Desktop on Demand Concept looks to quash privacy issues

Desktop on Demand, a remote desktop service launched by Security Firm De Futuro, aims at providing IT and document management teams with a full office suite, enhanced privacy and file sharing functionality.

The additional privacy inherent in the product is the result of a remotely hosted Web browser, which eliminates the possibility of the user's usage habits being tracked by the ISP.

"Our users surf from behind the curtain of our domain," explained Paresh Morjaria, managing director of De Futuro. "As a result, web browsing is once more anonymous. This is a huge benefit for users concerned about Big Brother peeping into their Web usage records. From here information can be derived that could negatively impact on their employment opportunities, insurance prospects or relationship with current employers.

Indeed, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, has recently raised the insurance issue with regard to the launch of Phorm, a tool used to target advertising based on Web surfing data. Sir Berners-Lee highlighting such issues demonstrates that many individuals and businesses don't want their activity to influence the content, or increase the frequency, of the adverts they are exposed to. They see this as a breach of their privacy."

The key difference between Desktop on Demand and most 'remote desktop' software is that, rather than allowing the user to access the files and software stored on his or her own PC, Desktop on Demand provides an  online work space where data can be securely and safely stored and the complimentary software provided can be used. As a result, the desktop can be reached at any time from anywhere - there is no need to leave a PC running and connected to the Web at home or in the office to be accessed.