Client pays for VPN client

[lilelvis2000]

I'm changing my contract here in the new year. I'll be working remotely. I'll probably need to get some software for this. Was wondering about either:
- expensing the client for it on the invoice
- just getting the client to buy it and send me the CD
Naturally I'd send them the CD when the contract ends.

Are both of these options above board?

[r0bly0ns]

I find most clients already have a 'standard' remote VPN client install (Cisco usually) if one is needed.

Ask them first and they may just be able to email it to you

[~Craig~]

I find most clients already have a 'standard' remote VPN client install (Cisco usually) if one is needed.

Ask them first and they may just be able to email it to you

Or Checkpoint.

[VectraMan]

My client is (supposedly) lending me a laptop so I can VPN. They won't let me connect my own equipment to their network, which I guess is a fairly common policy.

[DaveB]

If it is a requirement of the client that you only connect via their VPN then it is perfectly reasonable for them to pay for it and provide it. Fall's into the same category as not allowing 3rd party haredware to be connected to the network and providing a pc or laptop for you to use on the site. Won't affect IR35 etc one way or the other.

[Moscow Mule]

I like to use parallels (VMware type thing) in these situations. Just get them to put a standard build of their hardware into a Virtual machine and run it on your hardware at home.

You get to use your hardware (handy for "using own materials/equipment" tax type thing) and they get to not worry about hardware.

[lilelvis2000]

I've also propsed that they think about a virtual desktop type thingi (kinda like VNC) so I'm not shuffling files back and forth over and incredibly slow ADSL link. Would also solve the hardware issue, as I'm using their hardware.

Given the twits who run this place, I imagine it will take them six months to sort this out. I mean it takes weeks for a database server to be patched and even for one to be created.

[r0bly0ns]

For one of our clients we use windows RDC over Cisco VPN.

Much like VNC, but it's built into windows server and all versions of XP come with a client.

It's easier to set up than VNC so may be worth mentioning it to them if it's a windows server you need access to.

[~Craig~]

Lot's of good solutions mentioned here, it's just so difficult getting companies to try them out! I think they'd much rather keep a large stock of crappy old circa 1998 laptops just for contractors.

After all a new laptop is a permie perk!

[SueEllen]

Lot's of good solutions mentioned here, it's just so difficult getting companies to try them out! I think they'd much rather keep a large stock of crappy old circa 1998 laptops just for contractors.

After all a new laptop is a permie perk!

Case of choosing your clients wisely.

Currently using a new as in out of the box thinkpad (not to post on here mind using own equipment for that) and previously been given a new Dell laptop to use by different client.

The only thing is they put stupid f£$k%*^ virus scanners on them that freeze everything up so you can't do any work and then are a!!!! about giving you the password to "alter" how it works.