Enabling Security--Anywhere--With Symantec

Now in version 12.0, pcAnywhere brings added functionality, enhanced security and ease of use to the remote-control paradigm. The question remains, though: Is it enough to ensure continued success of the pcAnywhere platform?

Many administrators have moved over to hosted remote-control services. Those hosted services offer key advantages over traditional software-based products such as pcAnywhere. Hosted services such as LogMeIn and GoToMyPC are extremely easy to deploy and manage. Also, those products can overcome firewalls, NATed networks and many other technologies that hide a PC or server from external Internet access.

Other challenges to pcAnywhere come from direct competitors such as NetOP, Timbuktu and the open-source VNC project.

Symantec took all of those challenges into account when developing pcAnywhere 12.0, and aimed to eliminate the fees associated with hosted solutions and offer cross-network accessibility that isn't found in software-based remote-control products.

Test Center engineers installed pcAnywhere 12.0 on a few different systems, including Windows Server 2003, a Windows XP-based notebook computer and a Windows 2000 Server. Installation was straightforward and wizard-driven, with very few differences from previous versions. During configuration, installers will notice some new options and enhanced wizards, both of which make connectivity easier.

One of the biggest enhancements to the product is the pcAnywhere gateway, which allows sessions to work across firewalls. Basically, the gateway is installed on a server on the internal network. All external (remote) pcAnywhere session requests go to the gateway system, which then offers up any pcAnywhere host systems on the internal network. The gateway's job is to locate the pcAnywhere hostswhich are normally hidden behind NATand make those hosts available to remotes outside of the firewall.

Although the pcAnywhere gateway is easy to install, configuration will take some TCP/IP savvy. Administrators may have to manually redirect ports on the firewall or set up port-forwarding rules to make sure everything works and remains secure.

The product also includes security-assessment tools that help to alleviate any worries about unauthorized access.

While the gateway offers a solution to get around the limitations encountered when using NATed networks, there are still some other obstacles to overcome, namely dynamic IP addresses and blocked ISP ports. Symantec's answer to that dilemma comes in the form of the optional pcAnywhere Access Server, which enables a reverse connection to be created from a host machine and back to a solution provider's office. This allows solution providers to offer remote-control capabilities to any pcAnywhere client, regardless of network configuration and location. (As long as the client system has an Internet connection, it can be found by the Access Server.) This product creates opportunity for solution providers looking to offer LogMeIn- or GoToMyPC-like hosted support, without incurring any fees.

Cross-platform support is a big part of pcAnywhere 12.0, which supports Windows, Linux and Macintosh systems. All can connect and control each other, a feature not found in other popular remote-control products. This capability allows a help desk or remote support agent to work with a client system, regardless of the operating system.

Symantec also is offering a browser-based remote that allows administrators to control a host system via a Web browser, reducing the need to install the remote application on other systems. The browser-based remote control offers excellent remote access but is limited when it comes to the high-end management features offered in the traditional remote application.

PcAnywhere's product enhancements, improved ease of use and innovative features breathe new life into the product, making it a viable alternative to subscription-based remote-control products.

Symantec offers a comprehensive channel program that complements its software products. Aptly named PartnerNet, the program includes pre- and post-sales support and round-the-clock technical support for enterprise operations. Large partners also receive 24x7 implementation support and priority access to senior Symantec technicians.

Symantec's PartnerPromos portal offers access to promotions, incentives, rebates and preapproved collateral materials. Symantec provides all partners with free Web-based sales training. Traditional instructor-led training also is available. Symantec's PartnerNet program is open to certified resellers and solution providers. As part of its current corporate policy, the company does not release margin information.