• Remote management software is a tool that allows IT professionals to access, monitor, and control devices remotely, and it has various benefits and challenges.
• Remote management software should have some must-have features, such as remote control, inventory management, patch management, reporting, alerts and notifications, remote backup, mobile device management, and cloud-based or on-premises deployment.
• To choose the best remote management software for your IT needs, you should define your needs and goals, research and shortlist remote management software products, test and evaluate them, and decide and implement them.

Remote Management Software is a tool that allows IT professionals to access, monitor, and control devices remotely. It can help them perform tasks such as troubleshooting, maintenance, updates, security, and backup without physically being present at the device location. Remote Management Software can be especially useful for managing multiple devices across different locations, such as offices, branches, or clients.

But how do you choose the best remote management software for your IT needs? There are many factors to consider, such as features, compatibility, security, scalability, cost, and support. In this article, we will explore some of the must-have features that you should look for when evaluating remote management software options. We will also provide some examples of popular remote management software products and how they compare in terms of these features.

Must-Have Features of Remote Management Software

The most important features that IT pros look for in remote management software are:

• Remote control
• Inventory management
• Patch management
• Reporting
• Alerts and notifications
• Remote backup
• Mobile device management
• Cloud-based or on-premises deployment

Let’s take a closer look at each of these features and why they are essential for effective remote management.

Remote Control

Remote control is the ability to access and operate a device remotely, as if you were sitting in front of it. This is the core functionality of any remote management software, as it allows you to perform various tasks on the device, such as installing or uninstalling software, configuring settings, running diagnostics, or fixing issues.

Remote control can be done through different methods, such as screen sharing, remote desktop protocol (RDP), secure shell (SSH), or virtual network computing (VNC). Some remote management software products also offer additional features to enhance remote control, such as file transfer, chat, audio and video calls, session recording, multi-monitor support, or keyboard and mouse control.

Some examples of remote management software products that offer remote control are:

• TeamViewer: A cloud-based remote access and support solution that allows you to connect to any device from anywhere. It supports screen sharing, file transfer, chat, audio and video calls, session recording, multi-monitor support, and more. It also integrates with other tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zendesk, or Salesforce.
• ConnectWise Control: A cloud-based or on-premises remote support and access solution that allows you to connect to any device from any device. It supports screen sharing, file transfer, chat, session recording, multi-monitor support, keyboard and mouse control, and more. It also integrates with other tools such as ConnectWise Automate, ConnectWise Manage, or ConnectWise Sell.
• Zoho Assist: A cloud-based remote support and access solution that allows you to connect to any device from any browser. It supports screen sharing, file transfer, chat, session recording, multi-monitor support, keyboard and mouse control, and more. It also integrates with other tools such as Zoho Desk, Zoho CRM, or Zoho Projects.

Inventory Management

Inventory management is the ability to collect and track information about the devices that you manage remotely. This can include hardware specifications, software installations, network configurations, license details, warranty status, or custom attributes. Inventory management can help you keep track of your assets, optimize their performance and utilization, identify potential issues or risks, and plan for upgrades or replacements.

Inventory management can be done through different methods, such as agent-based or agentless scanning, manual or automatic discovery, or integration with other tools such as Active Directory or SNMP. Some remote management software products also offer additional features to enhance inventory management, such as grouping, filtering, searching, or exporting data.

Some examples of remote management software products that offer inventory management are:

• SolarWinds N-central: A cloud-based or on-premises remote monitoring and management (RMM) solution that allows you to manage devices across multiple platforms and locations. It supports agent-based or agentless scanning, manual or automatic discovery, integration with Active Directory or SNMP, and more. It also offers grouping, filtering, searching, exporting, and reporting capabilities.
• ManageEngine Desktop Central: A cloud-based or on-premises unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that allows you to manage devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports agent-based scanning, manual or automatic discovery, integration with Active Directory or SNMP, and more. It also offers grouping, filtering, searching, exporting, and reporting capabilities.
• Lansweeper: A cloud-based or on-premises IT asset management (ITAM) solution that allows you to scan and inventory devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, or other platforms. It supports agent-based or agentless scanning, manual or automatic discovery, integration with Active Directory or SNMP, and more. It also offers grouping, filtering, searching, exporting, and reporting capabilities.

