The Remote Workplace Designing, deploying, and supporting the remote workplace environment

Presented by: John MilhoanInformation Technology Cooperative, Co.

Four main design considerations Central site infrastructure Remote site infrastructure Deploying the remote workplace Supporting the remote workplace

Central Site Infrastructure Internet connectivity Security considerations Services provided User termination solution

Central Site InfrastructureInternet connectivity Bandwidth requirements

Ensure an appropriate amount of bandwidth is available to support the total concurrent remote users

Guarantee bandwidth using traffic shaping or dedicated circuits

Central Site InfrastructureSecurity Considerations Firewalls

Secure the network perimeter User Authentication

Passwords Complex Changed regularly

2 Factor Soft tokens Physical tokens

Key fobs Smart cards

Central Site InfrastructureServices provided E-mail File access Accounting systems Specialized applications Access to connected systems

Central Site InfrastructureUser termination solution Virtual Private Networking (VPN) Windows Terminal Services Citrix Blackberry / Smart Phones

Remote Sites Infrastructure Systems Standards Internet connectivity Security considerations Workspace requirements Telecommunications

Remote Sites InfrastructureSystems Standards Provisioning of equipment

Company provided Employee provided

Hardware standards Minimum specifications

Software standards Allowed / Supported applications on remote equipment

Printers / Fax machines Telecommunications equipment

Remote Sites InfrastructureInternet connectivity Cable DSL Wireless cellular service Dial-up

Remote Sites InfrastructureSecurity considerations Firewalls

Hardware firewalls Software firewalls

Broadband gateways Network address translation (NAT) provides basic remote network security Many now come with firewall built in

Wireless networks If allowed must be secured using encryption Should not broadcast SSID

Antivirus Should be managed and updated at least daily

Remote Sites Infrastructure Workspace requirements Dedicated workspace preferred Must have proper lighting and ventilation Sound insulation

Protect against working in the same room as kids, etc.

Remote Sites Infrastructure Telecommunications Land lines

Users may require a fax machine and / or handsets to participate in conference calls

Voice over IP (VOIP) Makes it possible for remote workers to participate in

corporate telecommunications environment Cellular service

Deploying the Remote Workplace Duration Location Method of deployment

Deploying the Remote WorkplaceDuration Permanent Temporary Business trip

Deploying the Remote WorkplaceLocation Work at home Working at business partner sites Working on the road locally Business trips

Deploying the Remote WorkplaceMethod of Deployment Employee sets up equipment Delivery and set up by staff Remote software deployment

Supporting the Remote Workplace Remote support Depot level support On site support

Supporting the Remote Workplace Remote support Technical support staff support users via

telephone and remote support solutions such as WebEx, GoToAssist, BLive, or Raindance

Provides faster response time to customer issues Will not fix all issues – customer will have to be

able to establish Internet connectivity to allow support staff to establish remote support session

Supporting the Remote Workplace Depot level support Remote worker receives support via telephone

first. If problem cannot be resolved over the phone the equipment must be returned to the office for repair

Increases time to problem resolution, sometimes required to resolve issues.

Uses more tech support time to resolve issue if not used in conjunction with remote support options.

Supporting the Remote WorkplaceOn site support Technology staff dispatched to remote sites to

support systems Used mostly for permanent locations such as

homes and business partner sites Very costly and time consuming