Connecting to a Mobile Phone Over the Internet

Written by: Craig Edmonds | November 5, 2009

I am currently working on a project for a client which involves a piece of software which can be downloaded over the internet and installed on a mobile phone.

The software does three functions:

1) Performs a backup of the contacts, videos and photos from the phone
2) Can restore contacts, videos and photos back to the phone
3) Can lock the phone in the case of theft.

At the time of writing the software is still in testing phase but looks real promising.

Little Compatibility between Manufacturers

However, seeing there are over 700 different phone manufacturers and 8000 + models of mobile phone in the market and add to that there is no real unified platform between them to ensure compatibility between all of them, the backup and restore software is not 100% compatible with all makes and models and because of that, in some cases, users encounter difficulties installing or configuring the app the first time.

Supporting UK Clients from Spain

This week I was asked by my client to give some technical support to a couple of their own sales guys in the UK and was pondering about how to ensure that I can give them the best possible support seeing that I am based in Spain and they are in the UK.

After all, if the sales people can see the backup software works, they have faith and will sell it more, but I envisioned it was going to be difficult support session as I would not have access to their phone and people usually don’t know much about how to use their phones therefore making the situation more than likely uncomfortable for both myself and the sales people in the UK.

Enter Log Me In Rescue

This is where “Log Me In Rescue” comes in. I have been using this remote support system for years to give support to clients when they have issues with their email, it allow me to login to their PC or MAC and use their machine as if I was on site.

The beauty of it is that it saves me having to visit a client, hence saves money and the issue is fixed immediately. The client can be anywhere in the world and I can give them immediate and personal support. The client is usually quite impressed with the way I handle things so quickly and that of course is always good for business.

But what about mobile phone users?

More and more people these days are using mobile devices to check their emails, update twitter or facebook. In the past I have had clients contact me about how to configure their email on their blackberry or nokia and the best I have been able to do is advise them to check their user manual. I always felt a little bad about not being able to help them a little more.

Now though, its possible to give those users the same support as the MAC and PC users. Yes, the same way I can connect to a clients computer, its now possible to connect to a clients mobile phone, with the minimum of hassle.

I was so impressed with the logmeinrescue mobile support system, below, I have put together a demo session connecting from my pc to my Nokia Phone to demonstrate how it works.

As you can see, its all quite straightforward. Iphone is not currently supported but most blackberries are as well as any mobile with Symbian.

Whats in store for the future?

Everyday I am amazed at the technology that comes out and I am wondering, with the advent of Internet TV’s, will there be a support system to connect to a users TV and show them how to use it? How about microwaves? I would love nothing better than to contact a support agent so they can sow me how to use one.

Topics: Technology | View Comments