E/pop: A Good Chat Over the LAN

You're in Control

The program's convenience and immediacy are amplified for administrators: E/pop's easy-to-use remote-control features can provide leg-saving relief for an IS staff. Just click on the Remote Control option in the Admin tab, select the user's machine, and voila, you're in control. The ability to remotely control and administer any computer on the network simplifies tasks such as ending errant processes, or helping someone set up an icon for a new program. You can administer up to 64 remote computers simultaneously.

Don't worry--WiredRed also takes security into account. Network administrators can modify E/pop's .exe file using the program's Control Panel application before distributing the software to end users on the network--so Sam in Shipping won't be able to commandeer Jenny's PC in Accounts Payable.

Aside from implementing security controls, the Control Panel lets administrators deactivate options and remove features for networked E/pop users, while maintaining those features for themselves. Users who try to circumvent security by downloading a fresh copy of E/pop from the Internet will be disappointed: Since the global password will not match what's already installed, the software will abort.

This level of control, on top of the instant-messaging and collaboration features, makes E/pop a strong addition to any company network. And the program's multiple functionality easily justifies the price--a five-user license costs $95. Additional license packs are available in increments of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 250 users. The 250-user license is reasonably priced at $3995.