Working Remotely During Weather Emergencies (Or All The Time!)

It’s holiday season again and all that cheer comes with a downside: an increased chance of weather emergencies such as snow or ice that can stop employees from safely getting to the office.  Some of New Signature’s clients find that where possible and practical, letting employees work remotely can ensure that staff don’t have to take the day off just because they can’t travel to the office.

As mentioned before, the introduction of Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 couldn’t come at a better time.  There are several key technologies we’re using to enable greater numbers of people to work remotely.  These include:

• Using Remote Desktop access from laptops in the field to connect to Remote Desktop servers or VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) servers hosted on site or in a colocation facility (see below)
• Moving key servers and services to colocation facilities to reduce downtime associated with site level failures (power problems, internet outages, etc.)
• Having new laptops utilize DirectAccess to stay patched and able to access files from anywhere in the world with an internet connection
• Using Application virtualization (App-V) for corporate laptops deployed in the field to ensure programs remain clean and trouble-free
• Enabling Office Communicator Server (or Asterisk, or Trixbox) to allow remote users to use their cell phones or headsets with laptops to plug directly into the corporate phone system from home

Each of these provide a much higher level of functionality than previous solutions available even as recently as a year ago.  New Signature is happy to work with you to determine your needs, whether they be standing up an alternate site in the event of a disaster, or simply allowing large portions of your staff to work from home during the holidays.  Give us a call to have us evaluate your needs today.