Apple Releases Remote Desktop


Apple has announced its Remote Desktop software for OS X, a tool for real-time screen sharing.

Targeted at education, business and mobile professionals, Remote Desktops allow users to monitor up to 250 screens either on a LAN or remotely via the internet. Teachers, for example, can monitor students' work in a classroom or lab.

Remote Desktop can also be used for on-screen demos or to give attention to an individual user. It also works over wired LANs, internet or Airport networks.

The software can also administer what is used on a Mac, and what software installs are loaded or deleted. Software or files may be delelted or added by an administrator. Systems can be renamed, and even hard drives can be remotely verified and repaired.

Apple Remote Desktop can manage up to 5000 Macs with client software installed (in groups of up to 250). A 10-client license permit management of up to 10 Macs, while an unlimited license allows administration of up to 5000.

Apple Remote Desktop comes in two versions: a 10-client edition for managing up to 10 Macs, and an unlimited-client edition that allows you to install the client software on an unlimited number of computers at a single location -- and to manage up to 5000 Macs at a time, in groups of up to 250 computers.

The 10-client license is $299, while unlimited licenses are $499. More info from Apple's Remote Desktop page. It's available for immediate order from the AppleStore.

Analysis: This is like a supercharged Timbuktu and should help Apple win friends and influence people in many schools. The unlimited client license is also very competitively priced. With PowerSchool, this shows Apple is serious about applying their technology - particularly OS X and Airport technology - to education and other sectors. The only people who won't be smiling are the kids who are surfing instead of studying.