LogMeIn adds iPad as target for LogMeIn Rescue

The popularity of the iPad has IT support implications for business

LogMeIn has extended its support for Apple's iPad tablet, enabling IT helpdesk staff and service providers to remotely assist users of the device with LogMeIn Rescue.

The LogMeIn Rescue service already enables helpdesk staff to remotely access a smartphone or computer in order to fix a technical support issue or assist the user with a task.

The iPad support is available immediately to new and existing customers as part of LogMeIn Rescue's mobile add-on, which already covers Apple's iPhone as well as BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile devices.

However, support on the iPad is limited to remote chat and capabilities designed to ease common issues with email and calendar configuration, similar to that on the iPhone, while helpdesk staff are able to take full remote control of devices running the other platforms.

With more than three million sold in about 80 days, the iPad has implications for IT support of consumer devices within the workplace, according to LogMeIn.

"Our new iPad capabilities represent a key step in a mobile vision for Rescue that includes but goes beyond great smartphone support," said LogMeIn's director of support products, Lee Weiner.

"As more and more types of internet-enabled devices enter the market, IT policies, skills and tools will have to evolve accordingly."