Posts Tagged ‘multiplicity pro’
Small Business Resource Review: Multiplicity Pro
Monday, January 7th, 2008
If you’re a small business owner that does your work from multiple computers, you might like a program to simplify your work and ratchet up the efficiency of your computer dealings.
Multiplicity , from a company called Stardock, may be just that program. It allows you to install the software on a single computer, from which you can then control several other computers. If you’ve been running around like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to coordinate and align several computers all day long, this software could be your savior.
Now, you may be saying you’re able to do this already with a KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) switch, for less than it costs to purchase Multiplicity; and while this is partly true, a KVM switch requires all of your computers to be hooked into the switch via three separate cords apiece. In addition, a KVM switch won’t let you transfer files between the computers; but Multiplicity will. It’s the answer for not only those small business owners who wish to clear up some of the clutter in their office, but want a higher level of control from a central machine.
We found installation of the program to be relatively easy, with most of the installation taking place on the computer you wish to use as your primary machine. As long as all of your computers are already hooked up through a local network, everything else should be a breeze. You can control how you would like to switch computers while at the primary machine, and all of the options therein are very easy and intuitive.
Once everything is set up correctly, the clutter can begin to disappear. The keyboards and mice belonging to the secondary machines can be put back in their boxes, saving you plenty of desk space and getting rid of some of the unsightly cable clutter that tends to accumulate when there are multiple computers involved.
Even with the benefits inherent in the Multiplicity program, we did find a few things we would have liked to have seen improved, or would like to see improved in the next version. When VPN is in use, Multiplicity is automatically disabled. While this is understandable, as VPN more or less separates a computer from its network, we would like to see a workaround that is less trouble than what Stardock currently recommends. There is also no way to drag and drop files from one PC to another, which seems as though it would be a simple fix.
Overall, Multiplicity is a quality piece of software, and worth trying for a small business owner looking to consolidate their time and clutter when it comes to their computer area. There is a free trial version available, and a couple of different price points for the software, depending on the features you want. The full version currently retails at $49.95, which is a steal if you’re operating on a tight budget.
Tags: multiplicity pro, Reviews, small business, Small Business Resources, Stardock
Posted in News & Articles | No Comments »