Remote Access for American Fork Business Devices

One of the great things about computers is the way it's possible to receive assistance with your machine even if there's no one around, and at the core of this concept is the term "remote access." Especially with more and more people working from home in the last couple years, remote access has become an even more important topic -- is it right for your company?

At PC Laptops, we're happy to offer a variety of devices for businesses in American Fork and other parts of Utah, including both desktop and laptop computers of the highest quality available. What is remote access, exactly, and what should you be thinking about when determining whether using it -- and to what level -- is worthwhile for your business and especially its remote employees? Here's a primer.

What is Remote Access?

First and foremost, let's go over the basics: What is remote access? In the most literal sense, it allows an authorized user to connect to a computer or network from a remote location in order to access files or applications. This connection can be made over the public internet, through a private network, or even directly between two devices using a cable.

It's important to remember that just because someone has physical access to a device does not mean they have the ability to remotely access it. In order for remote access to be possible, the user must have been given explicit permission by an administrator and also be using the correct login credentials.

Types of Remote Access

There are two primary types of remote access:

Screen sharing/remote desktop: This type of connection allows the user to see and control the remote device as if they were sitting in front of it. This is the most common type of remote access used by businesses and is often used for customer support or technical assistance.
Application sharing: Rather than providing full access to the remote device, this type of connection only allows the user to access specific applications or files. This is often used in business settings where employees need to collaborate on a project but don't necessarily need to see each other's whole screen.

Benefits of Remote Access

There are a number of benefits that come with using remote access, both for businesses and individual users.

Saving money: One of the biggest advantages of remote access is that it can save your business money. Rather than having to pay for someone to come on-site, you can simply connect to their device remotely and resolve the issue yourself.
Improving efficiency: In addition to saving money, remote access can also help to improve efficiency. Rather than waiting for someone to come on-site or relying on them to describe the issue over the phone, you can quickly and easily connect to their device and diagnose the problem yourself.
Increasing flexibility: Remote access can also be a great way to increase flexibility for your employees. Rather than being tied to a specific location, they can work from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be especially helpful for businesses with employees in different time zones or locations.
Making life easier: In addition to increasing flexibility, remote access can also make life easier for your employees. Rather than having to carry around a laptop or other device, they can simply connect to their work computer from their personal computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Things to Consider

When determining whether remote access is right for your business, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind:

Security: One of the most important considerations is security. When giving someone remote access to a device, you're also giving them access to any sensitive or confidential information that may be stored on that device. As such, it's important to make sure that only the people who need access have access, and that all connections are secured with strong authentication methods.

Cost: Another thing to keep in mind is cost. While remote access can save you money in some cases, it can also add to your overhead if not used carefully. For example, if you have employees who need to connect to their work computer from home, you'll need to provide them with the necessary equipment and software.

Ease of use: Another important consideration is ease of use. While most remote access solutions are fairly easy to use, some can be more complicated than others. If you're not comfortable with the idea of your employees using a particular solution, it's probably not the right fit for your business.

Informing Employees

One area that's extremely important, but often overlooked, is informing your employees about your remote access policy. If you're going to be giving your employees the ability to connect to their work computer from home, it's important to let them know what's expected of them. This includes things like making sure they have the necessary equipment and software, as well as outlining any security measures that need to be taken.

If you're not sure where to start, consider creating a remote access policy template that you can customize for your business. This will ensure that all of the important details are covered, and that your employees are well-informed about your remote access policy.

For more on the theme of remote access, or to learn about any of our desktops or laptops that are often ideal for businesses in American Fork, speak to the team at PC Laptops today.