The Tech Savvy Firm

Citrix on an iPhone - Yes!

It looks like Citrix is definitely looking at the iPhone as one of their development platforms for their XenApp clients.  It just makes the iPhone even more of an enterprise device. I hope this becomes available soon.

Remote Control Your Client's Computer

Do you ever find it frustrating trying to explain how to accomplish a computer objective, task or procedure on your client's computer?  Or worse does your client find it frustrating?  Look, no one said you had to be the client's IT department.  I understand you have better things to do; however, what do you accomplish not being able to help your client email a document, train on software or provide some limited hardware support. You, as your client's most trusted advisor, were the one who probably encouraged your client to begin utilizing technology in the first place.   The best and easiest way to accomplish this is utilizing remote access software.

There have been numerous methods in the past to gain control and access your client's computer. PCanywhere was one of the first programs I used.  In the old days (five years ago), I would setup a client's accounting software and load PCanywhere so to gain access to train, provide support and transfer files. PCanywhere was a great program for it's time. Broadband internet really changed how we can access remote computers though.  The newer versions of PCanywhere and Laplink had the ability to work through the internet; however, still had problems working through firewalls and routers.

Over the last few years web based remote access software has taken the place of the desktop software.  The most widely used are GoToMyPc and LogMeIn. GoToMyPc is a great program but it is not really feasible to try to support multiple remote computers you may only need to access once. With the client ASP technology and portals we currently use I rarely have to access a client's computer except for remote training. LogMeIn has been by far the best product I have found for this. First it is Free. Ok maybe you didn't hear me it is F R E E. The version I use allows me to take control of the client's computer where the client and I can interact as I help train them on the software. The free version does not allow you to transfer files but this has never been an issue for me.

To setup a client to use LogMeIn I simple send them to the website, give them my login and password (which I change to a simple temporary password) and go through the process of installing LogMeIn. Once installed I can take control of the client's computer.  I also use LogMeIn to support our local office desktops and even my wife's computer at home.  When my wife is trying to upload pictures to the internet and is having trouble I simply go to LogMeIn and voila instant spousal bliss.  You can check it out for yourself at www.LogMeIn.com.  You may find some of the paid versions may be useful for your needs as well.