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EnKoo Offers Secure Remote Access

Company introduces hardware/software combo that should be safer than a VPN setup.

Jamie Fenton

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enKoo enKoo-2000

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Photograph: Marc Simon
For years companies have sought a way to open their office networks to remote employees without jeopardizing security. The EnKoo-2000--a rack-mountable Linux PC--looks to solve this problem by offering secure access to everything from files and applications on the network to individual PCs, without the hassles of traditional remote-access software and services.

I had little trouble setting up the EnKoo-2000, and the administration was straightforward. My biggest complaints: a few rough spots in the software interface and a noisy system fan. Next, I installed EnKoo's software on the computer that I wanted to access remotely. Then, using another Web-connected PC, I accessed the first system via a Web browser and a password.

EnKoo's hardware/software combination offers full access to your company's internal files, e-mail, and Web apps via the PC running the EnKoo software. You can even operate that PC from afar. This approach is safer than traditional VPN setups--which can act as a conduit for worms and viruses--and it should cost less over time than packages such as GoToMyPC, which charge ongoing service fees.

The EnKoo-2000 encrypts all communications between the client browser and itself; and since you don't have to install software on the accessing PC, you can connect from restricted venues such as Internet cafes. Following authentication, the EnKoo-2000 sends the necessary client-side software in the form of Java applets and temporary Windows executable files.

The EnKoo-2000 includes 25 software licenses and sells for $3000; larger companies can purchase additional units (enough hardware and software for 500 PCs is $10,000). Smaller companies can get the EnKoo-1000, which includes 10 licenses, for $1000.

The EnKoo-2000 is a simple and secure remote-access system. Though it requires some investment up front, it should pay dividends later in remote worker productivity.

EnKoo-2000
Rated 3.5 stars
Hardware/software combo makes remote access easier.
Price when reviewed: $3000 for hardware and 25 software licenses
Current prices (if available)
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