Integrating Solidworks files into PDM Standard from Home Worker

Without VPN connection you're going to have some logistical issues but it can be done. The reason for the VPN is that PDM Standard or Pro both want users on the domain. There are several reasons for this but one is that domain users get authenticated to simply Access the Vault. Out of the box, you can' have someone hooking up to a web page and accessing the files as if they were sitting next to you. Even with PDM Pro via a web client, that user still has to be domain authenticated.

Depending on the proximity (sorry if it was mentioned early and I didn't read it), this user could come into the office, login and locally cache everything they need such as Toolbox, check out files and then set their vault to Work Off-line. Then when they come in again, they can work back on-line and synch back up. I have customers doing exactly this. Like I said, it's a logistical mess, but it can be done.

VPN or logged into the network are key to gaining access to your vault. Otherwise, you're back to sending them files the old fashion way. By the way, why can't this contractor use VPN? I see it almost everywhere with my customers, even the ones with high levels of secrecy in their company. They just use higher levels of VPN controls.

SolidWorks is working on a distributed data management strategy, but I think it's going to a bit longer before you'll see it.