Laplink Software last week updated its Laplink Everywhere remote access service for Windows PCs. The new release adds web-based interface options that let users access email and files on their office PC without having to open a full remote desktop session.

Laplink Everywhere 4 (LLE4), available immediately, has similar remote control capabilities to those found in Citrix Online's GoToMyPC plus a few additional capabilities, allowing users to access their email and files through any browser and even from wireless devices. Users of Google's Desktop Search can also access this tool remotely via LLE4.

Like GoToMyPC, users of LLE4 can remotely view their desktop by logging in to a web site that links them with host software running on their office PC. But getting full remote control of the desktop is not always possible, as this requires a browser plug-in - and public-access computers often block the download of such plug-ins. With LLE4, users can instead transfer files, remotely search their office PC, and access their email, calendar and contacts, all via a web-based interface.

The web interface also allows access to data when a full-screen session would be impractical, according to Laplink vice-president of marketing Emir Aboulhosn. "If all you have is a dial-up connection, you won't want to do remote control, but you can still check your email," he said. The web-based email access only works if the desktop client is Microsoft Outlook, however.

Files can be transferred between the remote and local PC via a dual-panel source/destination screen similar to the Laplink utility that gave the firm its name. Google's Desktop Search can also be accessed remotely, in case staff cannot recall the exact name of the file they need.

"I can just log onto LLE, pull up the [Google] search option, find the file and forward it to anyone as an email attachment," said Aboulhosn.

The web-based interface also lets staff access their office PC using wireless clients. "It works on most wireless devices, even smartphones. The user interface is very light and loads up quickly," Aboulhosn said.

Laplink Everywhere 4 can be licensed monthly, quarterly, or annually, starting at £5.82 per month for a single user licence to remotely access one host system.