Netviewer, a company that provides online conferencing services, has raised $8.7 million for further development of software that allows two individuals to view each other's computer desktops simultaneously. The idea is to make remote collaboration just as easy as sitting down next to someone.
The German company already offers this product to 15,000 companies around the world, including SAP, Espresso Education and Fidelity Investments. It has bases in ten countries, but plans to use its new funds to expand globally. It is also working on its next generation of products, which will let colleagues separated by distance give shared online-video presentations using a shared desktop.
The financing round was provided by T-Online Venture Fund and the European Founders Fund. Competitors include companies such as WebEx, CrossLoop, and GoToMeeting.com.