[AG-TECH] Remote VenueVNC startup and shutdown

[Jason Bell]

Colleagues

I am hoping that someone out there might have a "solution" to an issue I have.

Long story short, I have a dedicated machine outside our "network" which allows remote sites to easy connect to it as part of a VenueVNC session.

The problem is that this machine is not easy accessible (located in a machine room) and cannot be moved.  The problem is that I would like to setup a system that everyday AG operators can connect to and launch a VenueVNC session when required (Note: the remote machine is a Linux machine).  Obviously there are a few options, including such example like:

*	Shell scripts that remotely connect (maybe via ssh) and start the VenueVNC service;
	-	An issue to consider is that ssh connections time out and when it does, it kills the VenueVNC session.

*	A webserver that users can log into and via a website and launch appropriate service.

*	Some other remote means (has any used a terminal server to do this);

-	Note, I am not keen on using VNC, as it sends clear text passwords and I would like to make the process as simple as possible.

Obviously there are a few issues, such that the service may be required to started in different Virtual Venues and the duration for the session will differ.

Therefore, in an effort to save "re-inventing the wheel", has anyone implemented a system which would solve the problem posed above that I could re-use???

Many thanks in advance,
Jason.

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Jason Bell, B.I.T. (Honours)

Video Collaboration Champion
Australian Research Collaboration Service
http://www.arcs.org.au/ 

Senior Research Technologies Officer
Information Technology Directorate 
CQ University Australia

E-mail : 	j.bell at cqu.edu.au
         		Jason.bell at arcs.org.au
Work   : 	+61 7 4930 9229
Mobile : 	0409 630897
Postal : 	Building 19
         		Central Queensland University
         		Bruce Highway
         		Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, 4702
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Patience is a virtue.

But if I wanted Patience,
I would have become a Doctor.
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