LogMeIn has added Android support to the latest version of its Rescue remote control software, the latest sign that developers are trying hard to make the platform a more rounded prospect for the business sector.
At its most basic level, support admins can connect a support console direct to devices that have the LogMeIn app installed, which gives them an overview of the system state, installed apps, and the resources being used by different processes.
What is brand new is the ability to completely control the device in order to fix any problems detected, including the ability for the admin to see the effect of these actions using 'tearaway' screens. LogMeIn claims that Rescue is the first product that can do this for Android devices.
Session access to the device is initiated by the engineer generating as one-time PIN code, which is transferred to the user via phone or using a built-in instant messaging screen.
Rescue for Android is aimed at mobile operators but can also be used by businesses to cope with the increased support demands of tablets as well as smartphones. The company's Ignition app for remotely controlling desktop computers has already been demonstrated with Google's forthcoming Honeycomb tablet OS, so the likelihood is that Rescue will support this iteration of Android in time.
"The growth of Android and other smartphones has new implications for IT support of consumer devices in the workplace as the edge of the network is further extended," said Thomas Vetterani of CompuCom, an IT outsourcing company that uses LogMeIn Rescue to support its clients.
Rescue already supports rival smartphone platforms, including the iPhone, BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile, but Android will be the key segment.
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