A Virtual Private Network (VPN) uses the public telecommunications network to transmit data securely and privately. Most VPNs use the Internet as the public network and also require specialized software that uses encryption protocols to support the private transfer of data. VPNs use a Client/Server model. Each client computer that needs to access the server must have a certificate that authenticates that computer to the server. Software is installed on both the Client and the Server to authenticate the user and transmit the data. Once installed, the client user does not have to do anything special to use the VPN. All data that is transmitted to and from a specified IP address on the Server is automatically sent through the secure channel.
What can I do with it?
-- Using a VPN you can easily and reliably secure any data
transmission to and from your eApps server. Some of the common
uses of the eApps VPN hosting solution, using OpenVPN, are as follows:
- Secure File Server - Set up a Secure File Server for your company. Your end users can access the file server just like it was on your Local Area Network. You may use the files from any application running on your local computer as if they were actually on your local computer. All data transmissions related to the use of the files is encrypted and secure. The File Server shared drive must be set up using Samba, a free and easy to use software application.
- Secure Mail Server - For peace of mind, many people want to secure their intercompany email. A VPN tunnel is an ideal solution. Mail between users of the same domain can be easily configured to route all mail, including web mail, through the VPN tunnel.
- Secure Application Server - Any application that runs on the eApps VPS server can also be run through the VPN. This will allow your employees to connect to your company Intranet from wherever they are using their local computer.
- Secure FTP Server - FTP is one of the most popular ways to transfer files. However, FTP is not encrypted. Passwords and data are sent in clear text. The VPN solution changes that, allowing all FTP traffic to run in the secure VPN tunnel.
How does it work? -- eApps delivers a state of the art VPN hosting service using OpenVPN, an open source VPN software solution which can be found at http://openvpn.net. OpenVPN is a firewall friendly, powerful, yet easy to use solution for implementing a Virtual Private Network between your computer(s) and your eApps Virtual Private Server. It is compatible with Linux, Windows, and MacOSX. The eApps VPN is implemented in the "routed" mode.
The eApps Virtual Private Network hosting service is available in Advanced hosting plans and higher. There is no monthly fee to use the VPN hosting feature, it is available as a service at no extra recurring charge. There is a small set up fee to cover the time it takes to set up the initial Client and Server.
All you have to do is select the OpenVPN application when you buy the eApps hosting plan, or later from your control panel. We provide a User Guide that helps you install the software on your local computer. eApps will create the required certificates for your eApps server and your local computer. Once the certificates and OpenVPN software is installed you can start using your VPN. Its that easy!
Need to install your own application?
With all plans, you have "root" access to your own private, secure
Virtual Private Server. Our advanced Hosting platform allows you
to install your own
applications as needed!
Don't see an application service you need?
Please contact us if you need and application and don't see it on our
list. We aften add new services. If we do not support it, we can assist
you in finding what you need.
Ready to begin using your VPN tunnel for secure email and web access? Visit our VPN Hosting Plans page, or sign up online today. Have some specific
technical questions? Click the Live Chat icon for on-line assistance or
contact us for more
information.
