Telecommute Access Methods

Remote Access Methods and Technologies

Here's a quick comparison of the most commonly used remote access technologies. Mind you, this is a list of software-based clients only. The underlying hardware and ancillary systems needed to support remote connectivity can vary tremendously depending upon what you're trying to accomplish. StarLAN Consulting Services will be happy to discuss your remote access needs - just give us a call to set up an appointment.

Program / Method	Connection Type¹	Requires²	Best Used For	Cost
UltraVNC	One-to-one only¹. Desktop only.	Win 2000 / WinXP / Vista. No server required at either end.	Simple access to another desktop. Supports file transfers in either direction. Not the most secure, and can violate some company security policies.	Free at both ends
Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP)	One-to-one or many-to-one². Desktop only	WinXP / Vista, Win Server 2000/2003 termination	Better integrated access to another Windows desktop. Supports file transfers in either direction. Integrates well with Windows authentication.	Client is free, client termination requires suitable server at destination end.
Citrix Access Essentials	One-to-one or many-to-one. Desktop and application delivery³	Win 2000 / WinXP / Vista Client Win Server 2000/2003 termination	Delivers line-of-business application access over virtually any type of connection. User does not need remote desktop access. Excellent for medium sized businesses.	Citrix client and server programs are $1200 for 5 seats. Client termination requires suitable server at destination end.
Citrix Metaframe Client/Server	One-to-one or many-to-one. Desktop and application delivery³	Win 2000 / WinXP / Vista Client Win Server 2000/2003 termination	Delivers line-of-business application access over virtually any type of connection. Has many additional security and performance monitoring features. User does not need remote desktop access. The best enterprise-class remote connectivity solution.	Citrix client and server programs are $390 per seat w/5 seat min. Client termination requires suitable server at destination end.
IPSec VPNs	Remote network access⁴	IPSec Client, security appliance or server termination	Cheaper than Citrix, but a huge support pain in the neck. Doesn't handle high-latency connections well.	Varies with manufacturer. Not cheap, and support intensive.
SSL VPNs	Remote network access⁴	Web browser-based client, security appliance or server termination	Marginally better than IPSec VPNs. Cheaper than Citrix, but also a huge support pain in the neck. Doesn't handle high-latency connections well.	Varies with manufacturer Not cheap, and support intensive.