Abstract: A method and apparatus which provides for remote and secure access to a host computer, and which further provides an open application standard for client access to the host computer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for communicating data from a base computer to a remote device via a central server system without the necessity of specialty software on the remote device. Remote devices such as laptop computers and cellular telephones communicate with the central server system, while the central server system likewise communicates with base computers. Communications between the central server system and the base computers are facilitated by an intermittent query from base computers to the central server system in a manner which allows communication even in a firewall-constrained environment. The system and method provides a means for facilitating both persistent connections and dialup communications between the base computers and the central server system.

Abstract: A secure agent system for communicating with a secure remote access system is disclosed. The agent system is suitable for execution on a base device which is configured to be coupled to the internet. The agent system initiates data communication with the remote access system by sending requests and receiving replies from the remote access system. The replies may include requests to retrieve, store, update, and/or delete data associated with the base device, which the agent system carries out. The agent system further provides reply data to such requests to the remote access system.