What is VPN?

Many companies in H.K. have multiple office locations. Data communication between office is often needed, often using direct modem connection or e-mail. They might not aware that they can connect their computers at different locations together securely using Virtual Private Network, that remote computers can be accessed on their "Network Neighborhood" icon on their Windows desktop. Also, every computer connected to the company LAN can access the Internet 24-hour.

With well configured VPN service, computers at different locations appear as if they are placed on the same company LAN, 24 hours. You no longer need to attach files to a e-mail message, send it via the modem to another office, for colleagues at remote office to receive it via a modem and place the attachment on the harddisk. What you need to do is to open a shared folder, drag the file to that folder, and colleagues at remote office can instantly read the file from their desktop. For robust communication, a company e-mail server can be installed at the company LAN and connected to the Internet 24 hours to send/receive e-mail. Security is assured by router level access control that can selectively enable which computer can access what, e.g. computer A can browse the Internet only, computer B can only receive e-mail.

Don't think that the charge for above service is sky high. They could be only marginally higher than the cost of your current single-computer dialup Internet access.

Fax and Voice services via the VPN is also possible that huge cost savings can be realised, such as when the remote office is at overseas.