Setting up and operating a business entails making myriad choices about the kind of amenities and services you want to invest in and the ones you want to leave out. One such crucial tool is VPN (virtual private network).
Though initially a VPN may seem like a luxury you needn’t indulge in, as your business branches out to different locations its importance will manifest itself. To keep pace with growing business operations, it is advisable to invest in an efficient VPN at the earliest.
What is a VPN?
Simply put, a VPN or virtual private network comprises a group of computers that have been linked together over a common network, most commonly the internet. VPN services are often employed with a view to improve efficiency of operations and keep remote individuals, offices or datacenters, which cannot be physically linked to a single office LAN, connected to crucial network resources.
Besides being connectivity tools, VPNs are also emerging as an indispensible storage option for valuable operational data. Since VPNs are secured by network encryption, they offer a reliable and easy option for storing and sharing data between different remote locations.
Why You Need a VPN?
Apart from being a great connectivity and storage tool, the trend of employing VPNs for business operations is catching on for the following reasons:
- The encryption feature used for data being stored or shared and use of VPN tunnel makes it a highly secure and reliable tool for sharing sensitive information such as clients’ account books or a customers’ credit card information.
- The cost of implementing and maintaining a VPN is no longer through the roof. With advancement of technology, VPNs have become one of the most affordable forms of computer networking.
- Most VPNs offer flexible communication networks and connectivity, making it easier for you to add more users to the network with an expansion in your business operations.
How to Choose a Good VPN?
Considering the growing popularity of VPNs among businesses, it is a no brainer that there is a sea of companies out there offering ‘competitive’ VPN services. How do you choose one over the other? Here are a few things to look for in your VPN provider:
- Protocol Type: The biggest consideration to keep in mind while finalizing a VPN service provider is the protocol type. SSL, TLS, and PPTP are some of the most common protocol types you’ll hear during your market research. While each of these protocols is equipped to provide a secure connection, they have their share of drawbacks. It is important to ask your provider which one would be most apt for your business operations.
- Site-to-Site VPN: The most common use of VPN is to offer site-to-site connectivity between remote locations. Find out whether a provider offers intranet or extranet based connectivity, and analyze which one suits your business model better before settling on a provider.
- Security Features: You will store and share sensitive business information on these networks; therefore, it is important to take a close look at their security features before making a choice. Make sure the VPN you select has adequate anti-malware and anti-spyware features in place.
- Cost: The amount of money you are willing to invest on VPNs is an individual choice and one that will determine your choice of provider. Though opting for free VPN service providers may seem lucrative, subscription providers prove to be a wiser choice in the long run as they are more committed to ensuring privacy and security.
Though research is crucial for investing in the right VPN that can help your business thrive and support you through the expansion process.
