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"\r\n\r\n\r\nThis post is brought to you by  Comcast Business Class .\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPart and parcel of running an efficient IT department for a bustling enterprise is figuring out how to facilitate secure and reliable computer systems for executives on the go. Whether its in the air, at conventions or just working from home, more and more employees are looking for simple ways to access their work files and apps without wrestling with the struggles of VPN or RDP.\r\nLuckily, increasingly efficient and simple means of remote access are gaining steady popularity, and can conform to security needs. Whether its remote desktops, encrypted devices or a locked-tight cloud computing solution, there are a bevy of options that can meet your needs while preventing the endless headaches that come with difficult-to-operate connection systems. Efficiency doesn't take away from the need to have a high-capacity, scalable network, but rather it makes certain that you're best putting that network to use.\r\nWith these facts in mind, we present 8 different tools that you can utilize to speed up your enterprise.\r\n\r\nRemote Desktop Access Programs\r\nThe beauty of a remote desktop access program is that files never leave a secured computer -- instead, users are able to access their work computer through a secure connection facilitated by the app.\r\n1.\u00A0LogMeIn\r\nWith tiered programs that fit the needs of practically any sized company, LogMeIn is a great choice for companies that are in the midst of figuring out what IT program is best to implement, especially their LogMeIn Pro software. All computers and even iOS and Android devices can be easily integrated into the system\u2019s remote access terminal, and can be managed with extra granularity with the company\u2019s proprietary monitoring application, LogMeIn Central.\r\nAll devices are able to access their host computer via a persistent SSL connection to a verified LogMeIn server, and credentials can be supported with RSA two-factor authentication -- a smart safeguard to prevent brute force hacking. In addition to remote access, LogMeIn\u2019s Pro software can facilitate screen-sharing, file transfer and even remote printing.\r\nEasy to deploy, and intuitive to use, LogMeIn is a good place to start when testing the waters for remote desktop programs.\r\n2. TeamViewer\r\nIf your remote access needs are highly specific -- say a terminal computer to host meetings or presentations for remote workers or an easy screen-sharing software that offers encrypted sessions -- and the IT budget is reluctant to spend lots of money on a remote solution, then TeamViewer is a minimalist remote desktop service that will give you that bang for your buck.\r\nOriginally designed as a collaborative solution for customer support and hosting, TeamViewer allows users to take control of a desktop (whether in a work network or for a private computer) and provides for remote administrative access through RSA-Approved secure encryption. It\u2019s important to note that because of its use as a customer support software, TeamViewer only needs one licensed computer to be verified to start a connection. So, it must be implemented for strict use cases in a work setting.\r\nOverall, TeamViewer is a flexible, fast and (in some cases) free way to host encrypted screenshares.\r\n3. Splashtop\r\nThe rise of the tablet has made the device de rigueur among globetrotting executives looking to shed the extra carry-on weight of a laptop, but it stands to reason that remote access would truly push a tablet\u2019s capabilities to the next level. Splashtop, in focusing on the tablet, has been able remote desktop access with great features -- like running CAD on an iPad.\r\nSplashtop enterprise offerings include private network and server deployment and a centralized app/file management dashboard for the IT side, and a faster VDI infrastructure for users. IT managers can assign different certificates and usability restrictions, as well as individually approve devices, through their own centralized hub -- employees just download Splashtop\u2019s app to their phone or tablet and await verification.\r\nSplashtop is a tailored solution to allow remote access as well as facilitate BYOD for mobile devices.\r\nRemote Security Tools\r\nInstead of locking down a secure terminal, your company may find it easier to pass out devices for the staff. These security tools will ensure that work-sensitive files cannot be accessed if the device is somehow stolen or lost.\r\n1. BoxCryptor\r\nMore and more companies are looking to the cloud for file distribution and safe, centralized work processes. But the cloud isn\u2019t as safe as it looks, and it\u2019s best to take all precautions to ensure files within the cloud are locked tight.