Easy InnKeeping – web-based version!

Remote Access
March, 2006

Innkeepers tend to be people who don’t sit in one place very long! For a variety of reasons, a traditional network with cabling is rarely suitable for an inn, bed and breakfast or other types of small rentals. Yet most innkeepers want easy access to their software programs.

The challenges to networking are various

• Separate buildings or cabins spread throughout a large area

• Managing aspects of the business from a separate home

• Taking reservations while away from the property traveling

• Off site ownership

If computers are still fairly close together, a wireless network may be the answer. But for about every other scenario, a remote access solution is better suited to handle the task.

What is remote access?

Remote access is the ability to get access to a computer or a network from a remote distance.
A few years ago, large corporations setup remote access for their telecommuters, providing a dedicated connection directly into the corporate network. Today, remote access for the small business or home user is accomplished through the internet and a simple Microsoft or third party software. This greatly expands the usability of remote access, as it can literally be done from across the globe as long as both computers are connected to the Internet.

How does remote access work?

The main computer with all your programs and software should have some kind of remote access software loaded and a high-speed internet connection. Leave the internet connection on and have the computer powered and booted up. Some programs require a real human being to accept remote access from a different computer. Other programs can be setup to access remotely with only a login and password. Following are a few recommendations, which are not fully comprehensive but a sampling of solutions that our own staff has used in supporting our clients.

Windows XP Remote Desktop Access

If you already have Windows XP, there is no need to go shopping for software. Its already included with your operating system! This is most helpful if you are using a laptop remotely and desktop computer at the property. BOTH computers must have the Windows XP Remote Access program. You will first need to check all the Remote Access settings in the main “host” computer and write down the computer name, login and password. From the remote computer, you open the access program, and connect after entering the “host” computer name, login and password. For detailed instructions go to your Help menu or visit.

GoToMeeting.com

This software can be downloaded to any computer and make it accessible for remote access. This offers a little more flexibility than the Windows option, since the remote computer does not require the software. A secure login from the gotomeeting.com web site provides access to the host computer. A free trial is available at www.gotomeeting.com. There will be a monthly fee once you complete the trial period.

PCAnywhere

This software was on the market long ago as a solution for remote access and still provides powerful features. It recently came out with an interface to the Pocket PC for remote management. So it may be an option for any Pocket PC lovers!

With any of the above solutions, you can definitely improve the convenience of working from remote locations. It’s much easier than copying files back and forth using backup CDs and disks. As long as you know you’ll stay connected via the internet, remote access should greatly reduce the challenges of working from a long distance!

Technical advances benefit independents
By Gideon Stanley
April, 2007