Do I absolutely need a domain server?

[consulting101]

I have Windows Server 2003 running on a peer-to-peer network at one office, and they're branching out to a new remote location. Can I use WinGate VPN without redoing the Windows Server 2003 as a domain server? It's so beautifully simple right now, and I'd love to avoid it if it's possible.

[adrien]

Hi

with WinGate VPN we added a couple of features (UDP broadcast relaying) to allow workgroup-style operation over the VPN, so no you don't need a domain.

Regards

Adrien

[consulting101]

So I'll be able to map network drives from afar to my remote computer, and use it basically as an application and file server without having the formal "desktop" like a Terminal Services user would?

[jamesc]

Correct - A VPN can be envisaged as a very long network cable via the internet. So anything you do when in your local network should also be able to done over the VPN when you are sitting in a remote network.