LogMein has been around the workplace collaboration business for a while. And, as a stand-alone product it's pretty good. But they are looking to broaden their horizons by encroaching into the hotly contested, but potentially very lucrative, CRM market. Their new product Bold360, promises to give businesses a full 360-degree view that pulls in data from traditional CRM systems as well as online channels.
One of our favourite remote management tools, LogMeIn, just acquired LastPass, our favourite password manager. The companies have plans to merge their products in the near future, so big changes are coming.
We wrote up LogMeIn's AppGuru cloud management service when it launched as a preview release more than a year ago. It has now exited preview and is on general release -- and that means you have to pay for it.
One of the challenges of an environment where employees use multiple cloud services is how to manage those accounts. AppGuru, a new web-based service from LogMein,, aims to simplify that process by providing a centralised console where IT managers can track, deploy and remove users on different services.
When it comes to remote access, we enjoy LogMeIn, but its $31 price can be a bit off-putting. However, with a recently released new version of the app, you can get basic remote access for free.
Netbooks and ultra-portable laptops may be convenient, but they don't always have the horsepower to get done what you need. Mobile-obsessed blogger James Kendrick suggests using LogMeIn (or maybe a free equivalent) to do the battery-draining stuff remotely.
LogMeIn Pro offers fans of the well-liked remote desktop software some key features over the free version, including file syncing and remote printing. With some free apps, you can cover most of the difference. The Daily Cup of Tech blog recommends a few free apps that boost a free LogMeIn connection to nearly pro-level features. Key among them is the use of Dropbox, the free, multi-platform, password-syncing, Hive-Five-awarded app. The basic idea is that if you need to manipulate a file you've got locally with another remote computer, simply drop your file into your Dropbox bin, and it'll arrive there in a few moments. For printing from one computer to another, Tim Fehlman suggests using a Windows PDF printing solution. Another good pick is the previously mentioned Yuuguu for screen sharing, as its a very simple connection (PIN and username) and works with both Macs and PCs. The only no-go with Cup of Tech's free substition plan is remote audio streaming—something that only a fraction of the user base would likely want, but still a nifty feature. Any suggestions from our remote-savvy readers on getting all your remote system's audio through your local speakers? Expanding Your LogMeIn Free's Abilities
LogMeIn Ignition lets you remotely connect to and control your Windows or Mac PC from your iPhone. The catch: It costs a whopping $US30—expensive by any standards, especially in the iTunes App Store. LogMeIn may be the most popular remote desktop tool on the market, but it seems unlikely that it's $US30-for-your-iPhone good. LogMeIn users, let's hear what you think in the comments. Alternately, check our previously mentioned Mocha VNC Lite for free (but perhaps less simple to set up) remote control.
