Citrix continues to build out its portfolio of mobile services, announcing today a version of its popular GoToMyPC application for the iPad. As with other versions, GoToMyPC for iPad is designed to let users access their files, programs and network resources on their personal device remotely — in this case, from Apple’s tablet.
The news is the latest volley in what Citrix Online, a division of Citrix Systems, said will be an aggressive rollout of new “GoTo” mobile services this year. Citrix has already released a version of its GoToMeeting Web conferencing software for the iPad.
“Today’s workforce wants the ease and flexibility to work wherever it’s most optimal. Regardless of where people choose to work, this transition to mobility requires secure, high-performing and reliable technology to help them be effective and productive,” Lisa Reeves, vice president and general manager of access and cloud at Citrix Online, said in a statement.
The new release is now available for free from Apple’s App Store for the iPad, but requires GoToMyPC be installed on a PC or Mac, which requires a monthly subscription fee (currently $9.95 per month). A free 30-day trial is also available.
In addition to being an early entry on the iPad, Citrix touts several advantages over other remote access services, such as not requiring the user remember IP addresses or configure firewalls.
In tailoring GoToMyPC for the iPad, Citrix said it has included several new features, including 300 percent zooming and panning capability for doing more detailed work on the tablet. The app also comes with full virtual keyboard functionality, including special keys designed to work the same way on an iPad that users are used to with a PC or notebook computer. Also, a text preview mode automatically corrects spelling and capitalization as a user types for proofing content before sending to the host computer.
On the security side, Citrix said all data is protected with 128-bit AES encryption, dual passwords and end-to-end user authentication. Also, GoToMyPC for iPad automatically disconnects after a period of inactivity to save network use and prevent unauthorized access.
Stacy Crook, IDC’s senior analyst of mobile enterprise and remote access, said GoToMyPC holds a clear lead in the market for remote access services.
“Despite the number of competitive offerings that have come into the remote access services space over the last several years, Our Worldwide Remote Access Services Software 2010 to 2014 Forecast and 2009 Vendor Shares report shows that Citrix Online’s GoToMyPC has once again been able to maintain its significant lead in terms of market share and revenue,” Crook said in a statement. “We attribute this to the ongoing customer loyalty the company has engendered that in turn continues to result in word-of-mouth referrals.”
David Needle is the West Coast bureau chief at InternetNews.com, the news service of Internet.com, the network for technology professionals.
