Remote Access
June 2003
The joys of tapping into your desktop while on the road

By Nancy Branka

Productivity. It requires a juggling act for business travelers. No longer is a successful road trip about making that valuable sales call or networking at a trade show or having a thorough meeting. These days on-the-road success also means staying current with all the business that's happening at your desk. Add to that the burden many road warriors feel when lugging along a laptop to make that success happen. And you have good reason to check out remote access software.

Consider these scenarios:

• You're constantly running out of the office to catch a flight, with no time to copy files onto your laptop. Inevitably, you're halfway across the country and realize you forgot the file that really counts. With remote access, it's just a few keystrokes away.

• You're working from home, being amazingly productive. Then you realize a crucial file is back at the office. Should you break the momentum to go in and retrieve it? No need to miss a beat with remote access.

• Your laptop breaks or is stolen while on the road. Are you sunk? Not with remote access. Log onto the Web using your hotel InternetTV and have full access to your files.

HOW IT WORKS
In a nutshell, remote access software allows you to reach into your office desktop while away (or even working from home). For some years, products have been out there that allow this, but through special access linking a "remote" computer directly to a "host" computer. But recently products have come on the market that accomplish a connection simply by going through a Web site, which makes remote access much more accessible for the non-techie. In fact, many large corporations are using it because it eliminates demand on their IT departments. It also eliminates the need for the user to take along and use a laptop that has the software installed. All you need is Web access, an account, and a password.

In general, Web remote access requires you to download or install software on your host PC (the one you want to tap into). Then, when you need access, you simply connect by going to a password-protected Web address, which then directs you into your own computer. For some products you can even use Web-enabled PDAs or phones to get access. One caveat, though, is that most products require the host computer to have an always-on connection to the Internet. (And file transfers will work best when you're logging on through a high-speed connection.)

The most prevalent programs in the marketplace are Expertcity's GoToMyPC™, LapLink® Everywhere 2.0, and Symantec's pcAnywhere™, each with a different list of features. In addition, some PDA communicators offer special add-on software-like Handspring's Treo Mail—which can read e-mail thereby solving your basic e-mail access problems. So if you're in the market for remote access, it pays to evaluate your needs and match them to the appropriate device/program/service (at the right price).

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING
Features vary with the program, so it's smart to ask yourself some questions about your specific needs to determine which product is the best fit.

Is the product compatible with your e-mail?
The most common use for remote access is reading e-mail. Be sure your product can access e-mail from your ISP or e-mail program—or for example, if you're an Outlook user, that it has enhanced features for Outlook.

Can you access and use non-email programs?
For example, some programs allow access to SQL databases, while others do not. What will you be doing with the remote access, and which product supports that function?

Will you be accessing via computer, Internet phone or PDA?
For some programs, you can use any Internet device. Is this important to you and the way you travel?

Is there a trial period?
Take advantage of what's offered to be sure the product is a good match for your travel lifestyle. Free trials range from 15 to 30 days, or one hour of free access. Some require no credit card.

Is the service secure?
Because Internet security remains a looming concern, most products have taken care of this with 128-bit encryption. Still, check out that firewalls in place. Conversely, any special configurations because of firewalls can make use a hassle.

How much does support cost?
Gone are the days of 800-numbers and free support. In what format are you most likely to need support (phone, e-mail, online knowledge base)? Find out in advance how much it costs.

EVALUATING COST
Here are the costs at SkyGuide's press time for three of the most common products on the market. And take heart, GoToMyPC reports that most users have their company pay for it.

GoToMyPC: $19.95/month or $179.40/year (for access to one PC); $44.93/month, $404.40/year (for access to three PCs).

LapLink Everywhere 2.0: $9.95/mo or $89.95/year includes one hour per month remote desktop access (add on $4.95/month or $29.95/year for unlimited access).

pcAnywhere 10.5: $179.95 (no ongoing service fee).

Because Internet security remainsa looming concern, most products have taken care of this with 128-bit encryption. Still, check out that firewalls in place. Conversely, any special configurations because of firewalls can make use a hassle.

CHECK IT OUT
For more information, visit these Web sites:
GoToMyPC www.GoToMyPC.com
LapLink Everywhere 2.0 www.laplink.com
pcAnywhere 10.5 www.symantec.com/pcanywhere

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