GoToMyPC

GoToMyPC

Developer(s)	Citrix
Available in	English
Type	Remote desktop
License	Software as a service
Website	gotomypc.com

GoToMyPC is a remote control software service that enables the user to operate their computer from another computer, over the Internet. The Online Services division of Citrix Systems produces GoToMyPC.

Technology and business development

GoToMyPC was originally developed by Expertcity of Santa Barbara, California, founded in 1997 to provide third-party tech-support services. The software allows a desktop view of a host computer to be manipulated from a client computer that is connected through a TCP/IP network. GoToMyPC enlarged that software model by using the Internet for connectivity, protecting transmissions with high-security encryption and multiple passwords. By combining a web-hosted subscription service with software installed on the host computer, transmissions could be passed through highly restrictive firewalls. In its product literature,^[1] and press releases^[2] Expertcity spoke of patent protection for its proprietary technology.

A Pro edition, aimed at small businesses, was launched in 2003 to expand the capabilities of GoToMyPC.^[3] It works the same way as GoToMyPC, but also provides user management and reporting for 2–50 employees.^[4][5]

In December 2003, Citrix Systems of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, acquired the GoToMyPC service and its developer, Expertcity, for $225 million, half cash and half stock.^[6] News reports from January 2006 indicated that Citrix had attained the leading market share for web-hosted remote access.^[7] The following month, however, Citrix was faced with a lawsuit filed by 01 Communique Laboratory of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada,^[8] claiming that GoToMyPC infringes a patent.^[9] Expertcity appears to have introduced key features of the GoToMyPC service during 2001,^[10] while the 01 Communique patent was filed June 16, 2000. The 01 Communique Laboratory patent application was published November 21, 2002, before acquisition of Expertcity by Citrix. As of 2010, the patent infringement claims have been upheld, and Citrix has appealed the decision.^[11]

Editions and features

GoToMyPC has been sold in three editions—Personal, Pro, and Corporate—providing increasing service management capabilities. GoToMyPC allows remote access to a PC or Mac from an Internet-connected computer or wireless device running any of several operating systems. Software is installed and remote access is obtained by logging onto the GoToMyPC website. GoToMyPC features in all editions include:

• Mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
• Encryption and authentication security provided by a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) website with end-to-end 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption and the Secure remote password protocol.
• Data compression to decrease lag time between client and host PC
• 24-bit color when accessing a host PC supporting this display mode
• File transfer for moving files between computers
• Remote Printing, supporting any printer configured on a host computer
• Remote Sound for listening to sound on host computer
• Performance tuning, allowing users to adjust speed and screen appearance
• Multi-monitor support for a client PC
• Guest Invite, allowing a user to invite a second person to view or share control of a PC

Many competing products exist, including other web-hosted services, and both commercial and free software. Some are listed below, under See also.

Citrix web-based products

GoToMyPC is a part of a collection of web-based software from the Online Services division of Citrix. In addition to GoToMyPC, Citrix develops GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar, GoToTraining, GoToAssist, Podio, and HiDef Corporate.

See also

• Citrix XenApp
• Comparison of remote desktop software
• GoToMeeting
• NX technology
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
• Terminal Services
• Virtual Network Computing (VNC)

References and notes

1. Expertcity (2002). "GoToMyPC: Like Being There" (PDF). Expertcity, 5385 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA. Retrieved 2006-04-25. "GoToMyPC works by using the Internet, Expertcity-hosted secure servers and Expertcity patent-pending screen-sharing technology to enable users connect to their computers from any Web browser."
2. Expertcity (2003). "Sponsored Item: GoToMyPC 4.0 featuring PocketView". Pocket PC Magazine. Archived from the original on 2006-02-21. Retrieved 2006-04-25. "Using Expertcity's patented screen-sharing technology, servers connect the computers and automatically launch a Viewer window that allows users to see and use their desktops in real time."
3. Kistner, Toni (December 8, 2003). "ExpertCity Tries to Change its Image". NetworkWorld. Vol. 20 no. 49. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
4. Caroll, Steven (May 13, 2011). "REVIEW: GoToMyPC". StevenCaroll.com. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
5. Wenzel, Elsa (July 24, 2011). "Incredibly Useful Sites for Small Business". PC World. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
6. Cowley, Stacy (2003-12-18). "Citrix buys GoToMyPC maker for $225 million". NetworkWorld, IDG News Service.
7. Mark Templeton (Jan 18, 2006). "Citrix Q4 2005 Earnings Conference Call Transcript". Seeking Alpha Network.
8. Danner, Patrick (February 2, 2006). "Citrix Systems sued over patent". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on February 5, 2006.
9. Steven P. Meyer, Pedro P. Nascimento and Andrew Cheung (Aug 9, 2005). "System computer product and method for providing a private communication portal". U.S. Journal of Patents.
10. What's News (Sep 6, 2001). "New Service Offers Remote Control of Your PC". Wall Street Journal. Subscription required. "A new Web-based service called GoToMyPC enables users to control their desktop PCs...All of the data...is encrypted and Expertcity says the service will operate through many corporate firewalls."
11. Cheung, Maxine (2010-07-16). "Canadian software developer wins patent ruling over Citrix". IT Business.

External links

• GoToMyPC Website