Canada’s in the news everywhere these days, led by the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. But we tend to talk about storage in Storage Station, so let’s stay en pointe.
Actually, we’ll have a cool story later tomorrow in eWEEK about how the IT is set up in the Olympic Village and how one particular company (Iomega) is providing desktop SANs for use by athletes, coaches and support staff to do some wondrous things. Check out eWEEK Storage, and we’ll add a link here when it’s ready for prime time.
But back to today’s news about something Canadian and involving storage.
Toronto-based Data Deposit Box, a relatively unsung online file and data backup service aimed at small businesses, on Feb. 22 announced that it is making a beta version of its new Remote Desktop service available free of charge for a limited time. This is a great opportunity to test it out with no risk or cost involved.
Remote Desktop service enables users to securely access a PC or server from any other PC without the hassle and cost of implementing and maintaining a virtual private network (VPN).
As a user of a VPN on a daily basis, I applaud this feature. We certainly realize the security attributes of VPNs, and we know they are a sort of necessary evil. But let’s face it: They are a hassle to use, take up valuable bandwidth, can go down in the wink of an eye, and often interfere with other functions, such as IM.
You don’t need a VPN to use Remote Desktop Service, which has its own security-access layer.
“Small and medium-sized business users often need remote access to their computer to use applications and files or to finish working from home, or another remote location. For many, the cost and IT support required to setup and maintain a secure VPN is a barrier,” said Jamie Brenzel, Data Deposit Box founder/CEO.
“Other applications provide desktop access with proprietary technology or provide solutions that require the user to set up specific ports to go through routers and firewalls.”
DDB’s Remote Desktop uses an industry-standard protocol for Microsoft Windows and a simple user-friendly setup to securely authenticate through firewalls without involving IT support. Users can easily access computers, applications and files or finish working from another Windows PC, Brenzel said.
The new service also offers an easier way for service providers and IT support staff to access remote computers for end-user support without the delays associated with travel and onsite visits.
The free beta version of Data Deposit Box¹s Remote Desktop service is available by registering online. If you try it, let us know how it works for you.