Data Security

Typically, computer users store their files locally on a hard drive, whereas your data for the most part is as safe as your desktop. On the other hand mobile users who travel with their laptop are susceptible to loss of data by a misplaced or stolen laptop. In either case your data resides on one hard drive and except for back ups of that data a hard drive failure can be catastrophic.

Imagine starting up your laptop to give a big presentation only to find out that your hard drive has just parked itself permanently. Worse yet you left your laptop/netbook on the plane or in the cab, all of your business information can fall into the wrong hands. As business executives ourselves we have been in that situation at one time in our lives or another. A borrowed laptop and hopefully a backup copy of your presentation will get you through the day.

How Does a "Hosted Desktop" Handle Data Security?

One of the biggest advantages to a hosted desktop is that all data, unless otherwise directed, remains in the data center. During normal computer use the files are stored at the same data center where your hosted desktop resides. You can bring files manually to your local machine for those times when you believe you will not have network access.

Unlike your current desktop or laptop a "Hosted Desktop" uses multiple hard drives writting your data at the same time. This data configuration is called RAID - specifically RAID 5, where all data is simultaneously written to multilple hard drives at the same time. The data drives can be swapped hot or when they are running, so that in the event on drive fails it can be replaced and mirrored to match the other drives without shutting down the machine for service.

What about data backup?

Redundancy in hard drive configuration although a great feature cannot protect against all loss. A "hosted desktop" coupled with VOstorage, which is included, provides data backup onto hard media that is stored offline. This offline storage gives you an added layer of protection against a gross network failure or attack.

Key data features

• Virus Scannning - data moved in and out of VOstorage is scanned live as it transfers
• Redundancy - RAID 5 online data storage and redundant servers
• VOstorage - offline data back up store

Network Security

The only allowable connection to our servers is through a VPN or Virtual Private Network. The VPN is run over the internet directly to our servers. All incoming traffic is monitored and must authenticate to our server prior to launching a hosted desktop. Routers and active firewalls maintain your connection for the best possible security.

Although we maintain very strict security, it is up to you, the end user, to protect your username and password. In addition it is highly suggested to have a local VPN conection at your point of business for a true VPN point to point tunnel to protect sensitive data.

Key network features

• VPN Connections - Virtual Private Network over the internet
• Authentication - Account Authentication prior to hosted desktop launch
• Firewall - Active firewall and virus scanning of network connection