LogMeIn Coming Soon to a Linux Box Near You?

by Kristin Shoemaker - Mar. 16, 2009Comments (2)

LogMeIn offers a wide array of products to remotely access and administer systems -- as long as the system is running Windows, Mac OS, or certain smartphone platforms. According to TechWorld (Australia), this could change later this year.

The reasons that LogMeIn's Asia Pacific General Manager, Seth Shaw, gives for reaching out towards the Linux platform are intriguing -- and heartening.

There are a number of utilities to remotely administer and access Linux machines -- that ability could almost be considered a defining point of the platform. Different applications based on VNC (x11VNC, or TightVNC, for instance) have been staples in Linux distributions for quite some time.

Shaw tells TechWorld that LogMeIn is delving into Linux support because, in spite of this, there's been quite a demand. Shaw says that LogMeIn helps take some of the network specific configurations guesswork out of remote connections, giving it an advantage over the traditional VNC tools and front ends. He also says that the company is testing its mobile+rescue product on the Android platform, and he expects that some Linux desktop applications will be available before 2009 draws to a close.

While that's good news to those already pining for a LogMeIn for Linux release, the move to support Linux (in light of its existing tools) is exciting for other reasons. LogMeIn is listening to its consumer base -- and to its potential consumer base -- by providing its services to an alternative platform. The number of requests must have been fairly significant to catch the company's attention -- and that's also impressive. Perhaps the Linux desktop doesn't have a large marketshare, but it's large enough for LogMeIn to spend time and money developing products for. That's not without value.


Browse Blog

Dawn Giorgio uses OStatic to support Open Source, ask and answer questions and stay informed. What about you?



2 Comments
 

While Linux is certainly an area of interest for LogMeIn, I’m afraid this article overstates our commitment to deliver broad-based Linux support across our product lines this year. That said, we’re certainly listening to what our customer tell us about the requirement for Linux support. We have announced a technical preview of remote support for Android smartphones in our Rescue+Mobile product. Additionally, preview versions of a LogMeIn Linux Browser Plugin are available on our Labs page: https://secure.logmein.com/labs.asp. I wanted to set the record straight to avoid setting an expectation that may not be met. Our apologies for the misunderstanding.


Thank you,

Trip Kucera

Director of Corporate Communications for LogMeIn, Inc.


0 Votes

I really hope that Logmein at least comes out with a supported, current, 32bit and 64bit client. Right now I use the 32bit by installing the 32bit version of Firefox on Ubuntu 64bit. It works, but it's not what I'd call stable.


I'm a paying customer of Logmein and will continue to be, but would really like a version for Linux as that is becoming my platform of choice at home. I use Logmein to connect to my business' computer and to help support family members who are not near me.


A server would be nice, but a client is much more appreciated.


0 Votes
Share Your Comments

If you are a member, to have your comment attributed to you. If you are not yet a member, Join OStatic and help the Open Source community by sharing your thoughts, answering user questions and providing reviews and alternatives for projects.