Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Sun signs up five more OEMs for Java

This is the right choice and smart move on Sun's part. After winning the court battle with Microsoft, many end-users and developers were left with a real problem. The developers who write code for JVM were left with deploying their software only to find that too many computer systems had no JVM installed. End-users suffered since they try to use software purchased that relies on a java just to find they need to install the runtime environement.

Infoworld article

Acer, Gateway, Toshiba join the ranks of hardware developers installing JVM onto machines

September 23, 2003

Sun Microsystems Inc. has signed up five more hardware makers in its quest to prevent Java from being shut out of the personal computer.

The Santa Clara, California, company on Tuesday will announce deals with Acer Inc., Gateway Inc., Toshiba Corp., and Tsinghua Tongfang Co. Ltd. that will see the latest version of Java's virtual machine, called the Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE), installed on computers sold by the hardware makers.

Microsoft Corp. stopped distributing Java as part of its Windows XP operating system in February of this year, and its deal to ship Java with its other operating systems is set to expire in January of 2004, according to Rich Green, Sun's vice president of developer platforms.

This spring, Sun began signing deals with hardware vendors in an effort to prevent Java from disappearing from the PC space. Before this latest announcement, it had already reached deals with Apple Computer Inc., Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., and Lindows.com Inc.

Keeping Java on the PC desktop is important to its viability as a development platform, said Green. "The developer community and consumers and Web sites are best served by having access to the latest versions of Java to build the best applications they can," he said.

Tuesday's announcement means that more than half of the PC desktops and notebooks sold will now include the latest version of J2SE, according to Green.

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Veramark Customer Support - remote support access policy

Veramark Customer Support has expanded options related to its policy for providing online on-demand remote desktop support access for pc remote support over the Internet. The policy includes three options Standard, Non-Standard and No Remote Access.

Standard Remote Access
There have been new methods developed with technologies that are faster and more secure than were previously available. To keep in step with emerging technologies, we are expanding the available methods of remote access for Support to include the following remote support options:
• PcAnywhere/modem session (Requires client to own PC Anywhere) • PcAnywhere direct IP session (Requires client to own PC Anywhere)
Microsoft Live Meeting via Internet • GoToMyPC Client Session (HIPAA and GLB Compliant)
Standard computer Remote Access for remote support does not include any additional charges for implementation and maintenance.

Non-Standard Remote Access
Remote access methods outside these options may be accommodated, but they will need to be charged for on a case-by-case basis after an evaluation is done. Non-standard remote access methods require additional Support time. The initial set up of the remote access session may require additional software to be loaded, new sets of passwords to record and keep track of for each customer, and assistance from MIS to open firewall ports and create rules to allow the remote access session to go through the firewall.

In light of these facts, the following charges will be applied to setup and maintain remote access methods other than the access options listed above.
• Initial set-up charges will be provided on request
• Yearly annual maintenance charges will be provided on request. Remote Access maintenance charges will be pro-rated to correspond to the dates of the system
maintenance contract.

No Remote Access
In the event a customer does not allow remote access, every reasonable effort will be made by Veramark Support to resolve the incident without it. However, the customer restricting remote access must be aware that these limitations will affect the ability of Support to provide the same level of support that could be provided with remote access. Some of the results of restricted remote access are:

1 – The time to resolve an incident may be increased. In some cases, the incident may not be possible to resolve without an on-site visit by a Veramark technician. Remote Access Support Policy 70M00434F Page 2 of 2 October 13, 2004

2 - If the incident affects the collection of data, there may be loss of data until the incident is resolved.

3 – If Helpline Support arrives at a decision that they can go no further without accessing the system server, and the customer insists on trying to resolve the incident over the phone, the time will be billable at Veramark’s prevailing rates.

4 – If the incident cannot be resolved over the phone, and an on-site visit by Veramark results, the on-site visit is billable at prevailing rates plus travel and expenses.

The following conditions will also apply.
- The customer must have a maintenance contract in effect.
- The customer will provide software to Veramark at N/C for any changes to the remote access software that are required for Non-Standard Remote Access.
- Minor changes will be covered under the maintenance contract for Non-Standard Remote Access. (ex. Password or IP address changes).
- Major changes will be billed at prevailing rates.
Please make a selection of the type of remote access your organization will be using:

_____ Standard Remote Access
_____ Non-Standard Remote Access* _____ No Remote Access*

* Additional charges will apply.

