What is a VPN?

Dear Metro -

Hello, we are a small accounting firm in Charlotte and I am considering bringing in a new (and younger!) partner. He asked the other day if we could set up a VPN. Can you explain this? What is a VPNand what would be the benefits? I just told him I would get back to him, so I am hoping to have an answer quickly so we can move forward. Thank you for your help!

Best Regards,

Francis M. CPA, Charlotte

Dear Francis,

Thank you for your question. A VPN is a "Virtual Private Network," and it is likely that your potential new partner is asking because he would like to be able to have remote access to the firm's computer files and applications, perhaps so he can work late from home, or so he can work on a client site.

A VPN is a common way for information to be transferred via the internet in a secure fashion. Your IT provider should be able to set this up for you with your current system. The complexities of this will depend on what kind of set-up you have now, but generally this is a quick and easy process that I believe you will also find beneficial, and worth the investment

For more information on setting up Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), contact Converged Network Services Group in Charlotte, or check out the VPN Wikipedia page.

Sincerely,

Metro
IT GUY