Today most operating systems integrate a remote control software technology (like RDP in Windows) which form part of their integrated system management solutions (like SMS and MOMS in Windows). Also there's a suite of proprietary remote management software applications (like pcAnywhere and RADmin) that allow you to control your computer remotely, just as though you were sitting at its console.

Proprietary Remote Management Software

Most proprietary remote management software originated from remote access software - focused on giving workers and telecommuters access to their work computers from home or the road. However the pervasive use of laptops in the workplace coupled with the penetration of VPNs, has limited the demand for remote access solutions. So today's remote control software products focus on providing remote management capabilities for the help desk and for network and system administrators.

Generally you will need to install a software client onto every machine in the data-center/office that needs remote control. And some also require that special provisions be made on any front end firewalls to allow passage of the protocols required for access. However once installed they invariably are rich in features and they do allow administrators to remotely access applications and configure the computers, and detect problems before they are critical. Also they generally are very easy to use and the cost per controlled server is modest.

Being software applications though, they all rely on the remote operating systems being up and running. So they cannot provide access out-of-band, or to the hardware and the BIOS. If the operating system fails then remote control is lost. Also the remote control software usually only supports a few operating systems (often only Windows, and invariably only computers and not other devices). So the scope of remote control is limited. However, if your remote control needs don't extend past managing applications on a remote Windows or Linux computer, then there's a selection of quality software solutions available.

Operating System Management Software

Most operating systems now include system management software solutions which include their own remote control software solution. Windows platforms since XP/ 2003 all include software tools built on Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). A major advantage of such Remote Desktop solutions is that remote managers are configured as standard Windows users, and as such are bound by the applications access controls and security policies that have been established for the site being accessed. Another popular software remote control tool is virtual network computing (VNC) which runs across many operating systems (including earlier versions of Windows). The many variants of VNC are generally free and simply to use for point to point remote connection - and VNC comes integrated with most Linux distributions.

These tools work well in a secure environment (local LAN or enterprise VPN) however both require care to ensure secure access when using the public network (password protection etc). Also, as with the proprietary remote control software solution, the integrated system management solution has limited application. Generally it only supports a particular operating system (eg Solaris, Windows) and invariably it cannot be used to access and control firewalls, routers, power switches etc.

Remote Control Features & Benefits

Console Server

Remote Control Software

Remote access to applications and services
Desktop graphical screen presentation
Transfer text data and files
Upgrade and reconfigure operating systems
Bios-level access to your servers
Monitor data transfer to trigger alarms
Warm reboot ability
Remote power cycling - hard reboot
Provides out-of-band access
Dial-in (with dial-back validation) access
Encryption of data over public networks
Username and password protection
Authenticates users with industry-standards (RADIUS TACACS)
Collaboration - multiple users sharing concurrent sessions
User level assigned access permissions
Provides logging of user access and system activity
Manages wide range of systems (Windows, Linux, UNIX, Solaris, AIX, HPUX, Mac)
Controls network appliances (firewalls, routers)
No additional software must be installed on servers
Cost effective remote control

The Integrated Remote Management Solution

Remote management software from operating system vendors and third party developers allow you to manage a spectrum of PC servers and desktops. However they cannot interface at all with other key infrastructure at the remote site (the power switches, routers, firewalls etc). And they do not provide out-of-band access so you can control the remote site even when the network connection or computer is down. These extra functions call for a console server.

The IM4200 / CM4000 solution from Opengear delivers the best of both worlds. It delivers secure and robust Telnet access to the serial consoles, and HTTP/UDP/IPMI access to the network consoles. And they are configured by default to provide truly secure remote VNC and Remote Desktop access, using encrypted authenticated SSH tunnels.

Further these tunnels can be configured to port forward any nominated TCP IP ports nominated remote control applications to nominated remote computers. So the remote control software can access the target computer securely even when then the main network connection is down.