Symantec releases Version 10.0 of pcAnywhere

Security specialist Symantec Tuesday released the latest version of its pcAnywhere remote access software, a product designed to help IT administrators manage users' PCs across a network.

Version 10.0 of pcAnywhere aims to build on the company's past efforts to give administrators access to servers and PCs across a corporate network or the Internet. The software allows an administrator to log on to a computer remotely, identify certain types of problem and fix them. The software includes security features and tools for speeding data transfer.

Companies with offices in multiple locations, workers who telecommute or a congested IT helpdesk can benefit from the remote management approach, Symantec said.

Past versions of pcAnywhere came with encryption functions, Windows NT authentication and remote callback. The new software adds functions for mandatory password protection, an encryption wizard and eight new authentication types. Symantec also added a Remote Access Perimeter Scanner for surveying corporate networks to make sure remote hosts have properly configured security protocols.

David Scott, product manager for pcAnywhere at Symantec, highlighted some new features directed toward European customers.

"One thing we didn't do very well in 9.0 was our channel building," he said.

Symantec retooled its ISDN support to provide European users with access to two data channels, boosting connection performance, according to Scott.

"For an end user, performance is a key thing," he said. "You want the speed of the remote session to simulate real-time as closely as possible."

A Packager application comes as a new customization feature for tailoring installation packages. IT administrators can create install sets that should smooth the end user's experience with software installation. An administrator could, for example, set up a file transfer-only scenario, take out unnecessary protocols and remove superfluous applications, Scott said.

Users can alter components to reduce the size of the installation. Version 10.0 is available through Symantec distributors and resellers at $179 per seat.

Symantec, in Cupertino, Calif., can be reached at +1-408-253-9600 or at www.symantec.com/.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.