Charlie,

I'm not an expert, but I can only guess that you would need your corporate network wide open to map drives over the internet. By open I mean specific TCP ports need to be opened. VPN access is not perfect either, but the higher encyrption and superior authentication makes it safer.

Just think of it like putting a security system in your house. An experienced burglar could probably break into it, but would rather go to the next house which has no security system.

One risk is people can launch attacks that affect other networks (happens all of the time) from your corporate network if it's open. Another risk is your competitors can break into your network without much effort.


HTH

Chuck