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Secure remote access to applications and data

Users' data and applications do not have to remain stuck resolutely on the desktop. There's ample proof that users want their applications freed from the straightjacket of the PC, proof being the popularity of email via mobile phones, web-based applications and the now-widespread use of laptops.

Whilst laptops can be very useful for mobile users they can't always duplicate the work environment. What's more, access to shared data may not be possible or desirable from a laptop from outside the organisation. There are real and important security issues with anything that can be lost or stolen thus losing vital data, or exposing confidential information to unknown eyes.

One part of the solution to users' needs is to use a product which provides secure remote access to the workplace computer systems. Cutter has numerous customers using Sun Global Desktop (SGD) as a way of providing secure and encrypted access to the identical environment that they see on their workplace desktops. SGD allows access from any location that has a suitable desktop device or simply a web browser and an internet connection. It's even possible for users to leave applications running (for example) when leaving work and continue using them when they reach home or an alternative location. Screenshots of real-life usage can be seen in the column on the right.

This approach has many advantages over the use of laptops: data doesn't leave the secure environment, applications do not have to be additionally licensed and there is no risk of anything important being stolen.

In many cases, large shared applications cannot be provided in any other way, tying users to their office desks rather than allowing them work when and where it is most convenient for them.

This approach is valuable not only for staff who wish to work from the usual workplace and home but also for those organisations which are geographically spread with numerous branches. Rather than some of the difficult technical approaches that may be needed in those kinds of organisations it may be substantially easier and more secure to use the remote desktop technique instead.

Remote access is not the answer to everything, it's likely that different users will have different needs at different times. Sometimes laptops are the right answer, other times the type of access that SGD provides will be useful. Fortunately you have a choice!