Tridia iTivity A SOHO HIT For Noracom Support Business

iTivity--VAR Edition is a secure, cross-platform, online remote support software solution for VARs that need to safely support, sell, and collaborate with customers over the Internet Date : Tuesday, September 28, 2004 ATLANTA, GA (PRWEB) September 28, 2004 -- Tridia Corporation (www.tridia.com), a global provider of secure, Internet–ready, cross-platform, connectivity software for remote administration, support, and collaboration announced today that its iTivity(TM)--VAR Edition is a SOHO "HIT" for Noracom, a VAR that specializes in small office/home office (SOHO) support. iTivity--VAR Edition is a secure, cross-platform, remote-support solution for VARs that need to safely support, sell, and collaborate with customers over the Internet. With iTivity, Tridia targets VARs that presently use or plan to use subscription-based Web connectivity tools. With the increasing cost of travel in time and fuel, Noracom sought a way to provide remote support and administration to the various desktops in its client base. "My clients have a variety of platforms and network configurations," says Carolyn Dawdy, founder of Noracom. "They are not large corporations and do not have in-house technical support. iTivity--VAR Edition has all the features I was looking for, without all the management overhead." Read More...

Monday, January 23, 2006

How Some Businesses Do Support

How Some Businesses Do Support

Dell is always trying to do something to stay ahead.

Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support Service

Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support Service provides enhanced support with full 7x24 coverage and a response time of one hour for critical issues and two hours for non-critical issues.

Software products (factory-installed or customer-installed) designated as "covered software" are those products that have been certified as part of the "qualified configuration" for the Windows 2000 Datacenter environment.

Dell will help you to resolve your problems by providing electronic and telephone assistance to your designated representatives. For each PowerEdge server with Windows 2000 Datacenter factory-installed, you may purchase Windows 2000 Datacenter Software Support only as an annual contract with unlimited resolutions.

Overview

Benefits

Combines Dell's comprehensive phone support services with our reliable servers to help minimize system downtime.
Features the Dell Technical Support team with outstanding service performance metrics.
Leverages Dell's strengths in remote and online support services to quickly resolve your problems.
Acts as the single point of contact for your complete support requirements.

How To Purchase

Read More...

Sunday, January 22, 2006

MacOSx Media Player & PC Remote Control

PC-Mac-Net FileShare v5.5 Adds Media Playback Control of Multiple Remote Computers Over LAN or Internet 

 PC-Mac-Net FileShare v5.5 is a fast and efficient file sharing and remote movie and music playback controller which operates over LANs and the Internet. It can turn almost any old PC into a media center and file server, and can play a wide variety of media formats including MP3, AAC, Avi, DivX, MPEG4, WMV2 and H264. Versions are available for Windows, MacOS and Linux. Adelaide, SA (PRWEB) January 20, 2006 -- Lava Software is now shipping PC-Mac-Net FileShare v5.5, a fast and efficient file sharing and remote movie and music playback controller which operates over LANs and the Internet. It can turn almost any old PC into a media center and file server. Versions are available for Windows, MacOS and Linux. This new version allows one computer (such as a laptop) to simultaneously control movie and music playback on multiple remote computer on the web over wired or wireless LANs or the Internet. 

Super-fast Workgroup Re-connection

It also offers instant playlist creation, the display of music track title, artist and album information, superfast workgroup re-connection, significant fixes in the remote media player functions, full compatibility to MacOS X 10.2 and 10.3, and large file support (>2GB) on Linux. A very wide range of media formats are supported by the bundled VLC player, such as MP3, Ogg, AAC, Avi, DivX, MPEG4, Quicktime, WMV2, Sorenson and H264. It is a free upgrade for all users. PC-Mac-Net FileShare provides the functionality to convert existing computer hardware, such as an old Windows or Linux PC, into a media center and file server. Simply install PC-Mac-Net FileShare on the designated media computer and place it near a TV and sound system for easy video and audio connection. Then use another computer, such as a laptop, to remotely control on the web the software playback of music and movies. 

Playing movies and music on the TV

Typical applications include piping movies to children's rooms, playing movies and music on the TV in the lounge-room, and managing music for a party. Online software for on-demand pc remote control over the Internet can be found at 4RemoteSupport For Remote Support. Rather than recycling an old PC into a media center computer, users can build a new computer using budget on-demand remote support software PC components from a local PC store, or purchase a complete low-end system from a catalog. Only a computer box with a TV output is required - no monitor, keyboard or mouse. Since a version of PC-Mac-Net FileShare is also available for Linux, there is great flexibility when choosing a budget packaged PC for a media center computer. Read More...

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Intel Announces On-Demand PC Inventory Service And Remote Support Software

Intel Announces On-Demand PC Inventory Service And Remote Support Software


SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 18, 2002 - Designed to increase performance and reduce security concerns for IT and help desk managers, two new PC management products from Intel Corporation provide a simple, low-cost deployment solution for asset management and remote support of client systems.

