[NTLUG:Discuss] OT - Remote Linux Help Desk options, Bomgar?

[Mike LaPlante]

Tony wrote:
> On Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:31 AM, Mike LaPlante <mike at dividia.net> wrote:
>   
>> Off topic, but I was curious if anyone here works for an IT group that
>> uses the Bomgar Box (www.bomgar.com) as a Help Desk tool. My boss has
>> asked me to look into them and do some comparison shopping. Problem is I
>> can't find any apples to apples comparisons.
>>
>> I'm not opposed to software based services (GoToAssist, LogMeIn,
>> CoPilot, etc), however most of those are Windows only AFAIK. Where as
>> I've got about 350 CentOS servers spread around the US that I need to
>> support. Some are headless sitting in server racks. Oh, and I of course
>> run a linux workstation here at the office. So I need Linux -> Linux
>> capabilities.
>>
>> Oh, and VNC is great, but it requires our customers open firewalls, or
>> we get VPN access, or other trickery. Which sometimes just isn't
>> possible. Plus we like the idea of customers being able to request
>> support via a portal site.
>>
>> So, what do you guys use for such things?
>>     
>
> Screen + ssh is all i use. Its all i have ever used. Do you really
> need to manage those servers GUI desktops?
>
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>   

SSH requires open ports. We are a CCTV surveillance company. Our servers 
run a full screen DVR application GUI that allows customers to view live 
and recorded video. I often have to connect to their desktop and show 
them how to use the software.