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Remote access packages are quite common these days, especially remote access software that works across TCP/IP connections such as the Internet. Remote access is only one part of the 'remote access' equation, however, and this is where NetClient enters the frame for existing TeleMagic users.

TeleMagic was one of the first contact and allied services packages to be developed for the PC. The original DOS edition debuted in 1985 and the software has evolved steadily over the years. This package, which comes supplied on CD-ROM plus a deceptively thin set of manuals for the server and client applications, has a wide number of applications, including remote access across LAN environments, as well as Intranet and extranet topologies.

The software will, of course, operate across the Internet, allowing laptop users to access their TeleMagic office systems across dialup modem connections. The transmission encryption system package is proprietary, but is claimed to be uncrackable. The good news here is that that, despite the high encryption levels, the transmission technology in the package is optimized for thin client environments, so you won't sit in your hotel room racking up monster phone bills.

Well, sort of - everyone knows what a rip-off hotel phones lines are, so the chances are you'll be logging in across your mobile phone data connection. Even at 9,600 bps, however, the remote access package allows users to move around the server environment remotely at a reasonably respectable rate.

Five years ago, this software could have retailed at around £800 ($1,140) or more. Today it's under half the price - the reason is the Internet and the development of relatively simple peer-to-peer remote access packages in the vein of PC Anywhere and Carbon Copy - two popular applications of a decade ago, when DOS was king. Remote access clients for VPNs are now quite standard, so it's difficult to see why major companies would need NetClient to access their TeleMagic applications - if they don't already have remote access facilities on their network, then they need to call in a VPN specialist.

This pitches the software, therefore, very firmly at the SME marketplace - firms with, say, more than a dozen staffers, but below the 100-150 employees mark, who probably have an ageing but trusty LAN-based client-server environment with PC workstations sitting on people's desks. Sounds familiar? It should be. Countless numbers of companies across the U.K., Europe and the U.S. have such installations and, truth be told, they should seriously consider moving up to one of the latest client-server systems where remote access is built in as a standard feature.

But NetClient is more than a remote access application. This is why the firm likes to sell the package via specialist dealers. The real market for this package is, of course, users who already use TeleMagic on their servers. For them, it's the only way forward for remote access users.

Two main modules provide the central core of this package - Contact Manager and Activity Manager. Other modules are, we are told, planned for the future.

Installing the software is relatively painless, and involves the use of a three-tier application centering around the client, the TeleMagic Application Server (TMAS) and the TeleMagic databases. Once installed, users access the centralized databases using a web-style user interface (the browser edition) or, if they prefer, across a TCP/IP remote access environment. There is a high level of integration with third-party word processing, database and so on, packages. We also liked the integral fax and email functions.

This ability to access across a web-based interface used to be viewed as an advantage a few years ago. These days, with dialup users realizing the cost of a browser-based access, with its attendant phone costs, we would have preferred to see an offline/online environment for remote users. This is why Lotus Notes continues to be so popular - its replication technology works well and helps to keep communications costs down.

Unless your organization has a VPN operated across leased lines, broadband (cable modem and SDSL) or access via a flat-rate Internet service provider (ISP), then NetClient could be expensive for mobile executives to dial in and use. Users of TeleMagic, the database package, however, have only a limited number of options, and TeleMagic NetClient appears to be the best option for them. The bottom line to all this is that, if your organization is already using TeleMagic, read on. If you're not, you could well do better with alternative applications.

Installing the server is relatively easy, as is the client. Users should have installed TeleMagic Enterprise already if they use TeleMagic, but version 4.5 comes on the CD-ROM in case they haven't.

We liked the extensive demonstration facilities the company offers on its web site - more than anything this illustrates what the packages are capable of. The server environment is well thought out. It includes the usual audit and statistics settings, and runs quite happily on a Windows IIS4/5 environment. The software is also unusual in supporting both Window NT and 2000 operating systems, although this isn't as curious as it first appears - Windows 2000 was known as Windows NT 5 when it first being developed.

The client application is quite minimalist in its approach, and will run, the instruction manual says, on a Pentium 120MHz with just 32Mb of system RAM. It will also run under Windows 95 if you have such an ancient operating system, although some HTML functions, most notably the HTML compiled help facility, will not operate correctly.

Because TeleMagic offers its software for trial downloads on its web site, users will need to input their dealer codes and serial number to enable some functions of the software. The good news is that serial number protection system is secure (we think) against intruders but, unlike some dongle protection systems, the protection system is far from intrusive and, once the package is installed, should not affect users.

Overall, we were impressed with the level of support that the company offers via its web site and over the phone. Granted, UK and European users will have to call US telephone numbers for support, but they should also have their TeleMagic dealer to turn to.

The software, then, is a well turned out set of applications with professional support. If you have TeleMagic, you'll need NetClient to allow you to access the server environment remotely. If you have a VPN, however, then you can complete the remote access procedures cheaply and probably more effectively using existing remote access clients, which are available at relatively lower prices.

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