Remote Support and Collaboration like Webex, Gotoassist, 4RemoteSupport

Remote Support Software

There are many products on the market today that give computer technicians a tool for providing Internet based remote support software. The tools are generally of two flavors. One is the well known brand names of remote support that have a very technologically advanced and robust system for desktop remote support and communication like 4RemoteSupport, webex, or gotoassist to name a few. These are the extremes on one end of the scale. They are well known brands and do a very nice job of giving techs the tool to remotely assist users on the web. On the other end of the scale is the least most technologically advanced systems that are merely a program sold to you that have network configuration information compiled into them so that when they are downloaded and executed, they are programmed to connect to your "burned in" address. These are cheap and found from a variety of software vendors. There are even site s that let you build you own program that will do exactly as described. This type of program for remote control access of computers over the web to provide web-based remote support works well. Their inherent problem is that when your location from which you are providing remote support from changes, the program is obsolete. Not only can they not adjust if the location your providing internet based remote support software from changes, but they will also fail if you change Internet providers. So let's say for example, you switch from cable to DSL, Cable, or a dedicated circuit like a T1 or fractional T1 (old technology), the PC remote support software program that has you network information burned into it for your to provide remote tech support to your users or customer s to has just been rendered useless because it's programmed to connect to your old network address. A better approach is to use a system that maybe is in the middle of these two extremes since at these two extremes come a price difference as well.

Tone Software Corporation Tonesoft

ToneSoft's ReliaTel application sounds like an incredible product for monitoring and managing telecommunication devices. The devices could be from multiple vendors too. This is an app that I would love to see in action. Enabling Technologies Corporation has selected TONE’s ReliaTel Remote Management solution to expand the Enabling Managed Services Monitoring business.

Powerful Telecommunications Management Tool Monitors and Controls Multi-Vendor Devices From one Location

"A single convenient application, ReliaTel gives authorized staff complete control of multi-vendor voice systems. The system enables authorized staff to control local and remote devices, enabling global monitoring from one location with a common interface. With no need to buy multiple management packages or depend on outside monitoring centers, maintenance and staff training costs drop dramatically."

Read the rest of the news article on Tone Software's site

This is something new to add to the list of experiences.

I'm kind of baby sitting a computer network for a brokerage firm. They have their main offices in Manhattan but a bunch of the brokers have houses out east on Long Island - the Hamptons. This company has purchased a house and referbished the inside to make it look nice, new and comfortable. They equippedthe office with some state of the art computers, each with dual screens, and a high speed connection to the internet and their main office for trading. The computers ahve some financial broker type software on them from which the traders/brokers work from.
I'm spending the day out here waiting for something to fail I guess if they paid their IT staff more money, one of them would have a house out here too and be able to do this instead. I guess they don't and of course it's cheaper for them to hire my company to do it for them for the duration of the summer.
They've go a pretty good setup and it works out great for the employees. They finnish up work and with no commute home, they're in the pool by 4:30 in the afternoon. wow.

The dell desktops they have are quick and this is the fastest internet access I've experienced. The dual screens are pertty cool too but I'm not used to having them so it takes a little adjusting to look at both of them. I catch myself looking for a window I openned often on the same screen just to realize the window is o nthe other. Oh well...

Source:ITWorld
May 26, 2006

Enterprise software developer Hummingbird Ltd. said on Friday that it agreed to be purchased by holding company Symphony Technology Group in a deal valued at US$465 million.

The company reported a $4.9 million profit in its second quarter, driven by winning new customers and expanding deals with existing customers. Hummingbird competes with other ECM developers including Interwoven Inc., IBM Corp., EMC Corp. and FileNet Corp.
Provided the transaction is approved by shareholders and regulators, the acquisition is expected to close in July.
Symphony Technology Group owns several companies including Information Resources Inc. and Gers Inc.

Blog

Gates looking trying to get cheap computers to the masses leaving no one out of the technology era.

Sun Microsystems with initiative to have Java preloaded on millions of new pc systems - even second and third tier manufacturers.

