Compare ConsoleWorks vs. OpenVPN Access Server

ConsoleWorks serves as a comprehensive platform for cybersecurity and operations in both IT and OT environments, specifically tailored for users with privileged access. It provides secure and continuous remote access along with comprehensive management of user permissions, allowing businesses to govern access across operating systems, network devices, configuration ports, servers, storage systems, applications, and more, all governed by a centralized, role-based access control framework. Notably, ConsoleWorks functions without the need for agent installation on each device; it creates a persistent, secure connection that remains effective regardless of whether the asset is powered on or off or whether the operating system is running, thereby offering out-of-band control and insight. The platform meticulously tracks and logs every privileged action right down to the keystroke, ensuring ongoing auditing, session recording, monitoring of configurations, tracking of patches and assets, and automatic identification of any configuration changes. This level of detail not only enhances security but also promotes accountability and compliance across the organization.

OpenVPN Access Server is a self-hosted Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution you deploy into your own environment — on-prem or your AWS, Azure, or GCP account — so tunnel traffic and configuration never touch a third-party network. Access is enforced by application, not IP or subnet: each user reaches only the app they're entitled to, identified by domain name, with no visibility into anything else. That structurally blocks lateral movement — there's no connectivity path for a breach to exploit. With Access Server Link, deployment is a guided setup (hostname, cloud, region, password) with SSL certificates auto-provisioned and renewed, removing manual cert management as an attack surface. Entitlements tie to hostname, so they survive IP changes and autoscaling without rework. Your instance stays fully under your control, preserving the data ownership and audit posture required for HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR — full sovereignty over the control plane, with SaaS-level simplicity. The admin portal replaces SSH-based management: users, certificates, and access policies are configured through a browser, so shell access isn't required, shrinking your attack surface. The Zero Trust App Broker mediates every connection through a placeholder IP scoped to one authorized application — users never learn the real destination, so a compromised credential can't be used to probe or discover other systems. This enforces least privilege by design, not just by policy that can drift or be misconfigured. Client apps span Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, so identity- and application-based controls apply consistently across devices. Deployment runs through preconfigured templates on AWS, Azure, and GCP, giving security teams repeatable, auditable rollouts.