Mobile access to corporate resources

Wireless access refers to mobile connectivity to business resources in the corporate office. Or access to customer services via a wireless channel. Firstly, mobile professionals require access to important company resources when they are away from the office. Wireless access enables them to securely connect back to their in-house business systems via a mobile channel.

Access can be via an operator provided Wide Area Network (WAN) connection or a public Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) commonly known as a hotspot. Connection back to corporate business systems is usually secure with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for remote access.

Next, within the same office, wireless networking can also replace a fix network to give wireless access to corporate resources such as shared files, databases, email and Internet access. Such a Wireless LAN can be easily set up by in-house or with the help of a wireless vendor such as HP.

We will assess the area for optimal signal coverage and install the required access points and wireless cards. Together with our partners, HP delivers out-of-the-box wireless networking solutions.

For some food and beverage outlets, setting up a wireless LAN within their premises is a way to stay ahead of the competition. Such a deployment gives wireless access to mobile service staff to place orders while customers can also get on the wireless LAN to gain Internet access.

By enabling wireless access to corporate resources, SMBs give added convenience to remote workers. When mobile workers can access email, calendars, intranet applications and shared files away from the office, they become more productive.

Now that everything can be securely accessed via a mobile channel, telecommuting becomes easier to achieve. Employees can thus be closer to customers and partners to facilitate business dealings.

A wireless LAN within an office environment also allows freer interaction between co-workers participating in the same project. Team members can have discussion away from their desks while still being linked to the office network. And they can make changes to shared files and databases.  

By having a wireless LAN, businesses can also avoid rolling out more hardware for a fixed network. IT implementation costs thus are lower with a wireless LAN.

Businesses who offer public hotspots give a better customer experience. Food and beverage outlets and businesses lounges that offer such a service will experience higher pass-through traffic and better business.

Mobile devices work together with file, database, email and web servers; business applications; wireless LAN or 3G access; and secure VPN tunneling to enable effective wireless broadband services.

Firstly corporate resources such as database information, shared files or email systems are made available to mobile users via Microsoft Remote Access Server. Next remote access to this service is secured with virtual private network (VPN) tunneling.

The data that ends up at a mobile worker’s laptop or handheld device travels either over a 3G network, Internet or a dedicated line to reach wireless LANs, public hotspots or fixed line home connection.