Source:ECM Connection

Digital Insight Expands Strategic Partnership With BankServ To Bring Remote Deposit Image Capture To Business Banking Clients
4/17/2006

Digital Insight Corp. (www.digitalinsight.com), the leading online banking provider, announced today it has entered into an agreement with BankServ (www.bankserv.com), a major supplier of bank branded Check 21 and Accounts Receivable Conversion ("ARC") services for the banking industry, to offer Remote Deposit Image Capture to Digital Insight Business Banking clients. Today's agreement expands upon an existing strategic partnership between the two companies established in 2003. The agreement demonstrates Digital Insight's continued success in establishing and enhancing strategic partnerships with leading technology companies to provide products and services that help its clients achieve business growth through the online channel and compete for share of the business market.

How Some Companies Do Support.

Microsoft delays release of Vista...

Instant Virtual Extranet v2

Plug-in Network Appliances Enable Secure Remote Access By Browser.

The Instant Virtual Extranet (IVE) appliances, the flagship product line from Neoteris, Inc., are plug-in devices for network administrators that enable secure remote access to corporate network resources for employees or business partners. The appliances themselves are installed onsite, on the organization's LAN, and serve as somewhat of an access proxy; enabling remote users to access corporate servers and applications using only their Web browser as an interface. The remote users connect to the devices using their public Internet connection and existing Web browsers (no additional client software is required); and the device then communicates with the host servers or applications via its built-in support for multiple communication protocols.

more...

Windows 12 Release Delayed

Windows Vista Release Delayed It's so common that Microsoft delays their releases. I could remember going as far back as the first windows 95 release date. It was postponed several times. At this point, whatever I hear or read as the release date, I tack on 6 months to a year. it may just be a well used and repeated marketing mechanism. For each delay there's an announcement and the buzz kicks about around all circles not just tech support rings. these delays resonate up the ranks to individuals who are making business and budget decisions (that's not to say tech-heads don't do those sort of things). Businesses make decisions on the deployment of computers depending on release dates of windows OSes. I am certainly sure of this as one of my company's customers is waiting for the release of Vista before making a substantial purchase of new desktops.

Online PC remote support software

Remote Support Software

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the next Microsoft Server OS is called longhorn. One of the key changes in the networking subsystem is the total integration or "built-in-ness" of IPV6 for both vista and longhorn (server and desktop). Vista is, as I last heard and looked it up, due to be released in January of '07. As far as the next server release, those release delays are even more prevalent with the Server OSes so until the due day is just a month or two a way, actually a week or two, it's hard to believe it will be released when expected.

Microsoft delays Vista Release
It's so common that misrcrosoft delays their releases. I could remember going as far back as the first windows 95 realease date. It was postponed several times. At this point, whatever I hear or read as the release date, I tack on 6 months to a year. it may just be a well used and repeated marketing mechanism. For each delay there's an announcment and the buzz kicks about around all circles not just tech support rings. these delays resonate up the ranks to individuals who are making business and budget decisions (that's not to say tech-heads don't do those sort of things). Businesses make decisions on the deployment of computers depending on release dates of windows OSes. I am certainly sure of this as one of my company's custoemrs is waiting for the release of Vista before making a substantial purchase of new desktops.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the next Microsoft Server OS is called longhorn. One of the key changes in the networking subsystem is the totall integration or "built-in-ness" of IPV6 for both vista nad longhorn (server and desktop). Vista is, as I last heard and looked it up, due to be released in January of '07. As far as the next server release, those release delays are even more previlanet with the Server OSes so untill the due day is just a month or two a way, actually a week or two, it's hard to belive it will be released when expected.Thank you, Remote Support

No Hardware to Buy for Remote Desktop Access

Remote Support Software - How it Works. Desktop remote control software for remote PC support over the Internet. We've made it simple, easy and fast to provide on-demand remote desktop control of computer systems online over the web for remote support. With on demand PC remote control you could remotely support end-users, weather they're customers, fellow employees or friends and family quickly saving time & money. Get remote control of virtually any PC quickly over the LAN, WAN, and the Internet without having to worry about getting through firewalls or routers. Your end user connects to you through the web. Best of all, there's no elaborate installation programs, hardware to buy, or web site URLs to maintain. Learn more...

I have always like Lotus Notes. Although I have not used it personally in several years, I have associates that use it daily in their workplace. It's really one of the most reliable large software packages around. It known for its stability and reliability. It's unfortunate that there isn't a good markeing strategy behind it however. Lotus now has a colaboration component to it. True to Lotus notes history, it's feature rich and reliable as the Notes and the Domino server itself.