\r\nThat\u2019s where BoxCryptor comes in. Compatible with cloud systems such as Dropbox, Google Drive and Microsoft Skydrive, BoxCryptor uses the AES-256 standard to encrypt files for safe storage before it even leaves the computer. BoxCryptor also diligently detects when devices that have entered the cloud have the requisite encryption files in place, ensuring that hacker won\u2019t gain access to files. Users can also save files on the go using the program\u2019s mobile apps, so all cloud files will consistently remain under lock and key.\r\nFor very little overhead (it\u2019s also free for non-commercial use), BoxCryptor is an easy protocol to implement that allows users to remotely access files without risking information leaks.\r\n2. Divide\r\nOne of the pioneers of the dual-persona platform, Divide is a deployable app system that provides corporate phone and BYOD policies a way to separate sensitive business material from personal activities on a mobile phone or tablet.\r\nProviding both an out-of-the-box dashboard IT solution and a host of APIs to integrate into existing frameworks, Divide gives full control over the fully encrypted \u201Cbusiness side\u201D of these devices -- which works with all OS solutions simultaneously. Administrators can whitelist apps, monitor usage for expensing, detect illegal activities like rooting and even completely wipe the partition in a failsafe in case the phone is lost or stolen.\r\nFor $60 per user per month, Divide is a scalable dual-persona program that keeps all business dealings under lock and key without committing to a single phone provider.\r\n3. Samsung KNOX\r\nAlong with the release of Samsung Galaxy S4, the Korean Android smartphone giant released its own proprietary solution to the dual-persona platform called KNOX. But, it not only allows for users to separate their work from their personal phone, it also gives IT managers an easy route to create proprietary, enterprise-grade secure applications to use via mobile.\r\nThe KNOX system itself is simple: using a \u201Csecure boot\u201D protocol, users can toggle between their personal and professional identities on an Android phone. There\u2019s also the \u201CKNOX Container,\u201D which is a fully-encrypted storage area with its own home screen that allows users to work within the space but not take information out of it. And, for those still jonesing for VPN, KNOX provides IT with tools to ensure the private network is compatible.\r\nThe finer details of the KNOX service (including ongoing enterprise pricing and eligible products) have yet to surface, but with all of its features, it\u2019s possible that Samsung has created a new standard for proprietary mobile device management.\r\nCloud Desktop Programs\r\nFor a low-cost, high agility solution to addressing remote access, the cloud desktop could be the right IT solution for the company. Cloud desktop programs are easy to set up, manage, and control, providing a workspace for remote employees and even contractors.\r\n1. dinCloud\r\nThrough dinCloud\u2019s Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD) program, users can log in to a standardized workspace with any OS or device through a browser, which can be personalized or managed through the application\u2019s own management software.\r\nBecause each session is encrypted, accessing dinCloud\u2019s HVD circumvents the need for a VPN for travel or work, while also providing backups and snapshots of activity to be monitored by an IT specialist. Multi-factor authentication can be implemented before each HVD session as well. The user experience mimics a standard Windows desktop, which can be customized personally to suit the needs of the user without interfering with administrative restrictions.\r\nWith ease of implementation and agility, dinCloud is a great choice to use when granting temporary workspaces for contractors or extenuating circumstances.\r\n2. XenDesktop\r\nFor a more nuanced virtual desktop experience, there isn\u2019t another application with quite as many options for deployment as Citrix\u2019s XenDesktop. Through the application, users can securely access Windows, web, and SaaS applications from a single interface in addition to the standard virtual desktop on nearly any device, including Windows 7.\r\nThe key cost-cutting features of XenDesktop come in its small efforts to introduce simplicity. Rather than individually managing every single instance of a remote desktop that is deployed, IT can instead manage one simulated master desktop that sets the standards for use in all cases. In addition, XenDesktop can manage hosted shared desktops to create a virtual collaborative workspace for a group that can be accessed anywhere at any time. Multi-factor authentication and encryption come standard with the company\u2019s Enterprise software, but their Platinum option also offers secure SSL via VPN and password management for enhanced security.\r\nXenDesktop comes with plenty of bells and whistles, and will allow an IT team to drill down into specific management processes quickly and efficiently.\r\n\r\nImage: Thinkstock"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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