| Type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications software and services |
| Headquarters | Santa Barbara, California (United States) |
| Parent | Citrix Systems, Inc |
| Website | www.gotomypc.com |
GoToMyPC is a remote control software service that enables the user to operate their computer from another computer, over the Internet. Citrix Online, a division of Citrix Systems, produces GoToMyPC.
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GoToMyPC was originally developed by Expertcity of Santa Barbara, California, founded in 1997 to provide third-party tech-support services. The software allows a desktop view of a host computer to be manipulated from a client computer that is connected through a TCP/IP network. GoToMyPC enlarged that software model by using the Internet for connectivity, protecting transmissions with high-security encryption and multiple passwords. By combining a web-hosted subscription service with software installed on the host computer, transmissions could be passed through highly restrictive firewalls. In its product literature,[1] and press releases[2] Expertcity spoke of patent protection for its proprietary technology.
In December 2003, Citrix Systems of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, acquired the GoToMyPC service and its developer, Expertcity, for $225 million, half cash and half stock.[3] News reports from January 2006 indicated that Citrix had attained the leading market share for web-hosted remote access.[4] The following month, however, Citrix was faced with a lawsuit filed by 01 Communique Laboratory of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada,[5] claiming that GoToMyPC infringes a patent.[6] Expertcity appears to have introduced key features of the GoToMyPC service during 2001,[7] while the 01 Communique patent was filed June 16, 2000. The 01 Communique Laboratory patent application was published November 21, 2002, before acquisition of Expertcity by Citrix. As of 2010, the patent infringement claims have been upheld, and Citrix has appealed the decision.[8]
Expertcity was co-founded by Klaus Schauser, Malte Muenke, and Bernd Oliver Christiansen. The original online marketers for its GoToMyPC product were John Greathouse, Dan Engel, and Terry Whalen. The current CEO of Citrix Online is Brett Caine, and global marketing is led by Erin Hintz.[9]
GoToMyPC has been sold in three editions—Personal, Pro, and Corporate—providing increasing service management capabilities. GoToMyPC allows remote access to a PC from an Internet-connected computer or wireless device running any of several operating systems. Software is installed and remote access is obtained by logging onto the GoToMyPC website. GoToMyPC features in all editions include:
In February 2011, a GoToMyPC app for iPad was launched.[10]
Many competing products exist, including other web-hosted services, and both commercial and free software. Some are listed below, under See also.
GoToMyPC is a part of Citrix Online’s collection of web-based software. In addition to GoToMyPC, Citrix Online develops GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar, GoToTraining, GoToManage, GoToAssist, and HiDef Corporate.