Build the Website While the Client Watches

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I recently had a bad day where the file I needed was about an hour away. I made the drive, burned the gas, spent the time and then went back to my original location. During that drive I thought about how expensive this drive was. My client was waiting, I was driving, my car was aging, and I knew it was time to check out a “Go to My PC” kind of solution. So I played with a couple and here is my review.

GoToMyPc
Probably due to the millions they spend on advertising, this was the service that came to mind first. I installed it, and was glad to see all the extra security involved. The first time I logged in on my laptop I was happy to see extra bells and whistles. These included the ability to synchronize folders on my desktop and laptop, the ability to listen to files on my desktop from my laptop (Without playing through the speakers at home), a built in FTP program and a pretty fast speed. I thought this is well worth the 20 bucks (15 if you buy a year).

WebEx PCNow
The next service I tried was WebEx PCNow which is cheaper ($13 a month, 11 if you buy a year), and if you are looking for the ability to access your computer ONLY. This is it. It works, same type of security, the speed seemed a little slower, but if you’re on a budget…

Online Meeting Alternatives to Gotomeeting.com - Put the Customer Over Your Shoulder
I recently had a customer who was on an extremely tight budget. I used meeting software to pull her into the design (no more guessing if they like it, and revision, and revision). You’ve probably heard of GoToMeeting.com ($50 bucks a month) and WebEx has their version called “Meet Me Now” ($40 bucks a month). I wanted something without the monthly fee. Enter Persony a great tool that has NO monthly fee, and since it delivers our meeting in flash, it requires NO software installs for your client. It’s WAS only $99 bucks (editors note Persony changed their business plan to a monthly fee).

Please Note Persony quit selling the “one time payment” version of their software and switched to a web based system. - bummer

Recorded using a Zoom H4