Skytap’s SmartClient Provides Secure Remote Access from Any Browser, Device
Cloud capabilities enhance user experience; , intuitive self-service with full visibility and control.
Note: ESJ’s editors carefully choose vendor-issued press releases about new or upgraded products and services. We have edited and/or condensed this release to highlight key features but make no claims as to the accuracy of the vendor's statements.
Skytap, a self-service cloud automation solutions provider, has released a new secure remote access solution -- SmartClient -- that offers users a fast, easy, and secure way to connect and interact with the computing environments in Skytap Cloud.
SmartClient offers the flexibility to access Skytap Cloud virtual machines using a new browser app or a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)-capable client on any device, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. SmartClient brings to market innovations that span both the software layer that powers Skytap Cloud and the remote access clients used by Skytap customers. These new capabilities makes it easy for users to access any Skytap Cloud-supported guest host, including Windows, Linux, or virtual appliances as if they were using a physical machine.
SmartClient simplifies user interaction when working with a large number of virtual machines (VMs). The user interface includes a new toolbar that adds common actions such as toggling to full-screen mode, run/suspend VM, and one-click credential details. Users can easily switch between multiple VMs without leaving full-screen mode and can use a new multi-VM view to manage any number of VMs.
The solution gives users the ability to auto-suspend virtual machine after periods of inactivity. Other features include enhanced collaboration with an “over-the-shoulder” view and the ability to assign granular user access permissions. Additionally, customers can access any Skytap Cloud virtual machine without having to expose network ports to the Internet.
Other new features enhance visibility and control of cloud deployments:
- Customizable Resource Utilization Reporting: Skytap Cloud allows users to create customized reports with a range of options to audit groups or individuals over a specified period of time. Users can export the reports for further analysis or import them directly into an existing reporting and billing system. Customers can quickly and easily review their cloud computing utilization and more accurately forecast their future usage. When combined with existing quota management, advanced notifications, and virtual machine auto-suspend features, these capabilities offer businesses all the benefits of cloud computing with the IT controls commonly utilized on premise.
- Configurable Virtual Machine Bursting Limits: Administrators can now set a maximum ceiling of resource use over the customer’s existing subscription level. This flexible limit provides customers with additional burst-computing capacity to accommodate any temporary usage spikes. Skytap Cloud notifications can send real-time alerts when normal subscription limits have been exceeded so the customer is aware that they have exceeded their existing subscription capacity.
More information is available at www.skytap.com.