Remote Access = Happy Clients

There are some days when I just can’t wait to get started-often those days are when we are setting up a client with their first server. Sure, sure, there are certainly enough hassles to go around, and you can be assured something is going to go wrong, but in the end a client who is moving to a server based network is not only growing, but is primed to take their technology to the next level. Usually the move to a server comes after a request to get secure, remote access to the network. Obviously I could recommend one of the services out there that a lot of people are using, but I am not a fan of recommending another monthly charge to my clients, and I don’t like them relying on someone else to give them stability and security in their network and remote connections. Especially when it is easy enough to do. Besides, giving up a workstation is not always a practical option. Just about a month ago I setup a long time client with just such a setup. In brief our remote/server solution involves a firewall, VPN, and server. These are the most basic components of the install. With these components, a laptop, and an Internet connection we gave him access to everything on his office network. This particular client is a Public Adjuster, so he spends his entire day on the road helping people to get all they deserve in an insurance claim. Previously, he would be out all day with a notepad or maybe even his laptop, taking notes about whatever situation had occurred and then arriving at the office much later that evening (often 7 or 8 PM) only to decipher the notes he had taken during the day. Then off to get the scope/proposal out the door by email or fax. Well, now that he has remote access, has his day changed. Now he travels with a laptop, a cellular wireless card, a portable table, and small generator. He can do his estimating, scope/proposal, and email it to the insurance companies and the client, all directly from the site. Talk about ROI-not only has his turn around time for getting money to his clients been cut by a third or more, but the amount of time he is spends working is reduced by 50% as well. He called me earlier this week after I sent a follow-up email. It has been completely functional for about a week or 10 days-he was so happy! It was really great to hear him talk about how great it was to have all this access. He leaves for Hawaii in a couple of weeks-lucky dog-but it is funny because he is just so happy that if there is work that needs to get done while he is gone (isn’t there always??) he will be able to get right in and get it done! So for around a $6,000 investment he will have several years of ease of access-never mind all the other benefits that come from having a server on your network!

Healthcare offices take note!

Since the beginning of the year there have been several articles published highlighting the desire of criminals to obtain our heath records. All of the articles point to the ease of targeting small business and small offices. It does not matter your size, information still sells. There are many theories out there as to why these criminals would be interested in our information. Frankly, all of the reasons “why” out there sound plausible to me; I don’t really care the reason, I am more interested in the fact that this is still a problem. We see the same thing everyday, offices that just swear they cannot afford to invest in security and IT for their office. Well my question to them is “How can you NOT afford it?”. First, let me point out that having your computers hooked right up to your high-speed connection with nothing in between is not secure-it is also not HIPPA compliant. Next, a router is not an acceptable security device. A router does nothing to stop anyone with even a small amount of desire and knowledge from getting into your network. Finally, at least an attempt at reasonable security does not have to be over the top expensive, but it does involve more than a router bought at your local office supply store. It is true that installing a basic firewall to protect your network-by the time it is all said and done-might run $1,000-$2,000, however a lawsuit or HIPPA fine will probably run you in the ten’s of thousands of dollars to start-if you are lucky! Never mind if the information gets out to your clients the damage it will do to your reputation. If you have a small office network, please call your favorite network PROFESSIONAL (most likely this is not your son or brother-in-law) and have them evaluate an appropriate solution for you. A sound investment now will last many years, and can save your office from an expensive and embarrassing situation. If you don’t have a favorite professional, contact us-We can help!

Small Business Office Solutions

Small Business Office Solutions offers consulting services for the SMB market in St. Louis, MO. I have been a consultant for more than 12 years and I could not imagine doing anything else. We provide IT consulting/support services for businesses that do not have an IT department. Over the years we have developed niche services in two main areas: Security (including HIPPA and SOX compliance), and Remote Access. However, SBOS is a full service consulting practice offering everything from hardware purchasing and configuration, through network administration. We take pride in the level of commitment and support we provide to each and every client we have. We care about your business-that is what sets us apart from every other consulting firm out there.

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