Today’s workers are mobile. They’re on the go, accessing their data, emails and communication from multiple devices at any time. Work is no longer a place you go – it’s what you do, and the growth of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices are fueling this constant accessibility. So, it’s no surprise that remote access to support and data is a valuable functionality today.
I recently caught up with Eugen Hartmann, lead developer at DeskRoll, a Web-based remote desktop tool for individuals and companies that need a simple solution for remote support of clients and remote access to unattended machines, to discuss how DeskRoll helps users overcome challenges today and what the future of WebRTC looks like.
The key message behind DeskRoll is enabling mobile access – it was developed with a strong emphasis on access, ease of use and consistent user experience across different supported platforms. It enables users to access remote support easily from any device without needing to travel on-premises.
DeskRoll is a solution for anyone who needs easy and secure remote access, including technicians, software consultants, IT consultants and managers, and system administrators. Users can control remote computers from Windows, Mac or Linux, use instant messaging to chat, send and receive files, get remote system information and session statistics and work behind firewalls, proxies and NAT.
Hartmann felt the maturity of HTML5 and the growth of WebRTC offered an opportunity to improve the user experience.
“In general, many companies give up desktop apps in favor of in-browser apps. HTML5 and WebRTC technologies are used to that end,” he said. “As for remote access, the companies are trying to develop comprehensive solutions that allow any-any device access. Also, major players are offering packages, including file sharing, presentation and other collaboration tools.”
Embracing the benefits of WebRTC, DeskRoll works in browsers and doesn't need plugins or a Flash player installed. DeskRoll also established peer-to-peer (P2P) connections, and don’t require app installation on a local computer, though an app is installed on the remote machine.
“When we added P2P connection to DeskRoll, only two browsers supported WebRTC data channel. Meanwhile, there were at least three browsers supporting WebRTC. Data channel is a crucial component for transferring arbitrary data,” Hartmann said.
“As a whole, WebRTC is a very forward-looking technology. Access to webcam and mic from web apps and sending data directly to the other browser are highly demanded features,” he said.
Hartmann looks forward to more mainstream adoption of WebRTC channels and features, such as screen capturing and remote control from browsers.
Visit www.deskroll.com to learn more.
Edited by
Blaise McNamee
