Real novice needs suggestions for remote networking

[claudineintexas]

OK - so I've been reading the posts and am thoroughly intimidated! I don't even know if "remote networking" is a term. Maybe if someone could just steer me in the right direction - I obviously need professional help but don't know what to ask or look for..........

I work for a small non-profit school. I am trying to find a way or service that will allow me and other staff to work on files, each from our own home. Right now we are using Dropbox and it has problems and probably not too secure. This is what I think I need:

All files located on a protected server in which a user name and password is required

All files stay on that server unless the person has administrative privileges (shouldn't be downloaded)

Users (staff) can access and work on files via internet remotely

Some sort of mechanism in place to prevent "conflicted" files (ideally.)

Any suggestions?

Claudine

 

[JackMDS]

There is numerous amount of services like this.

Dropbox is one of them. There are differences to how they work read this, might be that you will find another services that is more to you taste.

http://mashable.com/2014/03/06/file-sharing-tools/

Microsoft offers professional service too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_365

Google Too -http://cloud-services-review.toptenreviews.com/google-apps-review.html

 

[John Connor]

Instead of the "cloud" you could use Filezilla and install the server. Don't use the default FTP port for security. https://filezilla-project.org/

 

[brshoemak]

Can you give us a little background on your environment?

- Number of users
- Data size of all files total (5GB/10GB/50GB?)
- Current productivity software (Office or otherwise)
- Budget (if applicable)

One solution that checks all your boxes is Microsoft Sharepoint. You can setup permissions for files or folders however you'd like. Files are 'checked out' like a library so two people can't edit the same file at the same time. Files can be accessed from anywhere you have an internet connection, including phones/tablets. Keep in mind that you'll still need a program like Office to open/edit the files locally.

If you decide to go that route, don't try to run it on a local server - trust me, it's expensive and a pain to manage. You should go with a hosted Sharepoint solution instead like Microsoft Sharepoint Hosting. I'm pretty sure you can setup a trial if you want to wet your feet a bit.

You said you're a non-profit so I'm sure you aren't flush with funds, but's only about $5/mo per person which is very reasonable IMO as long as you're not looking at hundreds of users. The connection to their datacenter is fast, the uptime is guaranteed, backups are handled by them, and pretty much every else is too.

 

[Cienja]

Google for Business?