With many of our mobile workforces now working in a hybrid or fully remote environment, technologies such as VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) have become invaluable when accessing company information, files and documents.
We are now seeing a growing trend among modern, forward-thinking companies that are now ditching their VPNs for cloud file solutions such as Microsoft’s Azure file storage. Combined with Microsoft Intune policies, there’s no need to have a VPN.
Instead, files are accessed via the cloud, and management of who has access to what files is controlled in Microsoft Azure.
But what exactly are the benefits of moving away from a VPN to one of these newer solutions for your company?
With the right policies in place, all company devices are pre-configured to access the cloud storage locations they have permission to. No need to connect to a VPN or use 3rd party software before accessing files. All you need is an internet connection and a windows login.
Your files will be presented to you via a standard Windows folder structure you are familiar with.
Logging tickets with the IT helpdesk about failed VPN connections will become a thing of the past, and if you have any experience with VPNs, you know how much time this will save each and every one of your employees.
VPNs operate in a single location – the files you need to access are stored usually in the office access to those files can slow down depending on your location relevant to the office.
With a cloud solution, you have persistent file access, and data is replicated to the nearest Microsoft data centre.
This allows you to access files faster – particularly useful if you manage larger sizes of data and media.
Because file access is controlled via inbuilt policies instead of 3rd party VPN software, there’s less risk of a security breach.
VPN credentials cannot be compromised as there’s no need for them. The same’s true for the VPN software
– because there’s no need for a VPN client, it’s one less security concern that must be updated or managed.
Of course, not every business scenario will fit into this modern “VPNless” solution. However, there are cases when a VPN is critical. These include specific location applications or services that can’t operate correctly without VPN connectivity back to a central location. That’s why we suggest a review of the current IT infrastructure set up before any form of upgrade. This should include user testing with key team members to see where there may be considerations that have to be put in place before the upgrade.
No matter what business operations you are running, it’s worth investigating this solution as it will save time and money over the longer term. Contact us today for impartial advice on any technology problem you might face.