Intel® Instant Support Suite

 Intel® Instant Support Suite enables 4RemoteSupport online remote desktop access and control of PC desktops and laptops to provide increased efficiency for the help desk. Intel LANDesk Asset Service provides comprehensive inventory and asset auditing through a hosted service. "Customers want to simplify IT and help desk processes and need tools that are affordable and easy to install and use," said Robert Naegle, director of marketing development for Intel's software products and services division. "Intel is using the power of hosted services with LANDesk Asset Service and online desktop support software remote agents with Instant Support Suite to give customers increased management and support capabilities, while reducing deployment time so customers can purchase and begin using these tools within minutes." Read More...

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Wesleyan University

Even Colleges and Universities have to support their students and staff. Below is an excerpt from one of their support pages that show how Wesleyan provides support to their faculty and staff. They even provide methods for computer remote control over the Internet and explain how to setup, list the network computer equipment required to implement, and desktop requirements. Pretty cool setup they have.

Wesleyan University

Home Computing over DSL or Cable Modem
Configuration #3
Full access to Wesleyan systems from one or more home computers.

This configuration provides a level of access from home that is very close to what you would get on your campus computer.

Through the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) software, you will be connected to a VPN server on campus which, once you have signed in, will provide you with a secure encrypted connection into the Wesleyan Network.

Once you have established a VPN connection, you can access any campus system that is available via a web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer or Netscape). Other systems may require that special client software or special configurations be installed on your home computer. Meeting Maker and PeopleSoft are a good examples of this type of software. To access such systems you have two options - install the client program on your home computer, or use Remote Control to take control of your campus computer over the Internet.

Remote Control can be set up between two computers running Windows XP. Your home computer can be configured to take remote control of your office computer. Once the connection is made, it is as if your home keyboard and monitor were directly connected to your office computer. If much of the work you will be doing at home requires specialized software which is already installed on your campus computer, this is your best option.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minimum Computer Requirements
500Mhz Processor
256MB RAM
Ethernet card
Windows XP Professional
[Note, if your computer does not meet these requirements, the Wesleyan Computer Store can assist you in upgrading your current system or advise you in the purchase of a new one.].

Package Cost: $230
This package includes the hardware and software you will need as well as the re-configuration of your computer by the Wesleyan Computer Store & Service Center.

Equipment
SMC Barricade Router
Wireless Access Point (if needed)

The rest and more detils can be viewed at: href="http://www.wesleyan.edu/its/desktopsupport/homecomputing_config3.htt

Sunday, January 08, 2006

Rabbit Semiconductor®, Inc. Releases Rabbitsystem Software for Remote Management of Embedded Devices

Rabbit Semiconductor®, Inc. Releases Rabbitsystem Software for Remote Management of Embedded Devices

Dec. 15, 2005; Davis, CA - Rabbit Semiconductor, Inc. releases RabbitSys, an operating system that delivers program reliability for Ethernet-enabled, embedded applications. System reliability often overshadows the goals of any embedded project. The RabbitSys kernel available now pre-loaded on the powerful RCM3365 RabbitSys core module, provides embedded systems designers the ability to update, monitor, configure, detect, diagnose, and even debug embedded systems from remote locations.

RabbitSys increases reliability by providing extensive feedback during development and debugging cycles. RabbitSys safeguards access to embedded system resources, like I/O and system memory, assuring software integrity.

RabbitSys is easy to use and helps system integrators save time and money. Those who already work with Dynamic C® will find RabbitSys easy to work with using the RCM3365 RabbitSys core module. Features such as the program monitor, the event handler, and safe system shutdown cradle your application and make it resistant to external transient errors. RabbitSys creates a solid foundation and increases system reliability for Rabbit-based embedded systems programmed with Dynamic C.

Assurance of reliability extends beyond the confines of the development environment. The remote capabilities of RabbitSys enable embeddedAdvertisement
programmers to raise e-mail alerts when a software failure occurs. During such failures, RabbitSys takes the necessary steps to return attached equipment to its default state. RabbitSys removes the burden and expense of sending out a technician. Instead, a simple network connection and software update to the malfunctioning device repairs the problem. RabbitSys also scales with the deployment of new devices, allowing you to manage many devices concurrently.

A RabbitSys Development Kit includes everything needed to get your application running quickly and easily. The kit comes complete with a RabbitSys ready RCM3365 RabbitCore module, a prototyping board, Dynamic C development software, RabbitSys CD with samples, and documentation. The development kit sells at $409 and a standalone RabbitSys enabled RCM3365 core module sells for (qty. 10/100) $113/96. RabbitSys standalone software (available January 2006) will sell for $299/CD, and $289/Download. RabbitSys software today works with the RabbitSys enabled RCM3365 core module and in the future will be supported on additional RabbitCore modules.

