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GoToMyPC is a Web-hosted service marketed by Citrix Online, a division of Citrix Systems. It is remote control software, which means that it enables the user to operate his or her computer from another computer, via the Internet.

Technology and business development

GoToMyPC was originally developed by Expertcity of Santa Barbara, CA, founded in 1997 to provide high-quality, third-party, tech-support services. It was modeled after competing software such as pcAnywhere from Symantec,[1] allowing the 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.[2] In its product literature[3] and press releases[4] Expertcity spoke of patent protection for its proprietary technology.

In December 2003, Citrix Systems of Fort Lauderdale, FL, acquired the GoToMyPC service and its developer, Expertcity, for $225 million, half cash and half stock.[5] News reports from January 2006, indicated that Citrix had attained the leading market share for Web-hosted remote access.[6] The following month, however, Citrix was faced with a lawsuit filed by 01 Communique Laboratory of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada,[7] claiming that GoToMyPC infringes a patent.[8] Expertcity appears to have introduced key features of the GoToMyPC service during 2001,[9] while the 01 Communique Laboratory patent was filed June 16, 2000. The 01 Communique Laboratory patent application was published November 21, 2002, before acquisition of Expertcity by Citrix. If patent coverage and validity are upheld, outcome of the lawsuit could depend on whether Citrix can establish that Expertcity had documented or was practicing the patented art before it was documented by 01 Communique Laboratory.

Editions and features

GoToMyPC has been sold in three editions--Personal, Pro and Corporate--providing increasing service management capabilities. Version 6, released in 2007, maintains these editions and adds Remote Sound, Remote Printing and other new features.[10] GoToMyPC allows remote access to a PC 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 Web site. GoToMyPC features[11] in all editions include:

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

  • GoToMyPC Web site for software installation and computer access.
  • TightVNC An open source alternative

See also

References and notes

  1. ^ Business Software (Apr 6 2006). "Symantec pcAnywhere 12.0 supports Macs". Mac News. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help); Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  2. ^ Hal Goldstein (Sep 2004). "Easily access your work computer from anywhere". Pocket PC Magazine.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  3. ^ 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."
  4. ^ Expertcity (2003). "Sponsored Item: GoToMyPC 4.0 featuring PocketView". Pocket PC Magazine. 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."
  5. ^ Stacy Cowley (Dec 18 2003). "Citrix buys GoToMyPC maker for $225 million". NetworkWorld, IDG News Service. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  6. ^ Mark Templeton (Jan 18 2006). "Citrix Q4 2005 Earnings Conference Call Transcript". Seeking Alpha Network. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  7. ^ Patrick Danner (Feb 2 2006). "Citrix Systems sued over patent". Miami Herald. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  8. ^ 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. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  9. ^ What's News (Sep 6 2001). "New Service Offers Remote Control of Your PC". Wall Street Journal. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link) 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."
  10. ^ Citrix Online (Jan 16 2007). "New GoToMyPC 6.0 Embraces Sound to Seamlessly Connect Customers' Work and Home Digital Lives". Citrix, Santa Barbara, CA. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  11. ^ Citrix Online (2006). "GoToMyPC Personal Features". Citrix, Santa Barbara, CA.
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