9.1 Analyze Your Needs

9.1 Analyze Your Needs

As we pointed out back in Chapter 3 , one of the issues you must look at is whether you really need a VPN. If you have only a small mobile workforce that doesn't need regular contact with the network, then a VPN may well be more expensive, more trouble, and more risky than using your current remote access methods. On the other hand, if you have distributed offices, each with its own LAN, a VPN may provide an opportunity for collaborative computing that can show important benefits.

9.1.1 Consider the Possibilities

As you look at your needs, bear in mind that a VPN can function in three different capacities: as a remote access server, as a corporate intranet, and as an extranet. Looked at from those viewpoints, consider the following factors that may justify the implementation of a VPN.


	1.	A need for cost-effective remote access, such as


	?	For a large mobile workforce that will benefit from regular access to the company network. For example, you have a sales force that needs regular updates to the catalog, price lists, and product availability information and is making frequent, expensive long-distance calls for the information.


	?	For widely dispersed small facilities that need regular but not constant access to the company network. An overseas office may have daily reports to file that require only a few minutes of online time. To dial in long distance, however, is prohibitively expensive, compared to using a...

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