I really enjoy working from home. It’s relaxing, comfortable, and I don’t have to commute! However, I always had to remember to bring home a laptop and any files I needed. What if I forget one of them? Worse still, what if the laptop is stolen and my data is lost or compromised? Your BC200 can help you out. It’s not a new feature, but it really is a useful one. I’m talking about a Virtual Private Network, which is a simple way to connect to the office network from anywhere with an Internet connection. It takes just a few steps to set up, too. Open Business Central Manager, and click on Remote Office Access. Follow the instructions to set up either a PPTP or IPsec VPN. I’m going to recommend the ‘Help’ files this time, rather than have you follow my instructions. Just click the ‘Learn More…’ BUTTONS if you’re not sure what is right.

Here are some creative uses for a VPN, some that you may not have heard of:

• connecting to an office file server, so you can work from home.
• sending documents to network printers at the office.
• backing up data remotely, just in case something happens to your home machine or laptop.
• using a work softphone at home – the callers will never know that you’re at home, instead of at your desk. You’re still reachable, but callers don’t ever need to know your home number.
• accessing company web servers for editing web pages or using a business instant messaging application.
• making a proxy connection for Internet traffic – one of our contractors used her BC200 to watch her favourite local TV via Slingshot while she worked overseas!
• deterring traffic snoopers – it is safer to use a VPN when you’re using a hotspot, for example.

So there you have it. It’s not much work to set up, but it really does open up a lot of connectivity possibilities. I’m going to leave it there for this week.

-Dave.

(P.S. – I’m not in my office while I write this!)