Summary
Background
Microsoft is to phase out the support of their current remote connection solution, called Direct access in December 2021
Our new remote connectivity solution is provided by a leading network security manufacturer, Fortinet Networks.
Features of the Solution
It is an enterprise level virtual private network (VPN) solution that also provides a higher level of security, Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware.
For the first time, we have a Vulnerability scanner as part of the solution. Vulnerability scanning is an inspection of the potential points of exploit on a computer or network to identify security holes.
The VPN also provides greater flexibility in terms of the software and applications it supports and the applications it can be used with. During testing, we have found that access to more applications is available for the various departments within the University (including full functionality of Scientia for the Timetabling team and access to Archibus for the Health & Safety Directorate) and the remote connectivity of SITS Vision has improved.
Since we are using new hardware in the background, the performance of the VPN will be better.
What’s being done?
We are planning to rollout the new VPN solution to all staff members of QMUL, that use a QMUL Managed Windows 10 laptop. The solution will also be available to Managed Linux and Apple Mac users. The VPN client is rolled by ITS throughout November 2021 on a department-by-department basis. The project manager (Iqbal Johal) will contact the department heads or school managers via email, a few days before the date of the rollout to the department \ School.
Contacts:
Technical issues: Service desk
| Self-service via ITS web pages | servicedesk.qmul.ac.uk |
| Service Desk – Live Chat | connected.qmul.ac.uk |
| Service Desk – Email | servicedesk@qmul.ac.uk |
Questions about the Project: Iqbal Johal email: i.johal@qmul.ac.uk