Accessing RTI 2000 Remotely
Want to access RTI 2000 remotely?
You may already have the tools
Have you been considering the benefits of you or others working from home? RTI 2000 can be accessed remotely—and you may already have the hardware to do it.
Since the dawn of time, man has tried to make life easier and more productive. Computers have simplified our lives in many ways, from online banking to researching the Internet for business, education, or consumer advice.
And then there’s the reason you’re reading this: you use your computer and RTI 2000 software to manage your back office more efficiently. Now you are thinking “if only I could get this work done without coming to the office!” You may be surprised to know that RTI 2000 can be accessed remotely—and you may already have the hardware to do so.
There are a number of options for working remotely. You can either use the built-in features that come with Microsoft® Windows, or use a third-party tool. Your IT consultant can help you choose an option and set it up for you.
Take into consideration that Windows does not support multiple sessions on the same workstation. When the computer in the office is being used by the “remote” employee, that computer cannot be used by anyone else. In addition, if your office is networked, the computer being remotely logged onto uses a network license.
Windows Built-in Tools
Remote Desktop
This is a built-in free tool available in Windows XP Professional and can also be loaded on Windows 2000 Pro (remote only). It also requires an Internet connection between the remote and host computers. (Remote Desktop is a newer, more improved version of NetMeeting.) If a firewall is in place in front of the host machine, the firewall/router could be configured to forward the NetMeeting-related packets to a certain IP address at the remote desktop TCP port (3389).
Windows 2000/2003 Server Virtual Private Networking (VPN) Support
This more advanced option is primarily used when the office has its own server. Both Windows 2000 and 2003 servers support a powerful VPN connection with the help of Remote Desktop software on the remote computer. This is very secure way of connection and only needs brief configurations on the server and remote computers.
Third-party Tools
There are many software packages available that support remote connections through dialup modems and/or Internet connections. Here are three:
- pcAnywhere™: This can be used with either a modem-to-modem or Internet connection.
- GoToMyPC™: This option can only be used for remote and host computers that have access to the Internet.
- Router/NAT Devices with VPN Support: If your office does not have its own server, you can still use the VPN option described above by utilizing the Routers/NAT devices that come with the VPN support in Windows. These very same routers can be used to route the pcAnywhere packets to certain ports on certain IP addresses interfaces, and also can be configured to “listen” on the remote desktop port and route the packets to an IP address interface on a LAN.
If you are interested in remotely accessing your office computer, consider one of these options to increase your productivity even further.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a Windows 2000/2003 domain setup. What is the best option for me?
Windows 2000/2003 VPN is the best tool. You will need an XP machine available in the office for each remote user. Windows XP Service Pack 2 may introduce new features; watch for an update to this document upon the release of SP2. The remote computer doesn’t require a fast connection because this setup uses the resources of a Windows XP Pro in the office.
I have a typical SOHO network without a Windows 2000/2003 server system. What is the best option for me?
You cannot use Windows 2000/2003 VPN, however you can buy a router/NAT device that has the built-in capability for VPN. You also can use NetMeeting, Remote Desktop, pcAnywhere, or GoToMyPC. This all depends on your budget and the nature of the Internet and phone connections at the office and your remote location.
Can I use my computer in the office while somebody is remotely logged onto it at the same time?
No. Currently Windows (98, Me, 2000, and XP Pro) does not support multiple sessions on the same workstation. When the computer in the office is being used by the “remote” employee, that computer cannot be used by anyone else. (The upcoming Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 is a major update and may bring some options for simultaneous multi-sessions, but for now multiple sessions are unsupported.)