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ScreenConnect
Developer(s)	Elsinore Technologies
Stable release	3.1 / February 2013
Operating system	Android; iOS; Linux; OS X; Windows
Type	Remote desktop software
License	proprietary
Website	www.screenconnect.com

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ScreenConnect is a self-hosted remote desktop software application that has remote support, remote access, and remote meeting capabilities. ScreenConnect was developed by Elsinore Technologies in 2008.

Product

How it works

The product is a self-hosted server application^[1] that permits the primary user to host the software on their own servers, PC, virtual machine (VM), or virtual private server (VPS). Once installed, the central web application can be made visible inside and outside of the local area network (LAN). ScreenConnect has a proprietary protocol and exposes an open architecture structure that can be utilized by product owners to implement custom plugins, scripting, or various integrations.

A generic use model would start with the host, technician or meeting presenter, initiating a session through the central web application. A guest, customer or participant, would then join a session by clicking on an email link or via the guest page of the application. For access to machines without an end-user, a unattended client can be created and deployed to a targeted machine.^[2]^[3]

Features

Most commonly expected features for a product in this arena are present with a full list available on their website. Examples include Reboot & Reconnect, drag and drop file transfer, screen recording, safe mode support, multiple monitor, chat, and a custom toolbox for quick deployment of support tools.

In addition to features that facilitate communication, ScreenConnect also offers 100% branding and customization of the product design, logo, color scheme, icons, text strings, and localization.

Security

The software is self-hosted providing users the ability to control the flow of data behind their own firewall and security implementations. ScreenConnect uses 256-bit AES encryption to package and ship data, supports 2 factor authentication, has server level video auditing, and granular Role-based security.Forms-based and Windows Authentication are optional authentication methods for security purposes.

Compatibility

Host (presenter or technician): Can utilize Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS or Andriod operating systems. Guest (customer or participant): Can connect from Mac, Linux or Windows machines. Some support is available for Android and iOS devices

Technology

Server

The ScreenConnect server is on-premises, and runs as a .NET Framework application. On Microsoft Windows it runs as a set of services. On Linux and OS X it runs as a daemon on a bundled fork^[4] of the Mono Runtime.

The ScreenConnect server runs as a set of three discrete services:

The Web Server service is an outward-facing ASP.NET HTTP application and serves as a portal for both technicians and their end-users
The Relay service provides outward-facing in-session communication and operates on TCP sockets. Communication is encrypted with the AES-256 block cipher.
The Session Manager service provides a data store for both the Web Server and Relay services. It is implemented as WCF SOAP web service.

Clients

ScreenConnect sessions are arranged through the web application. Once users join sessions, a ScreenConnect client is launched to connect to the Relay service. ScreenConnect targets clients based on device and operating system:

The .NET client is targeted to Microsoft Windows computers and is activated with ClickOnce^[5] and/or a variety of bootstrappers.
The Java client is targeted to OS X and Linux computers and is activated with Java Web Start.
The iOS client is targeted to iPhones and iPads.
The Android client is targeted to Android phones and tablets.

Licensing

ScreenConnect licenses are concurrent based and are therefore not restricted to users or workstations. The licenses sit in a pool and can be used by any member of the organization. The company provides three types of licenses: a single concurrent that allows one simultaneous connection per license, an unlimited which allows an unlimited number of concurrent sessions as long as all sessions are utilizing the same server, and enterprise licenses which provide flexible options for SaaS, multi-user, or custom functionality.

Competitors

References

^ Wareprise (Feb 25, 2010) Remote Support Software
^ Jon Jacobi (Sept 8, 2010) PCWorld Reviews ScreenConnect
^ http://www.screenconnect.com/LearnMore.aspx
^ https://github.com/screenconnect/mono
^ Softsea reviews ScreenConnect

External links

[1] Wareprise (Feb 25, 2010) Remote Support Software

[2] Jon Jacobi (Sept 8, 2010) PCWorld Reviews ScreenConnect

[3] ttp://www.screenconnect.com/LearnMore.aspx

[4] ttps://github.com/screenconnect/mono

[5] Softsea reviews ScreenConnect

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