Read More...

Rabbit Semiconductor®, Inc. Releases Rabbitsystem Software for Remote Management of Embedded Devices

Rabbit Semiconductor®, Inc. Releases Rabbitsystem Software for Remote Management of Embedded Devices

Dec. 15, 2005; Davis, CA - Rabbit Semiconductor, Inc. releases RabbitSys, an operating system that delivers program reliability for Ethernet-enabled, embedded applications. System reliability often overshadows the goals of any embedded project. The RabbitSys kernel available now pre-loaded on the powerful RCM3365 RabbitSys core module, provides embedded systems designers the ability to update, monitor, configure, detect, diagnose, and even debug embedded systems from remote locations.

RabbitSys increases reliability by providing extensive feedback during development and debugging cycles. RabbitSys safeguards access to embedded system resources, like I/O and system memory, assuring software integrity.

RabbitSys is easy to use and helps system integrators save time and money. Those who already work with Dynamic C® will find RabbitSys easy to work with using the RCM3365 RabbitSys core module. Features such as the program monitor, the event handler, and safe system shutdown cradle your application and make it resistant to external transient errors. RabbitSys creates a solid foundation and increases system reliability for Rabbit-based embedded systems programmed with Dynamic C.

Assurance of reliability extends beyond the confines of the development environment. The remote capabilities of RabbitSys enable embeddedAdvertisement
programmers to raise e-mail alerts when a software failure occurs. During such failures, RabbitSys takes the necessary steps to return attached equipment to its default state. RabbitSys removes the burden and expense of sending out a technician. Instead, a simple network connection and software update to the malfunctioning device repairs the problem. RabbitSys also scales with the deployment of new devices, allowing you to manage many devices concurrently.

A RabbitSys Development Kit includes everything needed to get your application running quickly and easily. The kit comes complete with a RabbitSys ready RCM3365 RabbitCore module, a prototyping board, Dynamic C development software, RabbitSys CD with samples, and documentation. The development kit sells at $409 and a standalone RabbitSys enabled RCM3365 core module sells for (qty. 10/100) $113/96. RabbitSys standalone software (available January 2006) will sell for $299/CD, and $289/Download. RabbitSys software today works with the RabbitSys enabled RCM3365 core module and in the future will be supported on additional RabbitCore modules.

Read More...

Apple Updates Apple Remote Desktop

Apple Updates Apple Remote Desktop

CUPERTINO, California—April 2, 2003—Apple® today announced Apple Remote Desktop™ version 1.2, the easiest way to manage and support networks of Mac desktops and portables. With Apple Remote Desktop software, network administrators can efficiently distribute and install software, copy files, gather asset management information and remotely control system settings over the network. Teachers can remotely control and interact with a student’s computer and easily provide personalized assistance directly to a student’s screen. Apple Remote Desktop v.1.2 includes powerful new features such as Remote Software Installation and Remote Network Startup Disk. Apple Remote Desktop simplifies desktop administration, enabling classroom teachers and network administrators to maximize the use of their Macs and minimize administration costs.

“With two full time staff we support 2,200 users and manage a combination of approximately 600 wired and wireless Macs located across five buildings with Apple Remote Desktop,” said Eric Hackl, network manager for the Winnetka Public Schools in Winnetka, Illinois. “We install software on our Macs across town without having to leave our office, and network-wide installs that used to take days or weeks are now done in minutes, saving us time and our district money.”

Read More...

Netopia Support Visibility

Netopia

Netopia's Support Visibility is a powerful remote support service for carrier and service provider support organizations that optimizes and shortens support calls for subscriber LANs. This on demand pc remote support software for computer service's intuitive Web interface provides help desk and support personnel with a graphical view of subscriber networks for real-time troubleshooting and problem resolution.

Support Visibility allows service provider support organizations to:

View a graphical map of subscriber LAN devices and their status
Manage any Web UI-enabled device for faster resolution of support issues
Provision, configure, manage, perform diagnostics on, troubleshoot, and support quality-sensitive services behind the broadband gateway, including voice and video
Support Visibility's centralized remote support tools help shrink operational costs by reducing or eliminating truck rolls and support calls. For computer technical support professionals who require on demand pc remote control software that available online, they could evaluate For Remote Support's web site. It is ideal for carriers and service providers delivering multifaceted services such as triple play that require support of many disparate devices.

Read More...