The Rising Importance of Remote Access Computer Networks in Business

Naturally, one of the advantages of using remote computer access networks for presentations, conferences, and staff training is the tremendous cost savings of reducing the travel that was necessary for traditional formats of those essential business functions. The modern era of business globalization only increases the value of that aspect of remote computer access networks, by virtue of the corresponding greater need for business travel and the necessary establishment of business operations in different national and international regions. Similarly, the rising focus on green concerns has increased the importance of reducing unnecessary business travel in connection with addressing the fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions issues that are becoming more and more of a national an international concern.

In that regard especially, remote computer access networks make possible the expansion of teleworking throughout modern business (Huang & Frahim, 2008 p112). It is now anticipated that in the next decade, the next phase pf business processes evolution will emphasize remote teleworking whereby more and more business employees will work from their homes instead of commuting to an office.

Already, many employers in both the private sector and government have begun implementing flexible teleworking schedules to allow certain employees to work from home part of the time. As telework becomes more and more common, it will substantially reduce traffic congestion in major cities, wear and tear on roads and infrastructure, as well as enable meaningful reductions in reliance on fossil fuels and corresponding carbon emissions. Employers will also be able to greatly reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining large office facilities for those employees whose responsibilities can be performed remotely from home via remote access computer networks.

Security Considerations and Strategies

As with other aspects of modern business computing, data security and system access controls are extremely important. In that regard, the conduct of business through remote access networks could potentially increase vulnerability to malicious infiltration. Whereas traditional means of gaining unauthorized access to secure business computer networks typically...

In principle, RASCs can ensure the security of remote access computer networks through vigilant implementation of up-to-date encryption software on both ends of transmissions, access controls sufficient to prevent unauthorized access, and continual upgrades of systems, software, and security protocols (including appropriate staff training). Provided those mechanisms are properly implemented, remote access computer networks can be used as safely as traditional hard-wired computer networks (Business Wire, 2003; Newman, 2009 p228).
Conclusion

Remote access computer networks have already substantially changed the way that computers are used throughout American society. That is particularly true in the case of professional business computer applications. Already, many private-sector and government entities have begun relying on remote access computer networks for standard business computing functions.

Some of the most important capabilities in that regard pertain to the manner in which emote access computer networks permit multiple users to share files and applications, business presentations, and conferencing without requiring users to be in the same location. Similarly, remote access computer networks now allow staff training to be conducted remotely. Finally, it is anticipated that within the next decade, remote access computer networks will allow tremendous growth in teleworking which is likely to radically change the way much of ordinary professional business is conducted.

Works Consulted

"Remote Access Security Center Announced by Positive Networks." Business Wire.

Business Wire. 2003. HighBeam Research. 19 Dec. 2009 .

Qiang Huang, and Jazib Frahim. SSL Remote Access VPNs. 2008. Cisco Publishing.

Robert Newman. Computer Security: Protecting Digital Resources. 2009. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.