Who will be interested in these features?
The following groups might be interested in these features:
IT managers
System architects and administrators
Network architects and administrators
Security architects and administrators
Application architects and administrators
Web architects and administrators
What does DirectAccess do?
With the DirectAccess feature introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2, domain member computers running Windows 7 can connect to enterprise network resources whenever they connect to the Internet. During access to network resources, a user connected to the Internet has virtually the same experience as if connected directly to an organization's local area network (LAN). Furthermore, DirectAccess enables IT professionals to manage mobile computers outside of the office. Each time a domain member computer connects to the Internet, before the user logs on, DirectAccess establishes a bi-directional connection that enables the client computer to stay up to date with company policies and receive software updates.
Security and performance features of DirectAccess include authentication, encryption, and access control. IT professionals can configure the network resources to which each user can connect, granting unlimited access or allowing access only to specific servers or networks. DirectAccess also offers a feature that sends only the traffic destined for the enterprise network through the DirectAccess server. Other Internet traffic is routed through the Internet gateway that the client computer uses. This feature is optional, and DirectAccess can be configured to send all traffic through the enterprise network.
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