Compared with most rivals' GUIs, Linktivity's visual appeal is stunning. We quickly forgot some of the complexities of the installation and moved to performance.
Linktivity reached the top of the mark in our bitmap-transfer test, beating out LapLink, Symantec and NetSupport. It was also a top performer in our stability test, identifying and coping with a broken communication link under 20 seconds. With a similar pricing model as TWD, Linktivity's cost for 1,000 users was based on the number of agents or support staff. At 10 users, the cost was beat only by our freebies: Microsoft and TridiaVNC. But in file transfer testing, it dropped down to ninth position and, with a browser, Linktivity is our heaviest remote control program in operation (23,860 KB). But remember, there is no persistent client to install or maintain on either side of remote-control operations. On the server side, Linktivity offers some cool features, such as graphical gauges to monitor caching, compression ration and bytes per second. It also provides central control and live statistics for all connections made between hosts and masters.
However, when we drilled down to remote control, Linktivity lacked some very common features that its rivals provide. For example, Linktivity cannot broadcast previously recorded sessions. Also, when it comes to file transfers, Linktivity lacks drag-and-drop capabilities, delta file transfers, crash recovery and folder synchronization, and it does not restrict access to the file system.
Hosts can be controlled in two ways. They can invite a master via e-mail or request help by filling out a Web form on the server. The request is then sent to a queue to await an available representative. An audible message acknowledges queue status. A master accepts the invitation for remote control, and the server enables the parties to engage in remote control, file transfers, co-browsing (browse the same Web sites), and chat using voice or text. The host, however, must approve of the controlled sessions and file transfers, and the sessions do not support screen blanking or locking of the keyboard and mouse. Although these are security features in our other remote-control packages, their disability in Linktivity reflects its customer-oriented design.
WebInteractive 2.0, $1,499/$8.999. Linktivity, a division of SpartaCom Technologies. (800) 809-1245. www.linktivity.com
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