[av11d]

Just to comment on the multiple versions of files topic...

I know this is probably impossible considering your firewall situation, but our team purchased a cheap $500 Dell server that serves a central repository for all of inventor and CAD files. We used Active Directory to setup accounts for everyone. We setup a small LAN consisting of the server and whoever has a laptop. With AD you can login to the network and access all of your files no matter which computer you may be using.

We also used the server to net render our 3D animation across many laptops. With servers being so cheap, it may be worth it for your team to invest in one. The key to efficiency is good organization.

Good luck!