Product Reviews

In the 1990s, inexpensive thin-client systems networked to powerful servers that ran the applications offered an alternative way of organising networked computing. They weren't widely used, though, despite the advantages in network performance, control and maintenance. However, the arrival of reliable and fast broadband services makes the technology more attractive, especially to businesses that need to use applications but don't want the costs and work involved in installing and maintaining them and any associated servers.

OnlineDesktop is a clever development that not only takes care of these concerns, but also offers a wide range of applications beyond those needed for standard office functions. The basic monthly subscription provides a remote desktop and some data storage, but applications cost extra. Microsoft Office 2007 Standard adds £11.50 to the monthly cost, while BlackBerry support will cost an extra £12. With almost 200 specialised apps on offer, and a wide range of accounting systems, it should be possible to run an entire business without needing any locally installed applications.

Security is a serious consideration, especially where a company's data is concerned. OnlineDesktop's load-balanced servers are located in two geographically separated data centres with high levels of physical

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security, and all communications traffic is subject to antivirus, content-filtering and intrusion-detection software. Data is backed up regularly to mirrored SANs (storage area networks) and then to offsite storage.

While a user would normally use the service over the internet, there are a number of other possibilities on offer including IPsec VPNs, ADSL and leased-line dedicated links to the data centres.

Secure internet communication is provided by the Citrix ICA (Independent Computing Architecture) client. A normal Windows system will install the ActiveX version, but a Java-based ICA client is also available. Since the Java client doesn't need to be installed, it can be used on an ad hoc basis. Apart from its obvious usefulness when staff are on the road, it can be of great use if a disaster such as a fire prevents staff from using the normal business premises. Since all the apps and data are stored elsewhere, all that's needed to get the company back up and running is an internet link and some PCs.

In use, the OnlineDesktop works in the same way as a local one. Apart from the various disk drive designations and some scroll bars, there's nothing to indicate anything is different. It's also possible to integrate local devices like hard disks and printers into the desktop, so local networked resources can still be used.

Support is available through email, and the helpdesk is available between 8:30am and 6pm Monday to Friday. The service is available 24/7, however, and out-of-hours support can be arranged at an extra cost. Although there are obvious advantages to this approach, including relief from licensing, maintenance, backup and recovery concerns, it relies on a functioning communications link.

In many cases, office space is somewhere to keep the network. With a few laptops and some subscriptions to services like this, a virtual office can become a reality.