the very best workers in their field.
With this in mind, organisations need to offer the facilities to make working remotely a viable option for their employees. Business communications specialists Genesis offer a range of solutions to help businesses to empower their workforce and help them to work remotely.
Business mobile broadband – Without the need for wires, mobile broadband enables access to the internet, regardless of location. Genesis supply Vodafone’s dongles, which in recent studies of mobile broadband providers were found to be the fastest and most reliable around. Business mobile broadband is the perfect solution for businesses who want ultimate flexibility with anytime, anywhere connectivity.
BlackBerry – BlackBerrys have become an almost essential tool in modern business. Enabling email communication from virtually anywhere, they are invaluable in making sure that workers are constantly contactable. Effective communication is at the heart of any successful business, and BlackBerry business phones are a sure fire way of making this happen.
Exchange Hosting – Exchange hosting is a messaging and collaborative software product allowing users to access emails, contacts, calendar and other tasks through Microsoft Outlook on Blackberry business phones or other mobile device.
Microsoft SharePoint 2007 – SharePoint 2007 is the ideal solution for businesses who want to integrate all of their resources and have them in one easily accessible location. Compatible with all products in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, SharePoint 2007 makes all important files and documents accessible from a standard web browser.
If your business has a mobile workforce, then Genesis’ range of tracking devices are a good idea to ensure that you know where all workers are at all times and help to streamline their daily duties. Another reason to use tracking systems is to ensure that your business is compliant with Government duty of care guidelines for lone worker protection
Vehicle tracking allows businesses to track all of the vehicles in their fleet, data such as exact location, vehicle speed and excessive driving practices can be relayed to a central database so that businesses can effectively monitor the performance of their drivers.
xTrack Express – Track the exact location of BlackBerrys and try before you buy with Genesis’ free trial
Mobile PDA tracking - Enables you to track the exact location of all of your workers and also streamline paperwork and other documentation with automated processes.
xTrack mobile workflow – Paperwork is one of the most laborious and time-consuming aspects of any worker’s daily routine. Employing xTrack mobile workflow will help to reduce this leaving workers more time to concentrate on their core duties.
For more information on all of these products and services, visit http://www.genesis.co.uk
About the Author
Access Microsoft Outlook Remotely
