Software

Some of my customers use TeamViewer to provide a quick access to their systems, without the need to configure VPN connections, install software on hosts etc. TeamViewer provides fast and secure access without the need to install software. Simply start the teamviewer.exe and choose if you want to connect to a host or use the session id and password to allow someone else access your computer. TeamViewer is free for all non-commercial users! So it’s a great choice for remote support all your family members.

Disclaimer: I use a NFR license that was provided to me as a vExpert by code4ward free of charge.

I have searched for a relatively long time for a solution to manage multiple remote connections, like RDP, VNC or SSH. I tried different free tools, but none of them fulfilled my requirements, which are quite simple: Manage different connections & credentials. First I’ve tried Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager, which was quite good. But to be honest: It was a bit too much for my needs. Justin Paul wrote a nice review of Remote Desktop Manager. The second product I’ve tested was more suitable: Royal TS for Windows.

Hewlett-Packard (HP) offers a broad range of OEM VMware software for their HP ProLiant server familiy (VMware Virtualization Software and Client Virtualization with VMware View and VMware ThinApp). A customer can buy HP ProLiant servers and VMware software from HP. This also includes support for hard- and software, which makes it easy in case of support. You only have to call HP and they will do the rest. As you maybe know, I work for a IT solution provider and HP partner. It’s quite common, that a solution which is offered by us, consists of a large set of HP hard- and software. This has benefits for both sides: For us, and the customer, especially from the support perspective. The customer has a multi-vendor solution (HP and VMware), but support is done by HP. The other side of the medal is the financial perspective: The higher the project value, the better the discounts from HP. So it’s quite common that we sell HP OEM VMware licenses and support.