Remote desktop software to be used within my application

Question

Does anybody know a good, free remote desktop solution to be used within another application, namely, the application I'm developing?

My application displays a list of computers currently available on the local network. I want the user to be able to select one of them, and establish a remote desktop connection to it.

Windows Desktop Connection isn't working for me, since it logs off the user currently working with that particular PC. I need something like LogMeIn Free, regarding its direct control of the Mouse and Keyboard, but only working on local network and and not requiring an internet connection, just like Windows Remote Desktop Connection; and of course capable of being invoked through another application.

Thanks all.

EDIT:

I realized there is no need to actually embed the remote desktop software within my application, a simple remote desktop .exe accepting arguments through command-line would be much better. I need something to be fed the name or IP of the remote PC, the Windows account's username and password, and simply connect to the remote PC displaying a single window.

How about that?

Answer 1

What about FogCreek CoPilot?

Answer 2

Any reason not to use one of the various implementations of VNC? There are implementations available under various licenses so you should be able to find one to suit your needs. You could tunnel it over a VPN of some sort if you require more security.

VNC does not have the side effect of logging off any existing users. However, it does require a client to be installed - as would any solution other than Windows Remote Desktop (which requires only correct permissions).

(As a side note I just discovered there is an open source VNC client written in C# - what language is your project written in?)

Also, Wikipedia has a comprehensive if slightly confusing comparison of remote access software

There is an open source .NET application called Terminals that seems to work in a very similar fashion to what you are describing. It supports RDP and VNC - it might provide a good starting point for your application?

Answer 3

Here's a product called SupportSmith SDK that supports what you're looking for. It's a set of ActiveX and .NET components that allow you to easily add remote support to your applications:

SupportSmith SDK