SGA Systems is an developer Integrator specializing in Lotus Notes Domino Collaboration software. They could be found at - www.sga.com

Below is a snippet from one of their pdfs. A link to the pdf and the rest of the article could be found on the following page on SGA's web site - Read more...

" Imagine using one database to create, manage, and share all project information, tasks and activities. Imagine securely using that information on your laptop to work anytime and anyplace, regardless of whether you are connected to a server. Imagine if your team and management could collaborate with you inside the same database. SGA’s Project Collabartion provides all of these features and functions and much more. With our single-entry technology, you can handle multiple tasks at once. For example, when you schedule a meeting a calendar entry is automatically created on the integrated shared calendar and written to your personal calendar. If you have a PDA the information will be written to calendar next time you sync (or automatically with devices such as a Blackberry). You and your team build up the project activity history together. All project information is at your fingertips, including all activities in reverse-chronological order. Store all relevant files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) within the database for complete document management. Since the database is Lotus Notes based, you’ll have automatic replication to other servers and the ability to replicate... "

How Some Companies Do Support.

www.sosonline.co.uk created the SOSTEK system and provides remote support and uses a pay per incident system. The customer pays first then get supported remotely after payment is received.

Below is an excerpt right from their web page:

SOSTEK Remote Support

What it's all about

SOSTEK remote support system provide a easy to use solution that allows you to get your computer fixed without having to leave your home. Our fully qualified technicians can remotely connect to your pc with minimal fuss or effort. It only takes a few easy step to get started!

The range of items we can fix using SOSTEK:

- Virus and spyware removal
- Fix email errors
- Full application set-up and configuration software problems*
- Application diagnosis and repair*
- Troubleshoot driver issues
- Operating system diagnosis and repair*
- General hardware diagnosis+

SOSTEK remote support system does not install any permanent software on your computer but rather just a "plug in" that is completely uninstalled and removed from your computer after the on demand remote support session is completed or ended. You can also disconnect at any time during the remote support session.

This software is very safe and secure as it connects using 128bit encryption so data can't be seen by other sources.

Read More...

IPSec security and digital certificate authentication

VPNet Introduces Powerful New Remote Client

VPNet Introduces Powerful New Remote Client VPNremote 3.0 offers service providers and enterprises a unique remote access solution that provides IPSec security and digital certificate authentication without compromising ease-of-use Release: 27-Mar-2000 "VPNet Technologies, Inc., a leader in Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions for service providers and enterprises, today introduced VPNremote(TM) Client 3.0, the latest version of its Windows® compatible remote computer access software for VPNs. As a key component of the VPNware(TM) family of integrated VPN solutions, VPNremote Client 3.0 offers a unique array of features that greatly reduce the complexity faced by remote users, and dramatically eases the burden faced by security administrators when distributing, configuring, and managing a remote access VPN solution for remote pc control. [For more information on the complete VPNware 3.0 software release, see the accompanying press release, "VPNet Technologies Introduces Innovative Centralized Policy-based Management System for Large-Scale VPNs" also dated March 27, 2000.] "The need to provide secure remote pc access over public networks has produced a succession of network access and security technologies that have typically proved to be overly costly to deploy, scale, and manage, as well as being overly complex for the typical end user," said R. Michael Allen, chairman and CEO of VPNet. "The resulting strain on already taxed information technology and end user technical support staffs has had the net effect of slowing down the rate of adoption and deployment of the advanced secure remote access solutions that have come of age."

Key features of this new client software

 Key features of this new client software release include support for the ISAKMP/OAKLEY (IKE) key management protocol for IPSec; feature rich and easy-to-use GUI-based Certificate Manager, User Profile, and Connection Management utilities; a dynamic client configuration process that simplifies VPN policy distribution; standards-based support for all major PKI vendors and smartcards; and enhanced event and error logging for easy troubleshooting. Together, these features provide a client software environment that overcomes the difficulties commonly encountered in deploying and supporting IPSec VPN remote access clients. "The principle challenges faced by organizations when deploying a remote desktop access VPN is first, the ease with which a security administrator can deploy and manage the client software, and second, the ease with which the average end user can install, configure, and use the client software solution," Allen continued. "This overarching perspective was used to guide the development of our first release of the IKE VPNremote Client."

