Small business with work-from-home setup

[jaydotno]

I'm trying to set up a small office solution for an office of about 5 people, and I've been out of the loop for a while thanks to military obligations. I'm looking for an efficient VPN solution to a planned (domain/workgroup, haven't decided yet) with NAS, Exchange, and some other server options.

I'm considering rolling with all cisco technology, understanding that it's a pricey solution, as name-brand and PR are just as important as actual functionality to this particular company. I'm considering the Cisco ASA 5505 to incorporate with an in-office hybrid wired/wireless network and IP phones. Anyone have any talking points on that particular product or comparable systems?

 

[ashraf_01]

As far as I know Cisco comes on top of the list. It provides all types of vpn and remote support solutions
THERE IS A GREAT Cisco device that supports site to site vpn
model RVL200 protocol tcp/ip speed 10/100 priced at $135.00 with security encryption des, 3des, AES
secured management https user name / password
it could be a very reasonable for vpn since it supports vpn through pptp, l2tp, ipsec
features vlan support 4 lan ports
can be mapped up to 16 vlans
ssl vpn , users can access securely from any where.

Now You have to make sure that your home has a separate area for work I am still working from home as technical support for home users.
but I am moving to an office near my home.
I would recommend having a professional office in a commercial area beside your home office
The reason for that (real world scenario) That you might a call from some big business or clients and you will have to be and look like an IT professional
having an office gives you the professionalism
You may also be ready with conference rooms when clients start calling you
My friend You are on the right track and I would say to you go all the way it is very rewarding
plus vpn is fun a lot of fun.
You may get calls from business that will require you to travel (for testing and installation) overseas.
so It is really neat job.

The things that you need to focus on is to be ready for big jobs and be flexible when needed .
Try to finish every job as the book says (meaning do the home work before every job)
When you are prepared and no job is better that a job you are not prepared for.

You will also need to look into all the software solutions on the market
employing {windows servers , Linux, lotus}and know that linux and unix are always less expensive that windows
but use windows if you can it makes VPN and Networking Much less complicated
windows has a good support and Microsoft web site need to be your book
you will find all the support there .domains , AD
windows server 2008 support sstp and https and it is a great piece of software
supporting certificate issuing and web hosting, file server ,dhcp, dns ,and much more
familiarize your self with one type or brand of software and be an expert on it
do not go through all the software and then not really good at none.

Always search and find solutions and be the best.
good luck