VPN vs. Cloud-based Technologies for Remote Users

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. For years and even today in July of 2018, it is the underlying technology that allows remote users to connect back to their company networks to access resources necessary to perform their duties. Services like file share drives, internally hosted websites and printing are examples of the types of services that are accessed via VPN. VPN technology allows for the use of the internet by establishing an encrypted traffic tunnel using dedicated devices and endpoint software. Popular VPN technologies include Cisco and their AnyConnect client and WatchGuard and their SSL mobile VPN client. These are considered more enterprise and small business solutions, however VPN’s can be used by any and everyone who would like to protect their internet traffic. PC magazine did a review here listing the best VPN services of 2018.

Choose VPN technologies over cloud technologies if:

1. The organization would like to maintain 100% control over the remote access solution
2. The organization needs to have authentication records
3. Security or other business requirements do not allow data to be hosted elsewhere
4. The organization has the financial means to house and maintain hardware necessary to host data and VPN connections
5. The organization is less concerned with providing mobile device access to it users
6. The organization cannot or is not willing to take on the ongoing costs of cloud-based offerings

Cloud-based technologies have exploded onto the scene in recent years offering employers and IT departments many more options to provide services to their end-users. The major difference between VPN and Cloud-based offerings is their increased flexibility and the considerably higher up-times and redundancy they offer. Be aware there are a few different options when it comes to cloud-based technologies. First, a technology could be completely hosted online and not involve any customer or onsite hardware at all. Office 365 from Microsoft for email would be such a solution. Second, an organization could decide to place all of their hardware into a data-center that offers infrastructure services. End users then access the services and data on that hardware via direct connections to the data center. This solution is commonly known as a private cloud solution. Third, an organization could run a hybrid solution where they have some of their equipment or services hosted in a data-center and some fully hosted by a cloud service.

Reasons why an organization would choose a cloud-based technology over VPN:

1. The organization does not have the infrastructure needed to host services and hardware on-site.
2. The organization requires a great deal of flexibility and uptime of services
3. Cloud technologies often offer a great deal of mobile options including apps
4. Automatic security and platform updates often providing increased features and capabilities
5. Built-in disaster recovery and backups

Other cloud technology benefits are included here. Even in 2018 there are still reasons for organizations to not just wholesale moved their IT infrastructures and workloads to cloud-based technologies. Every organization should take the time to evaluate their needs and requirements then make a decision in their best interest.