PcAnywhere evolves

Symantec's pcAnywhere product name has become synonymous with remote control. And with the release of pcAnywhere version 11, the software vendor aims to keep pcAnywhere the key player in the remote-control arena.

PcAnywhere version 11, which shipped June 2, brings a host of new features that extend the product beyond basic remote control.

Symantec redesigned the interface to be a more cohesive remote-support solution, with remote management as a major feature. Administrators can now access basic support features without initiating a full remote-control session, including functions such as launching a command prompt, accessing Task Manager and shutting down a system remotely.

To better secure remote access to systems, pcAnywhere now offers 13 authentication methods, ranging from Microsoft Active Directory to Novell LDAP support. This helps administrators leverage existing security databases.

Symantec also provides additional protection via serialisation. Installers can specify which pcAnywhere serial numbers are valid for connections, preventing unknown users from using an off-the-shelf copy of pcAnywhere to access secure systems.

CRN Test Centre engineers installed pcAnywhere version 11 on several systems configured with Windows 2000 or XP Professional.

The new interface is straightforward, and those new to the product can learn it quickly.

Administrators can speed up remote-support tasks with the new Deploy and Connect feature, which allows the installation of a thin host application to a remote system, making it instantly available for remote control.

Other enhancements include the ability to schedule and queue commands using the pcAnywhere command queue feature, an ideal method for remotely running batch files or file transfers.

The application is priced at $329.95 for the host and remote and $209.95 for the upgrade. All things considered, pcAnywhere version 11 raises the bar high enough with its new features and ease of use to make it a must-have for remote management and control.

The product is distributed in Australia through Express Data, Tech Pacific and Express Online.