Patch Management

Patch management is the ability to update and secure the devices that you manage remotely. This can include installing or uninstalling software updates, security patches, hotfixes, or service packs. Patch management can help you keep your devices up to date, protect them from vulnerabilities and threats, improve their performance and stability, and comply with regulations and standards.

Patch management can be done through different methods, such as manual or automatic deployment, scheduled or on-demand execution, or integration with other tools such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. Some remote management software products also offer additional features to enhance patch management, such as approval workflows, rollback options, reboot policies, or compliance reports.

Some examples of remote management software products that offer patch management are:

• Kaseya VSA: A cloud-based or on-premises RMM solution that allows you to manage devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports manual or automatic deployment, scheduled or on-demand execution, integration with WSUS or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, and more. It also offers approval workflows, rollback options, reboot policies, and compliance reports.
• NinjaRMM: A cloud-based RMM solution that allows you to manage devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports manual or automatic deployment, scheduled or on-demand execution, integration with WSUS or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, and more. It also offers approval workflows, rollback options, reboot policies, and compliance reports.
• Automox: A cloud-based patch management solution that allows you to manage devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports manual or automatic deployment, scheduled or on-demand execution, integration with WSUS or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, and more. It also offers approval workflows, rollback options, reboot policies, and compliance reports.

Reporting

Reporting is the ability to generate and view reports about the devices that you manage remotely. This can include information such as device status, performance metrics, inventory data, patch history, alert history, backup history, or audit logs. Reporting can help you monitor and analyze your devices, identify trends and patterns, measure results and outcomes, and demonstrate value and impact.

Reporting can be done through different methods, such as predefined or custom templates, graphical or tabular formats, interactive or static views, or integration with other tools such as Microsoft Power BI or Google Data Studio. Some remote management software products also offer additional features to enhance reporting, such as filtering, sorting, grouping, or exporting data.

Some examples of remote management software products that offer reporting are:

• Atera: A cloud-based RMM solution that allows you to manage devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports predefined or custom templates, graphical or tabular formats, interactive or static views, integration with Microsoft Power BI or Google Data Studio, and more. It also offers filtering, sorting, grouping, and exporting capabilities.
• Pulseway: A cloud-based RMM solution that allows you to manage devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports predefined or custom templates, graphical or tabular formats, interactive or static views, integration with Microsoft Power BI or Google Data Studio, and more. It also offers filtering, sorting, grouping, and exporting capabilities.
• Domotz: A cloud-based network monitoring and management (NMM) solution that allows you to manage devices across various platforms and protocols. It supports predefined or custom templates, graphical or tabular formats, interactive or static views, integration with Microsoft Power BI or Google Data Studio, and more. It also offers filtering, sorting, grouping, and exporting capabilities.

Alerts and Notifications

Alerts and notifications are the ability to receive and send alerts and notifications about the devices that you manage remotely. This can include information such as device availability, performance issues, security breaches, backup failures, policy violations, or user requests. Alerts and notifications can help you stay informed and aware of your devices’ status and activity respond quickly and proactively to incidents and problems escalate and delegate tasks and responsibilities and communicate and collaborate with your team and clients.

Alerts and notifications can be done through different methods such as email SMS phone call push notification or integration with other tools such as Slack Microsoft Teams or Zendesk. Some remote management software products also offer additional features to enhance alerts and notifications, such as customization, prioritization, escalation, or automation.

Some examples of remote management software products that offer alerts and notifications are:

• LogicMonitor: A cloud-based IT infrastructure monitoring and intelligence (IMI) solution that allows you to monitor devices across various platforms and protocols. It supports email, SMS, phone call, push notification, integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zendesk, and more. It also offers customization, prioritization, escalation, and automation capabilities.
• Datadog: A cloud-based monitoring and analytics (M&A) solution that allows you to monitor devices across various platforms and services. It supports email, SMS, phone call, push notification, integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zendesk, and more. It also offers customization, prioritization, escalation, and automation capabilities.
• Opsgenie: A cloud-based incident management (IM) solution that allows you to manage alerts and notifications from various sources. It supports email, SMS, phone call, push notification, integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zendesk, and more. It also offers customization, prioritization, escalation, and automation capabilities.

