Laplink Gold 12 Won't Be Bringing Any Medals Home

Laplink Gold version 12 includes new embedded technologies that make accessing machines remotely much easier, including a much friendlier user interface. Laplink has made the software more comprehensive and less complicated for the average user.

The company took more of a security-focused approach with this release and incorporated a dual-authentication system. Besides the built-in Laplink authentication, solution providers can configure the software to use Microsoft Windows authentication as well. Administrators can use either method or both to authenticate users. For example, if the software is installed in an environment that already has authentication from IT in place, Laplink's authentication can be easily integrated to add users and manage their privileges, providing two layers of security.

To further emphasize security, the software includes a built-in antivirus engine from Softwin's BitDefender to check file transfers before they are passed between PCs, and if a malignancy arises, the software warns individuals that they might have a virus. BitDefender provides antivirus protection and realtime attachment scanning without slowing down network traffic or hogging bandwidth. BitDefender software is free for one year, and solution providers can renew the protection through Laplink after the one-year trial period has expired.

Even with the addition of the simplified user interface, antivirus protection and other upgrades, there are some problems with the software. Right off the bat, installation is a nuisance. The company requires a key and serial number provided only once when a user account is initially created over the Web. Once the installation screen accepts both the key and the serial number, the administrator has to register with Laplink in order to use the Internet features over the Web. The registration process took longer than setting up the scheduler and actually using the software.

Another gripe about the software is that it requires restarting a user's computer at least two or three times, which really tested the patience of CRN Test Center engineers.

The company has included a USB 2.0 connector that provides a direct connection to a client machine for transferring data. The company claims that the direct connection can provide up to 44 Mbps or higher throughput if the two connections are both USB 2.0-enabled, but CRN Test Center engineers couldn't achieve the optimistic performance the company claimed was possible. Using two notebook PCs with USB 2.0-enabled on both, transferring 3.4 Gbytes of data took more than an hour and the data transfer rate didn't come close to 44 Mbps.

Once the installation and registration process is complete, things get a lot easier. After the USB 2.0 cable is attached, the user interface displays a split-screen view of both PCs' storage capacity and data transfer options. Transferring data from one PC to another is as simple as dragging and dropping files and/or folders from one side of the screen to the other. The software also includes an optional scheduler tool. The built-in utility allows users to schedule specific programs or tasks, such as a scheduled file transfer, to run on specific days. The tool also provides an easy way to schedule a chore through the scheduler user interface. Users simpy click the browse button to search the computer for the program or file they want to schedule an action. Users can also type the name and location of the program or file directly into the run field, but using the browse feature is easier. If the user decides to type the file name instead of browsing for it, they must include the full path, such as C:\Windows\Wordpad.exe.

The scheduler also provides different interval options for running scheduled applications. If users want to run an application just one time, they can either type the date the action should occur into the run-on box or select the date from an integrated calendar. Users can also choose to run specific events after a certain number of days, such as every seven or 15 days. There are also options for running chores on a weekly and/or monthly basis.

Pricing starts at $129.95 and includes a USB 2.0 cable. The product ships with three one-user licenses, which can be installed on as many as three machines. Laplink Gold version 12 also includes antivirus protection and Internet access free for one year. After the first year, the company charges a $19.95 per year for renewal of these services.

The company also provides a downloadable software package for businesses that need more than the standard three user licenses. For these customers, the licensing charge is based on volume and pricing can be as low as $10 per license depending on the business's size and customer base. For instance, government and commercial customers are subject to different licensing charges.

According to Laplink, average reseller margin is in the 15 percent to 30 percent range. Margins vary based on the software buyer. For example, OEMs and system builders are given different margin opportunities. Laplink offers a one-year warranty on the Laplink Gold version 12 software.