1. Set up your own Cloud
The search for a secure and acceptable means of gaining access to your files stored at the office from a remote location

2. Disclaimer
Doing any of these opens your files to increased threat from the internet
If you choose to do any of these options, you must ensure your setup has very strong passwords, up to date firmware and software, secure encryption algorithms, and is configured properly and safely
If you choose to set this up, you should have a competent IT person configure this that is familiar with the protocols and concepts of keeping your information secure

3. Goals Discuss the problem and talk through some solutions
Show you how these will be configured and how it works once complete
Explain why owncloud is a secure alternative to dropbox and other cloud providers
Show you the software and products necessary to make it happen

4. Achievement Points
After attending this Tech Talk, you should be able to…
Know what you need to complete this kind of setup
Have an understanding of VPN connectivity and tell an IT person what you are wanting
And imagine how this kind of ability could increase your own and your office’s productivity

5. Terminology
VPN (Virtual Private Network) – a connection from one location to another location, secured by an encrypted tunnel that network traffic is passed through
Cloud – accessible from the internet because it’s on the internet

6. Option one - VPN Setup a VPN and have your files shared
Connect back to your office via tunnel
Have access to your files and even remotely control your system if configured
Safest and time proven method

7. How it works
VPN
VPN

8. Necessary Components A firewall capable of VPN connectivity
Either a VPN client or to setup the built in VPN capabilities of your portable device
A storage system to hold your files
Static IP address greatly simplifies the process

9. Option two – ownCloud Works like Dropbox Syncs files between computers
Has a web interface you can log into and see/edit documents like google docs
Has a calendar and contacts
Not as time proven as VPN
Apple mobile app is 99 cents
Can be used without exposing it to the internet

10. How it works
Your office

11. Necessary components A server to host owncloud
Virtual appliance does exist so it can be a vmware host or some other hypervisor
Mobile devices need an app
You should have either a static IP address or dynamic DNS to tell the DNS what your office’s IP address is if it changes
A good firewall with DMZ

12. Option three - both You can setup a VPN and owncloud
The files will only sync when you have the VPN tunnel established
Adds a much heavier level of security and decreases network facing exposure
Does increase complexity, but not terribly
Removes the option for sharing files outside of the group of users that have the VPN software installed

13. Weigh the risk
Do a cost/benefit analysis with the cost being what it would cost you if the data was exposed to an outside entity
Will having these files accessible make me more productive and outweigh the risk
What am I willing to spend to mitigate the risks to gain the benefit

14. Option four - wait
We have been researching other third party options and all of them have come up short.
We are still optimistic and haven’t given up hope of finding one that meets all the requirements
Once we do find one, we will let everyone know how to get connected with them and how much it will cost

15. Conclusions File sharing has risks and benefits
Not any one solution is perfect
One of these options could benefit your current workflow and make you more productive

16. Questions?