Having dealt with more than one customer site where remote access to PC's would (or has) simplified matters, I have to say that it is a good idea.
The key is that I work for an automation contractor, and systems we deploy do not belong to particular users; the systems belong to the process or line they control. As such, it is essential that we correct any issues promptly, which is more easily done over VPN or dial-up line, rather than taking a drive or a flight.
Additionally, the users we deal with are responsible only for the workings of their process or line, not for the condition of the PC's they sometimes use.
A co-worker took a trip last week (hour and a half drive, each way) only to reboot a PC. This also speaks of the capabilities of the customer.
Ok, I suppose I'll respond to what looks like flamebait.
"I can't see how it's good to remove the humanity from mining"
Few industries are as physically dangerous for human labour. Major disasters are a fact of life - see The Westray Disaster for a summary of lives lost in a moderately recent Canadian accident.
I won't respond to the rest of your rant - just consider this - machinery can be replaced, lives can't. Thinking that a mine is a source of a job, not a danger to human life, merely reinforces a viewpoint that labour is merely a commodity.
Slashdot Mirror
By far the best comic quote ever uttered, especially out of the mouth of a penguin.
Ed
The key is that I work for an automation contractor, and systems we deploy do not belong to particular users; the systems belong to the process or line they control. As such, it is essential that we correct any issues promptly, which is more easily done over VPN or dial-up line, rather than taking a drive or a flight.
Additionally, the users we deal with are responsible only for the workings of their process or line, not for the condition of the PC's they sometimes use.
A co-worker took a trip last week (hour and a half drive, each way) only to reboot a PC. This also speaks of the capabilities of the customer.
Ed
"I can't see how it's good to remove the humanity from mining"
Few industries are as physically dangerous for human labour. Major disasters are a fact of life - see The Westray Disaster for a summary of lives lost in a moderately recent Canadian accident.
I won't respond to the rest of your rant - just consider this - machinery can be replaced, lives can't. Thinking that a mine is a source of a job, not a danger to human life, merely reinforces a viewpoint that labour is merely a commodity.
Ed