14 DAY TRIAL // With the advent of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, Microsoft has worked to allow enterprise customers to leverage an alternative to Virtual Private Networks (VPN). The latest versions of the Windows client and server operating systems introduce DirectAccess, a new feature designed to streamline access to corporate shares, websites and applications in remote worker scenarios. Microsoft is now providing a resource set up to enable business customers to cut deployment and support costs, as well as boost mobile users’ connectivity experience with DirectAccess.
“DCA informs mobile users of their connectivity status at all times; provides tools to help them reconnect on their own if problems arise; and creates diagnostics to help mobile users provide IT staff with key information if necessary—all to help organizations operate with more efficiency, and at a lower cost,” revealed Tejinder Singh, from the Windows Optimized Desktop team.
Only Windows 7 Enterprise and Ultimate SKUs in conjunction with Windows Server 2008 R2 offer corporate customers DirectAccess, and as such the two editions of the client are the only ones supported by DirectAccess Connectivity Assistant. The resource is designed to streamline access to troubleshooting information, as well as simplifying the process of putting together and sending log files to support staff.
Singh enumerated some of the benefits of the “DirectAccess Connectivity Assistant:
• Lets mobile users know their connection status: DCA provides an indicator in the notification area that keeps mobile users informed of their connectivity status with an organization’s intranet. • Reduces the number of support calls: DCA has built-in remediation tools that help mobile users solve connection problems on their own, without calling the help desk. • Reduces the duration of support calls: If support is needed, DCA helps mobile users provide IT staff with key diagnostics to zero in on the source of a problem, so IT can resolve the issue faster and get users back to work. • Helps users stay productive: Because DCA helps IT solve connection problems faster, mobile users have more reliable access to network-based resources, and can stay more productive.”
Microsoft DirectAccess Connectivity Assistant is available for download here.