DirectAccess
The Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2 operating systems introduce DirectAccess, which allows remote users to securely access enterprise shares, Web sites, and applications without connecting to a virtual private network (VPN). DirectAccess establishes bi-directional connectivity with a user’s enterprise network every time a user’s DirectAccess-enabled portable computer connects to the Internet, even before the user logs on. Users never have to think about connecting to the enterprise network and IT administrators can manage remote computers outside the office, even when the computers are not connected to the VPN.
Introductory Overviews
Windows 7 Enterprise DirectAccess page
This Web page describes how DirectAccess enhances mobility and manageability.
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 DirectAccess Executive Overview
This white paper provides an overview of the features and benefits of DirectAccess.
Technical Overview of DirectAccess in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
This TechNet article describes DirectAccess in technical detail, covering different architectures and technologies that DirectAccess uses to manage mobile connection, authentication, and authorization.
DirectAccess and the Thin Edge Network
The Cable Guy describes the technologies that make DirectAccess possible and how DirectAccess allows you to reduce the number of remote access-related servers in your edge network.
Using DirectAccess to Provide Secure Access to Corporate Resources from Anywhere
This Technical Case Study describes how Microsoft IT is using DirectAccess to make users more productive and reduce costs for Internet-connected offices. For a TechNet Edge video that discusses Microsoft's use of DirectAccess, click here.
Next Generation Remote Access with DirectAccess and VPNs
This TechNet article describes how DirectAccess provides many advantages over virtual private networks (VPNs) and how most organizations will use the two remote access technologies side-by-side.
Windows Server 2008 R2 Product Documentation
DirectAccess Design Guide
This guide provides recommendations and describes decision points to help you plan a new DirectAccess deployment based on the requirements of your organization. For a download version, click here.
DirectAccess Deployment Guide
This guide provides checklists and procedures for configuring a DirectAccess design.
DirectAccess Troubleshooting Guide
This guide describes troubleshooting tools and a step-by-step methodology for troubleshooting DirectAccess connections.
Step By Step Guide: Demonstrate DirectAccess in a Test Lab
This white paper includes instructions for setting up a test lab to demonstrate DirectAccess with a simulated Internet, intranet, and home network.
DirectAccess PowerShell Script
This Windows PowerShell script allows you to perform DirectAccess scripting using the Extensible Markup Language (XML) file that is created by the DirectAccess Setup Wizard.
Infrastructure Planning and Design (IPD) Guide for DirectAccess
The IPD guide provides actionable, best practices guidance for designing a DirectAccess infrastructure.
Demos
Windows 7 Enterprise Demo of DirectAccess
This Silverlight demonstration shows how to access intranet resources remotely and manage PCs remotely with DirectAccess.
Screencasts
DirectAccess Configuration
This screencast shows DirectAccess server configuration, DirectAccess clients connecting to resources on an intranet, and remote administration of DirectAccess client computers.
Videos
DirectAccess is Key to Microsoft IT Remote Access Strategy
This MS IT Showcase video on TechNet Edge describes how Microsoft IT is using DirectAccess as part of its remote access solution.
DirectAccess and RAS Features
This TechNet Firestarter presentation describes DirectAccess in terms of what it is, how it works, and how to set it up.
Mobile Broadband and DirectAccess
This Windows 7 Feature Walkthrough describes wireless data adapter support in Windows 7 and how DirectAccess provides seamless and protected access to intranet resources over the Internet.
Remote Connectivity in Windows 7
This Silverlight Learning Snack describes the different remote connectivity technologies in Windows 7, including DirectAccess.
DirectAccess with Devrim
Senior Product Manager Devrim Iyigun describes DirectAccess and mobile networking in this TechNet Edge video.
DirectAccess IT Forum Interview with Sandeep Singhal
Devrim Iyigun interviews Director of Program Management Sandeep Singhal on the current needs of remote access solutions and DirectAccess technologies and capabilities.
DirectAccess and Microsoft Forefront Unified Access Gateway (UAG)
UAG and DirectAccess
This product information page contains information on the benefits of the DirectAccess solution with Forefront UAG.
Configuring Forefront UAG DirectAccess
This beta product documentation describes how to how to configure and deploy Forefront UAG DirectAccess.
DirectAccess and Microsoft Threat Management Gateway (TMG)
Forefront TMG and Windows 7 DirectAccess
This Forefront product team blog post describes how Forefront TMG can be installed on the DirectAccess server to provide an additional layer of protection.