Remote desktop management software allows users to access their computers from a remote location. You can see everything that's on your computer screen and quickly gain access to files, email, and programs.
There are two major uses for these tools. One is for technical types to be able to login to fix problems on your computer from a remote location. The other increasingly common use is for you to be able to see your work computer's desktop from wherever you are. Now that many of us have several computers its often confusing to manage and synch the two computers, which remote desktop management solutions can do.
Two companies that provide this type of software are GoToMyPC and WebEx PCNow. They are both well suited for small businesses, particularly those with fifty or fewer employees.
How do the two products compare with each other?
Features
GoToMyPC and WebEx PCNow offer a lot of the same features. They both have desktop sharing, desktop shortcuts, and remote printing capabilities. They also both support multiple monitor control and provide the ability to lock keyboards and blank screens from a remote location.
There are a few distinctions between the two products, however. WebEx PCNow offers full webcam control, while GoToMyPC does not. In contrast, GoToMyPC has a shared clipboard for users, while WebEx PCNow currently lacks that feature. Both functionalities may be added at some point in the future by their respective companies.
Support
The technical support for the two products differs somewhat. GoToMyPC offers phone and email support to its users on a 24/7 basis. WebEx PCNow does not offer phone support, though it does respond to emails within 24 hours. Neither service has a live chat service to answer basic questions.
Both applications are compatible with most mobile devices. GoToMyPC allows users to remotely access a computer system through an iPhone, Android, and Windows Mobile device. WebEx PCNow provides similar capabilities for the iPhone and Android, but not Windows Mobile phones.
Security
GoToMyPC and WebEx PCNow both provide extensive security capabilities. GoToMyPC uses 128-bit AES encryption and end-to-end authentication to keep data safa. WebEx PCNow uses 128-bit SSL encryption and two levels of authentication, along with phone authentication for high security items. Furthermore, both products are compatible with most firewalls.
Price
GoToMyPC has three pricing options to choose from. Their standard plan is for just one user and costs $19.95/month. Their pro plan is for one administrator and between two and fifty users, and costs $33.90/month. Larger teams that need greater administrative control will have to contact their sales department obtain a price quote. GoToMyPC is also having a special pricing promotion at the moment (4/26/12) that has cut these prices even further.
WebExPCNow bases its price on the number of computers to use the service. One computer costs $12.95, two computers costs $14.95/month, five computers costs $34.95/month, and 10 computers cost $59.95/month. The company also allows you to add additional computers for $9.95/month each. In addition, the overall price is cut by 20% if you go with a prepaid annual plan.
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