Remote access tool wakes up powered-off PCs

Canadian vendor 01 Communique has introduced a remote desktop tool with a difference – it can wake up PCs remotely, so that workers do not have to leave their office system running in order to access it from home or another site.

Available immediately, I'm InTouch Premium enables users to access their host computer from any other internet connected system via a browser-based viewer. In this respect, the tool is similar to other remote access tools such as LogMeIn and Citrix Online's GoToMyPC.

However, where other remote control tools require the office computer to be left powered on, I'm InTouch Premium can remotely wake it up, provided at least one other computer on the same network also has the software.

I'm InTouch Premium makes use of the same wake-on-Lan technology used by network admin suites to remotely boot up PCs so they can be reached for management purposes. At least one computer on the network must be designated as a wake-up proxy and must be powered on for the feature to work.

According to 01 Communique, this enables companies to cut their carbon footprint and save on electricity bills, since the vast majority of office computers can be turned off when not being used, yet still remain available for remote access whenever needed.

"Many environmentally conscious companies deploy remote access solutions with plans to reduce their carbon footprints by allowing employees to occasionally work from home," said Jacob Katz, marketing executive for 01 Communique.

For businesses, InTouch Premium offers an administrator account that enables a manager to control settings and view the status for all computers using InTouch Premium on their network.

InTouch Premium costs £66 per licence annually for a minimum purchase of two licences, falling to £51 per licence for three or more. Further discounts are available for ten licenses or above.