Remote Scan Software

While the software might be expensive, it's still cheaper than buying a second (or third) scanner for network use. Small businesses--and maybe even some larger ones--may find Remote Scan an easy way to network scanners and save a bundle.

Having a scanner available on a network seems a great idea to me. I've got a few laptops around the house, all on the same wireless network, and since I only have one scanner, I would typically have to bring the laptop I was using up to the office and connect via USB. Not the best way to use my time.

Remote Scan offered a way to solve this problem. The company said its software would allow any computer on the network to share the single scanner. On the company's Web site, they even offer the chance to use their office scanner remotely, as a test.

Or was it a gimmick? I got an evaluation copy and gave it a try. The software was quick and easy to install; I simply downloaded a single executable file from the company's site and ran it to start the installation. There are two parts; one goes on the "server" computer (for me, the computer that's physically attached to my printer/scanner, a Canon MP530 that's not network ready), the other piece of software goes on the computers that will access the scanner remotely. All that software was installed surprisingly easily and without having to understand a lot of technical language.

All well and good, but could I connect without a lot of troubleshooting? You bet. I inserted a picture from the scanner remotely, using Microsoft Word. The scan happened quickly and flawlessly.

Purchasing the product is where it becomes clear that it's a solution more for businesses than casual home users. A single license costs $290, with discounts as more users are added (expect to pay more if you want the yearly upgrades and phone support).