LogMeIn Ignition

CNET editors' take

The LogMeIn remote access service just got a bit easier to use. With the announcement of LogMeIn Ignition, LogMeIn customers can use any USB-enabled storage device plugged into a remote PC to access a host PC's desktop. LogMeIn remote access doesn't require file synchronization; by placing a file on the host PC (the remote desktop you are trying to access), you literally control that PC remotely. Currently, all you need is an Internet browser and sometimes a Javascript add-on for that browser before you can access the LogMeIn service. LogMeIn Ignition circumvents that by directly connecting to the LogMeIn service, sans browser, opening a window on the remote desktop with complete full-screen access to the hosted computer. We found LogMeIn Ignition useful when traveling, when every second counts while accessing our office computer remotely.

LogMeIn Ignition is currently free to try, starting March 12, 2007; after a 30-day trial period, the software costs $49.95 a year on top of an annual subscription to one or more of the family of LogMeIn services, which include: LogMeIn Pro, LogMeIn Rescue, LogMeIn IT Reach, LogMeIn Backup, and LogMeIn Scout. Unlike Citrix GoToMyPC, LogMeIn also offers LogMeIn Free, which provides basic remote access to a hosted PC but without the ability to transfer files or print locally. USB-enabled devices supported by LogMeIn Ignition include USB thumb drives, iPods, digital cameras, and mobile phones. All of the data remains on the remote-hosted PC. Since no data is stored on the USB devices, if a device is ever lost, there is no security breach.

Without a browser in sight, you now can log in directly to the LogMeIn service.