Need Help Accessing Company Data From Multiple Offices

[RichmondTech]

I have a fairly new startup client that is getting an additional office. Currently we have a NAS connected to a dozen or so Windows 7 computers in the office and everyone has been writing to a public folder. No server or anything like that and this has worked out fine. Now they want to be able to access those files from this additional office and I've never had to deal with that before. The NAS supports FTP access, but I was hoping for something a little more robust from an end user perspective.

The client has a static IP address at their main office, I just need some recommendations on what kind of equipment to get them so they can access the data from the new office. Data is sensitive so we're not using any cloud services like Dropbox etc.

 

[Mainstay]

Budget = ?

Number of users = ?

On the cheap, I would put in a Dell Precision Workstation or a custom build system and then bolt on: ThinSofts WinConnect Server VS for $400.

This will grant 6 users access via RDP to a virtual TS.

It works AMAZINGLY well.

I know I know, this is nowhere as sexy as what other people are working with... but this solution works in many situations.

 

[Moltuae]

Depending on file sizes and bandwidth, a VPN would be one simple solution.

Regardless of how you do it though, if the data is sensitive, I would configure those desktops to login to NAS accounts rather than use a public share.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Agree with Moltuae....since they currently have a NAS...we can assume that they're just accessing basic files (docs/spreadsheets/etc). In which case, a VPN tunnel between the sites would work. And be secure. You get a decent SMB grade edge router that supports site to site VPN tunnels...and build the tunnel in between. Making sure each location has the maximum internet speed package they can get will help make that VPN tunnel quicker and usable. Upload of the main site will be the bottleneck for the remote site pulling down files.

Another option..no VPN, but many NAS appliances have a slick HTTPS based interface you can expose at the main site, and allows end users to log in and view folders/files through an Explorer like interface.

 

[Markverhyden]

I agree that setting up VPN appliances would be a great solution. Another suggestion. Even if the NAS supports a web based access, like Synology does, I would not use that if the customer's data falls under things like HIPAA. The web interface is a front end to a database app and you have no idea how well maintained it is.

 

[RichmondTech]

Thanks everyone for pointing me in the right direction!