Remote Support Software

PC Remote Control

Easy Administration of Thousands of Users

Easy Administration of Thousands of Users Client software pre-configuration and distribution has been dramatically enhanced in this latest version of VPNremote. Using a unique two-phase configuration management process, VPNremote 3.0 addresses one of the most challenging areas of deploying an IPSec VPN remote access solution — the process of setting up and managing the VPN configuration and security policy information on the end user's PC. At time of install, an initialization file is used to construct a user profile containing all parameters required for the user to contact a VPNet VSU(TM) gateway, get authenticated, and have VPN policy information dynamically set up and installed. The security administrator pre-configures these parameters as a part of the VPN setup and software distribution processes — with no end-user intervention required. Once users have been authenticated at the VSU gateway, their VPN policy information is automatically downloaded and installed on the PC. User configuration information is maintained and updated using VPNmanager(TM), VPNet's VPN management software, and is stored on the system LDAP directory server. Remote user policy information is dynamically updated each time they log on to their VPN using VPNremote's flexible, high-performance Dyna-Policy configuration protocol. The hands-off configuration process is repeated at every logon with no unwanted delays or performance degradation. This dramatically enhances the end-user out-of-box experience, and places VPN policy management responsibility where it belongs — with the security administrator. It also enables a powerful distribution model that makes feasible large-scale remote access VPN deployments and makes VPNremote 3.0 the most easily distributed IPSec VPN client in the industry. "In deploying VPN client software, our experience has clearly shown that ease-of-use is the paramount issue," said Kamy Kavianian, director of VPN marketing for Concentric Network. "While there are alternatives when considering an IPSec VPN client, VPNet's VPNremote 3.0 offers the advanced features required to provide the robust security demanded by our managed services customers without sacrificing usability and burdening end users and support staff with unnecessary and unwelcome complexity."

Enhanced End-User Experience VPNremote 3.0

  Enhanced End-User Experience VPNremote 3.0 has dramatically enhanced the end-user experience across the board — from installation, to configuration, to actual usage. Installation has been simplified by integrating all files needed for WIN 95/98/NT/ 2000 platforms within a single, small self-extracting executable. This install package contains the initialization file that has been pre-configured by the security administrator. VPNremote 3.0 users enjoy a simple "single-click" installation without being required to interpret or understand the broad range of configuration parameters. Once the software has been installed, the user is responsible only to enter a username, e-mail address, and password using the intuitive and easy-to-use Connection Manager to get authenticated and begin using VPNremote. VPNremote 3.0 provides an advanced Certificate Manager that enables end users to easily and intuitively request, import, and use digital certificates. Features such as standard protocol support for on-line certificate enrollment, and standards-based support for smartcards to store and protect RSA keys and digital certificates make VPNremote a powerful but easy-to-use certificate management tool. VPNremote 3.0 supports leading certificate authorities including VeriSign, RSA Security, Entrust, and Baltimore, among others. User's keys and certificates are also exportable as a part of a user's profile to enable them to access their VPNs without having to carry a laptop. A user can store their profile on either a smartcard or disk and access their VPN from any PC or kiosk hosting the VPNremote 3.0 software. To ease the burden of end-user technical support faced by both service providers and enterprises, VPNremote 3.0 has been designed to be simple to install, configure, and use. VPNremote also provides a number of levels of on-board help and technical support designed to minimize the frequency — and maximize the effectiveness — of technical support calls. The first level is a comprehensive online and on deman help utility that presents detailed user help and technical descriptions for product features and functions performed. Additionally, detailed error messaging and an on-board event logging and viewing utility have been provided to define in simple terms the cause of problems that may be interfering with or preventing client operation, and to assist with problems requiring help desk support. This allows network administrators to track down problems easily and resolve them quickly. Comprehensive and Interoperable IPSec Implementation VPNremote 3.0 offers standards based support for IPSec VPN security. This provides a remote access solution that is robust and secure, and one that offers an enhanced level of interoperability with IPSec-based network security solutions from other VPN and security applications vendors. The VPNet implementation of the IKE key management protocol allows the use of either pre-shared secrets or X.509 digital certificates for authentication and key management. VPNremote 3.0 has been designed to be fully compliant with ICSA 1.1 IPSec certification criteria, including the extended Cryptography, Certificate Authority Interaction, and Enhanced Functionality requirements. VPNremote Client 3.0 is available in 3DES and DES versions and is compatible with Windows 95/98, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 2000. About VPNet Technologies VPNet Technologies, Inc. (www.vpn.com) is the first company formed with a singular focus on VPNs and is the leading provider of VPN solutions to service providers and enterprises. Founded in October 1995 and based in Milpitas, Calif., the company develops and markets cost-effective products and services for implementing high-performance virtual private networks. VPNet's scalable VPNware System delivers the highest levels of security, performance, and manageability across a wide range of VPN applications. VPNet's innovative VPNsure Services enable service providers and enterprises to outsource the design, implementation, and management of their VPNs." I believe this would be very usefull for support companies, groups, or individuals looking to deliver or provide online pc remote support software or remote support software in general for remote pc control and computer access on the web. You could rest of the page and find more links about VPNRemote at the link below. Read more...

