Symantec’s announcement about the end-of-life of their long world’s best-selling remote access solution pcAnywhere left its users wondering about alternative solutions that will simply continue the good old remote support service and perhaps even add some bonus features, possibly at lower costs. We’ve made a side-by-side comparison between pcAnywhere and ISL Online that might help you with the decision.
Why is pcAnywhere leaving?
The story behind pcAnywhere’s leaving the scene started in early 2012 when Symantec revealed a security breach and advised its users to disable the compromised remote access tool. An anonymous party published the software’s 2006 source code on the Internet thus exposing all computers with installed pcAnywhere software to possible hacking. In response to vulnerability issues related to the source code theft, Symantec issued a security patch for pcAnywhere 12.5 in January 2012, however, its effectiveness was questionable as it was a mere continuation of the same code base and as such still vulnerable to attack. Moreover, the updated pcAnywhere 12.5.4 even lacks compatibility with the previous versions and the latest OS such as Windows 8, which makes cross-platform connections to any remote computer impossible.
Two years after the security breach, Symantec announced the end-of-life for pcAnywhere. Therefore, pcAnywhere users need to find another remote control solution before Symantec stops providing patches and support on 11/3/2015.
Best alternatives to pcAnywhere
Whether you are looking for just a small tool that will let you tap into a remote home computer or a comprehensive solution for a support centre to continue with your daily support activities once the current service turns obsolete, there is literally a flood of remote access services on the Internet that could do the job. While individual users should be fine with a slim service of limited functionality and could easily go for one of the free remote access software tools, enterprises need a full cross-platform remote access solution with comprehensive tech support functionality which can be customised, centrally managed and possibly even integrated into their existing systems.
Download ISL Online Remote Access Software
In one of the previous blog posts, we’ve already made a comparison of the five best cross-platform remote support software solutions for the enterprise. We have explored the hidden tricks and costs in the long run that vendors keep quiet about during the decision process, and concluded that of the covered software, ISL Online seems the fairest choice with its transparent and affordable pricing on the one hand and comprehensive remote support functionality on the other.
However, ISL Online is not only the best remote desktop choice for the enterprise but also a suitable replacement for pcAnywhere as it delivers all pcAnywhere features for easy remote tech support and easy collaboration between operators, solves its OS compatibility issues, and provides important functionality largely missed in pcAnywhere, such as centralised management for users, groups, and reporting, as well as customisation and integration options. Furthermore, ISL Online’s enterprise-friendly licensing offers unlimited seats, users and workstations. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two remote desktop solutions.
ISL Online’s powerful functionality outperforms pcAnywhere
Learn more about ISL Online functionality
Pay 21% – 85% less than you would for pcAnywhere
If pcAnywhere used to charge for every host and client installation, ISL Online charges only for the number of sessions running at the same time. This enterprise-friendly licensing also does not limit the number of seats, users and host workstations, thus entitling users to install an unlimited number of host computers, remotely support an unlimited number of clients, and equip all operators in a support centre. Compared to pcAnywhere, you can expect to pay at least 21% less for ISL Online if you are a small operation and as much as 85% less for enterprise users with a big support centre.
*The percentage shows what discount Symantec should have given you to match the ISL Online prices.
**ISL Online Private Box and Private Cloud are recommended if you are planning to run more than 100 simultaneous sessions.
Sign up for a 15-day free trial
ISL Online offers a no-obligation free trial, which you are warmly welcome to start anytime. The trial account lets you use the full software for 15 days without any restrictions. Have fun testing it and if you have any questions, friendly salespeople will be glad to help you find the answers.
* Symantec and pcAnywhere are trademarks belonging to the Symantec Corporation, which is not affiliated with ISL Online.
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