Citrix finally adds Mac support to GoToMyPC

Citrix is adding support for the Apple platform with an upgrade to its GoToMyPC 7.0 software.

The company has over two thirds of the remote access software market, according to IDC, but the lack of Mac support is allowing competitors like LogMeIn to build close relationships with Apple.

Citrix's rival holds less than 20 percent of the overall market, but supports iPhone users as well.

"With this new release, we are giving Mac users what they have been asking for, a reliable remote access service built specifically for the Mac," said Brett Caine, general manager of Citrix Online.

"The large and growing Mac community can rest assured of finally having a remote access service that works as advertised from the most trusted name in the category."

The software upgrade costs US$19.95 ($21.47) a month for a single computer or US$29.95 for two systems, but the company is also doing discounted annual rates for professional and large enterprise customers. There is also a 30-day free trial.

Remote access software is growing increasingly popular in the personal and corporate markets. A recent IDC report estimates the total annual value of the market at around US$150 million.

"Customers value Citrix's remote access services software GoToMyPC for its capabilities, reliability and ease of use," said Sean Ryan, senior analyst for mobile enterprise software at IDC.

"With market projections for the Mac and remote access services to grow, GoToMyPC is well positioned in the market."

The most common use of the software in the enterprise is for remote IT support, but a recent Forrester survey said that, while it did make them more efficient, IT administrators chiefly liked the software because it keeps users happy.

"Mobility is here to stay, and investment in tools to better support mobile and remote users represents a significant upside for the business as a whole," IDC said.

The report found improved worker and executive management satisfaction with IT cited as a primary benefit (78 per cent), followed by increased productivity of remote workers (72 per cent) and IT efficiency (67 per cent).