by Jon » Thu Nov 04, 2010 1:40 pm
I agree that 3rd party access works fine, it has been a life saver for numerous support situations with the PC itself. My caution to anyone using it is to make sure that you understand proper configuration so that you, and only you, are the one with access. I am now the IT guy for 2 stores with 85 PC's and I have been looking very closely at security on an ongoing basis. Most of you would be scared silly if you knew the amount of exposure that your network has just by virtue of being connected to the world via the Internet, so called firewalls are there for the protection of your DMS provider more than the dealer. Add in a wide open door due to a mis-configured remote access product and you may get a very painful and expensive lesson on what unethical crooks could do to you in minutes.
I'm not saying don't do it, just understand the risks and be sure that you are diligent in protecting your network and ultimately your job.
Jon