Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses are facing the challenge of keeping their employees connected and productive while working from home. If your company utilizes Windows Server, you might already have the means to enable remote work. However, adopting a dedicated solution can offer even more versatile remote access capabilities.
Many companies have implemented strong network capabilities that allow employees to securely access files, applications, and data from any location and device. However, relying solely on video conferencing and email for remote work can be limiting and risky. Without a central repository, files may be stored on personal devices, hampering collaboration and exposing them to potential user errors and cyber threats.
The good news is that you might already have remote access capabilities built into your system, particularly if you use Microsoft Windows Server. The embedded Remote Desktop Service (RDS) can enable limited work from home capabilities for your employees immediately. With RDS, a single Windows Server instance can be accessed via a network connection and Remote Desktop Protocol, providing users with a cloned desktop image containing applications and data. All processing occurs on the on-premises server, enhancing security.
RDS is well-suited for simple desktop applications like Microsoft Office and Outlook, especially when most users require similar resources. While setting up RDS can be relatively straightforward, it does require some customization and specific licensing from Microsoft. You can explore HPE Small Business Solutions for Small Office Deployment, which provide RDS capabilities, or contact your IT provider for assistance and license verification.
For scenarios requiring access to more powerful applications, ultra-high resolution graphics, or a more flexible work from home solution, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) might be the way to go. VDI involves configuring a pool of virtual desktop servers through virtualization software, which can be assigned to various users. Unlike RDS, VDI is not restricted to a single operating system or application architecture. This approach allows for greater personalization and support for resource-intensive tasks like graphics, video editing, and heavy data processing.
HPE Small Business Solutions can be beneficial whether you opt for RDS or VDI, as they provide comprehensive solution packages comprising hardware, software, services, and top-selling HPE ProLiant options. Additionally, these solutions can be easily extended to hybrid cloud environments for added disaster recovery options using Microsoft Azure or managed service providers.
In case budget constraints are a concern, HPE Financial Services offers flexible options like HPE Subscription, enabling you to acquire the necessary IT resources and pay for them gradually with predictable monthly payments.
Given the rapidly evolving situation, HPE and authorized partner representatives are available to assist you in navigating the various options and setting up your employees for successful remote work. Feel free to reach out for guidance and support during these challenging times.