Frequently Asked Questions

VIRTUAL-e Service


What is Cloud Computing?

Computing delivered over the Internet like a utility service that can be accessed by any device that has internet connection. Computing horsepower is located and happens outside the company on external servers, so no hardware needs to be owned and operated by the user. Learn More from Wikipedia

What is a Thin Client? How is it different from a PC?

A Thin Client is a simple local terminal device with connections for monitor, keyboard and mouse. It has no moving parts, no hard drives, no noisy fans or local data storage. It is used for connecting to a remote computer or computing platform. In simple terms, it relays your keyboard and mouse commands to a remote computer, such as a VIRTUALe server, and in return, display a screen, or desktop, from the server. They are very energy efficient, usually drawing a 1/10th of the power or less, compared to a typical PC. And they have a much longer operating life than a PC. Learn more from Wikipedia

Do we have to buy servers ?

No. With VIRTUALe there is no cost burden of server ownership and therefore no expensive capital expenditure. Consilien owns and operates the servers on behalf of all clients.

I am a very small company, can I afford VIRTUALe service?

VIRTUALe is specifically designed for the small and mid sized company in mind. Depending on your requirements a small company with as few as 5 users can sign-on for less than $1000 a month.

What about SPAM and Viruses?

VIRTUALe uses the very latest in anti-virus, anti-SPAM software and firewall technologies to protect against malware infections. We will help each client design and implement a custom web access policy to ensure they have the best protection for their environment.

How physically secure are the servers where my data is held?

At most small to mid-sized businesses, servers are housed in server rooms with limited physical security. This makes them vulnerable to thefts, accidents, disasters and sabotage. Consilien’s VIRTUALe servers are housed in a seismic zone rated data center, with multiple layers of physical and data security. The building is also protected against fire and power failure. It also operates a dedicated diesel generator for power and cooling, as well as fuel resupply contracts to keep it running indefinitely.

How secure is my data?

VIRTUALe‘s architecture/design makes it much more secure than most company networks. Each client company’s data and network is compartmentalized to separate disk storage and dedicated networks. Access to your hosted VIRTUALe servers is only through an encrypted VPN or dedicated link from your office to our data center. No connection is every directly open to the Internet. We also utilize a state-of-the-art data backup system that will backup your complete VIRTUALe server multiple times a day. Optionally, our clients can elect to have a copy of their VIRTUALe server backed-up to our alternate data center, to protect against those extreme emergencies.

What happens if my internet connection goes down?

When we are deploying VIRTUALe service for a client, whenever possible we will help them ensure their offices, or sites, are equipped with redundant Internet connectivity and VPN link. This redundancy can be a combinations of Telecom services, such as T1s, cable, fiber and wireless connections.

Our data center is equipped with multiple dedicated fiber connections, supported by multiple back-bone providers to guard against any type of Internet outages.

Can I access my VIRTUALe desktop remotely from home?

Absolutely. One of the big benefits of VIRTUALe is that your Desktop can be anywhere you have an internet and a VPN connection. All home PCs and vast majority of current Smart devices, such as iPhones, Droids, iPads, are all capable of establishing an encrypted VPN link with our data center.

Do I have to buy my own copies of Microsoft Office Software?

No. We can provide you with the most current (standard or professional) version of Microsoft Office as part of your VIRTUALe service.

What about our enterprise software, such as ERP and CRM, which has been customized and tailored for our company or business?

As part of the VIRTUALe service we will help you migrate your existing enterprise software to the virtual servers that we host for you. We will work with your software consultants, VARs or software vendors to ensure a smooth transition.