Dell is innovative and always looking to stay ahead...

Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support Service

Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support Service provides enhanced support with full 7x24 coverage and a response time of one hour for critical issues and two hours for non-critical issues.

Software products (factory-installed or customer-installed) designated as "covered software" are those products that have been certified as part of the "qualified configuration" for the Windows 2000 Datacenter environment.

Dell will help you to resolve your problems by providing electronic and telephone assistance to your designated representatives. For each PowerEdge server with Windows 2000 Datacenter factory-installed, you may purchase Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support only as an annual contract with unlimited resolutions.

Combines Dell's comprehensive phone support services with our reliable servers to help minimize system downtime.
Features the Dell Technical Support team with outstanding service performance metrics. Leverages Dell's strengths in remote and online support services to quickly resolve your problems. Acts as the single point of contact for your complete support requirements.

Read More...

Dell is innovative and always looking to stay ahead...

Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support Service

Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support Service provides enhanced support with full 7x24 coverage and a response time of one hour for critical issues and two hours for non-critical issues.

Software products (factory-installed or customer-installed) designated as "covered software" are those products that have been certified as part of the "qualified configuration" for the Windows 2000 Datacenter environment.

Dell will help you to resolve your problems by providing electronic and telephone assistance to your designated representatives. For each PowerEdge server with Windows 2000 Datacenter factory-installed, you may purchase Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support only as an annual contract with unlimited resolutions.

Combines Dell's comprehensive phone support services with our reliable servers to help minimize system downtime.
Features the Dell Technical Support team with outstanding service performance metrics. Leverages Dell's strengths in remote and online support services to quickly resolve your problems. Acts as the single point of contact for your complete support requirements.

Read More...

Intel Announces On-Demand PC Inventory Service And Remote Support Software SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 18, 2002 - Designed to increase performance and reduce security concerns for IT and help desk managers, two new PC management products from Intel Corporation provide a simple, low-cost deployment solution for asset management and remote support of client systems. Intel® Instant Support Suite enables on-demand remote control of PCs to provide increased efficiency for the help desk. Intel LANDesk Asset Service provides comprehensive inventory and asset auditing through a hosted service. "Customers want to simplify IT and help desk processes and need tools that are affordable and easy to install and use," said Robert Naeglee, director of marketing development for Intel's software products and services division. "Intel is using the power of hosted services with LANDesk Asset Service and on-demand remote agents with Instant Support Suite to give customers increased management and support capabilities, while reducing deployment time so customers can purchase and begin using these tools within minutes." Immediate Remote Support Intel Instant Support Suite provides remote problem resolution for PCs without the need to physically visit the client. In seconds, a help desk agent can utilize tools and features such as computer remote control, file transfer, reboot, chat and delivery of real-time system information to improve overall efficiency. To maintain system security, at the end of the session, the client software is automatically removed. Additionally, Intel Instant Support Suite clients are less than 300 kilobytes in size, enabling rapid, on-demand downloads by PC users, even those with dial-up network connections. On-Demand PC Inventory Intel LANDesk Asset Service allows IT managers to cost-effectively inventory the hardware, software and configuration of desktop PCs, laptops and servers in a company's network on demand. After ordering the service from Intel, IT managers can run unlimited inventories of their networks for 30 days and receive data as an XML file. Data is transmitted through Secure Socket Layer technology and no footprint is left on the client systems at the completion of the auditing process, thus maintaining system security. Audit data is viewable in a variety of report formats, providing easy-to-use network asset documentation. LANDesk Asset Service allows IT managers to track and analyze what software is installed on each network node, simplifying the audit and documentation of licensing compliance, without having to reconfigure the existing IT infrastructure for remote computer control. Pricing and Availability Read More...