Mobiles get enterprise-grade remote control

RealVNC already offers remote control tools for Windows

RealVNC is to release a two-way remote control tool for mobile devices in versions for Symbian, Windows Mobile, Apple's iPhone, Linux and Blackberry platforms.

The company is to preview its VNC for mobile platforms at the Symbian Smartphone Show in London on 21-22 October, followed by a beta test programme. Release versions are due in early 2009, the company said.

RealVNC already sells VNC Enterprise Edition, a cross-platform tool for Windows, Unix and Mac platforms that enables administrators to take remote control of a system.

The mobile version will offer the same functionality, according to the firm, enabling VNC users to access and control any PC or workstation via their mobile phone or PDA.

The converse will also be true, allowing an administrator to control and manage any number of mobile devices, anywhere in the world, from a desktop or laptop computer.

RealVNC chief executive Dr Andy Harter said that having remote access to a PC desktop from a mobile device has obvious benefits for individual users, but " perhaps more useful is the ability to manage the mobile device and the business applications running on it remotely".

According to Harter, administrators will soon be able to take control of a mobile device anywhere in the world, remotely configure or troubleshoot a problem, and offer remote assistance and training on how to use the device and its applications.