Electricity generator Powergen has overcome security
problems to roll out a remote-access system that will allow
thousands of employees to download company documents from PCs at
home, on laptops or at cybercafes.
The company, which employs 6,000 people, believes the remote-access
system, a Secure Sockets Layer virtual private network, could
significantly improve productivity and cut costs by reducing the
number of laptop computers issued to staff.
Powergen has been looking for ways to increase remote access to its
systems for some time, but has not acted because of concerns about
security.
The company is among a growing number of firms to invest in
technology with the potential of opening up networks to the whole
workforce, rather than to selected groups of employees with
specially secured laptops.
Tony Lock, chief analyst at Bloor Research, said, "Remote access to
corporate systems has been a reality for small groups of users over
the past 10 years, but over the past couple of years it is becoming
much more of a standard offering to employees."
The system, e-Gap, will be rolled out in May following a successful
pilot earlier this year. Powergen said the technology offered a
compelling return on investment.
"If you consider the lifetime cost of buying and managing a laptop,
twice the purchase price every year, the e-Gap solution will pay
for itself if it reduces the need for only 30 laptops," said Gary
Gooper, business analyst at Powergen.
Trials earlier this year showed that the e-Gap technology, supplied
by Israeli firm Whale Communications, was secure enough to allow
staff to log on to company systems from any location.
Employees will be issued with an RSA secure ID token, giving them
access to the secure server at Powergen's datacentre.
Employees are physically isolated from the network when they access
the system, providing protection from hackers and viruses.
"A cynic would say staff will work longer hours. But it will also
give people more flexibility, allowing them to work from home and
on the road," Lock said.
The pros and cons of remote access
- The links between the company and the employee could leave the
system vulnerable to hackers unless the system is absolutely
secure
- Anti-virus software and other security measures need to be kept
up to date
- Remote access means employees can spend more time on the road
meeting customers
- Quick access to sales statistics, company databases and
spreadsheets means more business can be conducted on the fly
- Infrastructure costs can be lowered, ie by not buying
laptops.