Will OfficeNow (Terminal Services) allow me to use business applications when I am away from the office?

Yes. As long as you have a way to access the Internet and a compatible workstation you can connect to this service and access your remote desktop.

What happens if my connection to the Internet is lost or there is a power cut while I am connected to this service?

Your connection would be lost but you would not lose your "session". The desktop image you were viewing immediately before losing your connection is known as your session and unless you ask TSGI to terminate all sessions upon disconnection, this session remains active for up to 3 hours from the moment that you were disconnected.

When the connection is restored your desktop (including any active programs you were running) will still be there and everything will look exactly as it did when your connection was lost.

Can I connect to this service both from the office and from home?

Yes. The default policy for TSGI is to allow all members of your organisation to connect at any time, from any location.

Is the connection secure?

Yes. The connection between individual clients and remote desktops is encrypted. In addition, when each user connects they must log in using a user identification code (username) and password.

Are there other levels of security available?

Yes. As an option, TSGI support both site-to-site and client-to-site Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. When a VPN option is requested your OfficeNow is placed behind a VPN 'tunnel'.

Only communications between your site and our data centre are permitted to pass through this connection. Only individuals with appropriate credentials located at this site can gain access to the OfficeNow service. Remote access from employee’s homes or other locations is not allowed.

Site-to-site VPN implements a secure network connection between your office and our data centre. The only communications permitted to pass through this connection are those made between your site and our data centre. Only individuals with appropriate credentials located at this site can gain access to OfficeNow. Remote access from employee homes or other locations is not allowed.

Client-to-site VPN allows employees to gain access to OfficeNow from their home or other remote locations, but requires them to do so only after connecting to the VPN gateway using compatible dial-up networking software and Remote Desktop software. Access to the service through Internet Explorer or other means is not available.

Is IPSec Supported?

Yes. IPSec (a suite of protocols for securing IP communications by verifying the identity of the sender, assuring data integrity and encrypting data) is supported.

Are Smart Cards Supported?

Not yet. Smart Card support is a possible future enhancement but no release date for this feature has been determined.

Can I connect using thin-client workstations or other devices?

Yes. Connections using remote PC's running Windows 98 or later, Terminal Services compatible tablet PC's or compatible thin-client devices can all be connected.

Do I have to purchase the software that appears on each individual's desktop?

This depends on the software you require. Most Microsoft software, plus software from some other vendors is available from TSGI on a monthly service fee basis. Depending on the software you choose, TSGI may require you to purchase or provide proof of licenses before implementation.

If you choose, you may 'mix and match' leased (monthly service fee) software with software that you own. Leased software is maintained by TSGI. Your leasing fees include the cost of software maintenance and upgrades.

What is the minimum term of a OfficeNow Service agreement?

OfficeNow pricing is based on annual contract pricing. Shorter term contracts (minimum three month service term) are available at additional cost.

What is the minimum number of desktops that I can purchase?

Our minimum requirement for hosting that includes custom applications is two desktops. Our minimum requirement for hosting services that include TSGI provisioned solutions such as MS Office is one desktop.