Management has called for us to install a server in our main office – we’ve decided on Windows Server 2008 Standard.
However, we have a *small* sister office that only has a network (no server) about 100 miles away that should also be able to log on and share network resources.
Then we might have some ‘travelling’ users such as those that might plug into the internet at a hotel.
In addition we have a *small* remote office in the Democratic Republic of Congo (we are in South Africa) that would also need to access.
Management has specifically mentioned the probable implementation of a VPN solution.
Unfortunately VPNs are complex beasts for me, can you perhaps advise me on the best or most feasible solution?
Here are some also related and random questions – you don’t have to answer them, but they give you an example of where I’m at:
1) Is a VPN even necessary?
2) What relevant solutions does Windows Server 2008 Standard offer?
3) Would the VPN services of Windows Server 2008 be sufficient?
4) Microsoft advises me that the VPN services of Windows Server are only relevant for server-to-server. They say we’d have one server here, one server at our sister office. Is this correct?
5) Microsoft also advises me that my relevant solutions are Terminal Service sessions or a server-to-server solution. Do you think this is accurate?
6) We have a Netgear router-to-router VPN solution to connect the two branches, but this is expensive. Do you believe this expense might be justified?
7) Any useful advice would be appreciated.
Thanks guys! I owe you one!