November 23 2009: The world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) based in historic Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, is using VNC Enterprise Edition from RealVNC to provide remote IT monitoring and support for its London offices, for the company when it goes on tour internationally, and during its annual residencies in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.  With over 500 production staff responsible for putting on performances to over half a million theatre goers last year alone, IT plays a lead role in keeping the show on the road. By deploying VNC Enterprise Edition, the behind-the-scenes RSC IT helpdesk team can now remotely fix any potential problems immediately without causing disruptions.

Playing to 85% capacity audiences, customer service is a high priority for the RSC.  VNC Enterprise Edition enables the RSC to monitor box office customer service and to maintain electronic kiosks located in the theatre foyers to ensure visitors can always collect their tickets without hassle. “RealVNC allows our IT helpdesk team to gain easy remote access to any of our PCs or laptops in the UK or across the globe,” said Wayne Evans, systems manager at the RSC. “Its flexibility to provide remote monitoring for our box offices and support for our electronic kiosks, also helps us to provide the highest levels of customer service.”

With simple peer-to-peer architecture, VNC Enterprise Edition uses minimal system resources yet incorporates industry standard security. By using the VNC Deployment Tool the RSC IT team can also perform desktop or server upgrades without needing to make on-site visits. The software provides secure connections between the IT helpdesk and its remote locations in the UK or on tour.

“Today’s theatre relies heavily on IT and the RSC is showcasing the versatility and performance of our VNC Enterprise Edition software in front of house and behind-the-scenes operations,” said Dr Andy Harter, CEO at RealVNC.

“Being able to take control of any remote PC to fix problems, monitor systems and do routine maintenance and administration is far more efficient and cost effective than the traditional approach of dispatching helpdesk staff to different locations or engaging in over the phone troubleshooting.”

“The wide range of features and functionality offered by VNC Enterprise Edition are proving to be very valuable and the competitive pricing offered by RealVNC is an added bonus,” concludes the RSC’s Wayne Evans.

The RSC’s Arabian Nights, adapted and directed by Dominic Cooke, runs at The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from 5 December 2009 - 30 January 2010.
Note to editors: a photograph of Dame Judi Dench in All's Well that Ends Well, By Manuel Harlan, is available on request.