Developed by 01 Communique, I’m InTouch Desktop version 6 enables workers to take control of remote Windows clients over a secure connection using screen-sharing technology.

There is a server version designed to be installed at the WAN gateway, while the desktop version uses a direct PC-to-PC connection. We reviewed the latter.
No software is required on the device used to remote control other systems, but an executable does need to be installed on the system or systems to be remote controlled. After this, the URL https://locator.01com.com is accessed using a web browser on the controlling system, and a unique hostname for the system under remote control as well as username and passwords need to be given before access is allowed. These details would normally be stored locally on firms’ servers.

Setting up the client from which to access remote computers was simple, with only an ActiveX control needing to be installed. I’m InTouch also has FAQs in case users need to configure firewalls to allow access, but only port 80 for http and port 443 for Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) need to be set up, which may already be the case with most firms’ firewalls.

New features in version 6 of the desktop package allow users to perform a remote PC Wake-Up over LAN, manage remote printing and also control systems using Pocket PC devices.

We used the system to access a Dell Precision M50 laptop home computer from IT Week Labs and easily took control of the system. For instance, we could transfer an executable of GFI’s Network Security Scanner, install the program, get security updates for that program and run security scans of the laptop, all remotely. We could also “chat” to the user at the far end of the link, send CTRL-ALT-DEL commands and check the task manager, as well as reboot and shut down the system. We could also cut and paste text between applications running on the local and remote systems. Systems with attached webcams also allow remote viewing.

The latest version of I’m InTouch also enables PCs to be remote controlled using Pocket PC devices, mobile phones or RIM BlackBerrys. The remote desktop can be viewed in horizontal or landscape modes. Users can choose to view a section of the desktop, or can set up their devices to see the entire desktop.

The software allows access to Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express email, including attachments, as well as contacts and calendar entries.

As well as allowing users to access and control remote systems, I’m InTouch can be configured to allow view-only access for up to 10 simultaneous guests for demonstration purposes.