MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where budgets are tight and IT needs are high, technology professionals everywhere are trying to be lighter, more nimble and give their companies the tools they need to succeed today – and in the future. And as the workforce continues to shift from on-site teams to mobile users, remote access software, which allows helpdesk technicians to assume control of users' computers or unattended servers to provide support, is becoming increasingly critical.

An obvious concern about implementing any remote desktop software is that it could expose a company's data to unauthorized use. However, with the right blend of administrative controls and security features, remote access software can prove to be a valuable, secure and effective solution to for IT departments charged with supporting a mobile workforce. Some factors to consider when evaluating your company's options include:

• Authentication. To optimize your remote access software solution, and mitigate unauthorized use of data, consider one that supports your company's current authentication methods. This will allow IT staff to leverage existing user/password lists.
• Authorization and access control. Look for software that allows your IT department to limit access to computers within a specific subnet or to specific TCP/IP addresses. Or select remote desktop software that blocks unauthorized access by embedding a "serialization" code into the host and remote portions of the remote product, which will allow the host to deny connections from remote computers that do not contain the serialization number.  
• Perimeter and data-transfer security. Secure data streams in transit by investing in remote access software that supports Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology. This will allow users to connect securely to the Internet through a firewall and your corporate intranet. For added security, ensure that the software support encryption, which will prevent the unauthorized interception of data during transmission.
• Administration. Look for remote desktop software that logs all remote transactions, including disallowed attempts at connection. This will allow IT staffers to detect unauthorized attempts to access the system and upgrade or modify security settings as appropriate.
• Cross-platform functionality. With mobile users performing work functions on a wide range of operating systems, it's increasingly important for companies to select remote access software that allows IT professionals to effectively and efficiently manage a variety of environments using a single software solution.

Symantec pcAnywhere Remote Desktop Software

Symantec pcAnywhere 12.5 allows businesses to manage computers efficiently, resolve helpdesk issues quickly, and connect to remote devices simply and securely. Featuring smart card authentication and native whiteboard support, plus the ability to manage local and remote devices, which provides greater control and reach throughout your IT infrastructure, it's an industry-leading solution that can reduce security breaches while allowing remote workers to easily connect to a desktop or server – anytime, from anywhere, even when using routers and firewalls.

For additional information about Symantec pcAnywhere 12.5, please visit http://www.symantec.com/business/pcanywhere.

SOURCE Symantec