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I'm InTouch Learns New TricksBy Pedro HernandezAugust 14, 2007
Toronto-based 01 Communique released an updated version of its remote desktop access product with the goal of easing administration, broadening support for newer versions of Windows and Office and improving security. Still a product of a co-development agreement with Hitachi Business Solution in Japan, I'm InTouch Corporate Server Edition (CSE) version 2.4 ships with new options that gives administrators tools to better provision, track usage and create and manage user groups. Administrators can also lock down parts of the software to prevent certain actions, like file transfers to prevent data leaks, for instance. Also new is "direct access technology allowing the user to directly control Outlook," says 01 Communique president and CEO, Andrew Cheung. Instead of simply mimicking the screen on the remote computer, the software is capable of interacting directly with the office suite, allowing users to check and compose emails as well as manage their calendars. The functionality comes in especially handy, says Cheung, when "your client is not a full screen PC" like a PDA or similarly sized portable where screen real estate is at a premium. Collaboration gets a nod as well in the form of a new whiteboard, which can be used to draw on the host desktop during a remote meeting or presentation. Similarly, a chat function allows users to instant message one another between the host and client systems. Other new features include support for Windows Vista, Fast User Switching and remote print jobs. Cheung also points out that continual speed tweaks and screen redraw improvements help the software provide a smoother experience with each successive version. However, according to Cheung, there is one crucial area the company has been pouring development efforts into: security. Hitachi, for example, employs the software's physical authentication support to require users to insert an authorized USB key before starting a remote session. Remote wake-up technology, the company's take on wake-on-LAN, lets remote users power up their systems via a Web browser. Once credentials are established with the I'm InTouch CSE wake-up server, users can start a session as usual. I'm InTouch Corporate Server Edition 2.4 is available now. Pricing starts at $1,995 for the base server with 5-user support. Additional users licenses cost $200 each. Volume license discounts are available, as are trial downloads.
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