-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Evans
Far from impressing me, I think it is a pain in the neck. We've
just
been given a PC and one of these gizmos as part of the pilot
scheme to
get welsh GPs on our version of the NHS net (Cymru Web). The
gadget
has an LCD screen with a number which changes every 60 seconds.
This
is synchronised with the server so you can type it in as part of
your
password when you log on. This means that you have to have the
gadget
physically in your hand when you dial in. We were given one free,
but
any more cost 50ukp each. If and when we have a network of PCs in
the
surgery this means we will either have to fork out 450ukp for 9
gadgets or run round borrowing it off each other to dial in. At
the
moment we only have one PC with a modem, but there is still a
problem
if one of us wants to dial in from home.
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Dr David Evans
Cardiff
[log in to unmask]
Hi David,
I share your concerns about overkill on the security protocols,
but not about the card. I only envisaged using the card as a
means of access from a laptop - which means I can use it from
home (yes please). 50 ukp isn't so bad given a 10 year battery
life in a sealed unit with no other maintenance cost. What do you
get for a tenner a year these days? ( - I feel another thread
coming on!)
If you are saying that the card has been proffered as an
acceptable way for you to connect from your surgery PC, then I
agree this seems crazy. I am not sure why you would need strong
authentication from work unless you were not connected with ISDN?
If you are not then why not ask for it? I would not fork out for
ISDN out of my back pocket, but our HA have offered 100%
reimbursement for set up cost and running costs to the end of the
financial year. I'm pretty sure this will be a nationally agreed
formula given Blair's blurb. So come the end of the financial
year, if I am asked to contribute the weeniest fraction of my
ongoing maintenance costs to enable this pipe dream, my answer
will be simple and not negotiable, I shall disconnect.
Are you perchance the same David that I met a few years back with
Howard Marsh at the Royal College in London? If so give my regard
to Howie if you are still in touch now that he has moved on to
higher echelons!
Regards
Laurie Slater
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