Remote Backup

Remote backup is the ability to backup and restore the data on the devices that you manage remotely. This can include files, folders, databases, applications, or entire systems. Remote backup can help you protect your data from loss or corruption, recover from disasters or emergencies, comply with regulations and standards, and optimize storage and bandwidth.

Remote backup can be done through different methods, such as cloud-based or on-premises storage, manual or automatic scheduling, full or incremental backup, compression or encryption, or integration with other tools such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon S3. Some remote management software products also offer additional features to enhance remote backup, such as deduplication, versioning, retention policies, or recovery options.

Some examples of remote management software products that offer remote backup are:

• Acronis Cyber Backup: A cloud-based or on-premises backup and recovery (B&R) solution that allows you to backup and restore data across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports cloud-based or on-premises storage, manual or automatic scheduling, full or incremental backup, compression or encryption, integration with Microsoft Azure or Amazon S3, and more. It also offers deduplication, versioning, retention policies, and recovery options.
• Veeam Backup & Replication: A cloud-based or on-premises B&R solution that allows you to backup and restore data across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports cloud-based or on-premises storage, manual or automatic scheduling, full or incremental backup, compression or encryption, integration with Microsoft Azure or Amazon S3, and more. It also offers deduplication, versioning, retention policies, and recovery options.
• Datto SIRIS: A cloud-based or on-premises B&R solution that allows you to backup and restore data across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports cloud-based or on-premises storage, manual or automatic scheduling, full or incremental backup, compression or encryption, integration with Microsoft Azure or Amazon S3, and more. It also offers deduplication versioning retention policies and recovery options.

Mobile Device Management

Mobile device management (MDM) is the ability to manage and secure the mobile devices that you manage remotely. This can include smartphones tablets or laptops. MDM can help you enroll configure update lock wipe or locate mobile devices enforce policies and restrictions protect data and privacy and optimize performance and battery life.

MDM can be done through different methods such as agent-based or agentless enrollment manual or automatic provisioning profile-based or container-based management or integration with other tools such as Apple Business Manager or Google Workspace. Some remote management software products also offer additional features to enhance MDM such as app management content management or expense management.

Some examples of remote management software products that offer MDM are:

• Jamf Pro: A cloud-based or on-premises MDM solution that allows you to manage and secure Apple devices across iOS iPadOS macOS or tvOS platforms. It supports agent-based or agentless enrollment manual or automatic provisioning profile-based management integration with Apple Business Manager and more. It also offers app management content management and expense management.
• Miradore: A cloud-based MDM solution that allows you to manage and secure devices across Android iOS macOS or Windows platforms. It supports agent-based or agentless enrollment manual or automatic provisioning profile-based management integration with Google Workspace and more. It also offers app management content management and expense management.
• Hexnode: A cloud-based MDM solution that allows you to manage and secure devices across Android iOS macOS Windows or Fire OS platforms. It supports agent-based or agentless enrollment manual or automatic provisioning profile-based or container-based management integration with Google Workspace and more. It also offers app management content management and expense management.

Cloud-Based or On-Premises Deployment

Cloud-based or on-premises deployment is the ability to choose where to host and run your remote management software. This can affect factors such as performance scalability security cost and control.

Cloud-based deployment means that your remote management software is hosted and run on a third-party cloud service provider’s servers such as Microsoft Azure Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud Platform. This can offer benefits such as faster setup easier maintenance higher availability greater scalability and lower upfront cost. However it can also pose challenges such as dependency on internet connection potential data breaches limited customization and higher recurring cost.

On-premises deployment means that your remote management software is hosted and run on your own servers or devices. This can offer benefits such as more control higher security greater customization and lower recurring cost. However it can also pose challenges such as longer setup more maintenance lower availability limited scalability and higher upfront cost.

Some remote management software products offer both cloud-based and on-premises deployment options, while others only offer one or the other. You should consider your needs and preferences when choosing the best deployment option for your remote management software.

Some examples of remote management software products that offer both cloud-based and on-premises deployment options are:

• ConnectWise Control: A cloud-based or on-premises remote support and access solution that allows you to connect to any device from any device. It supports screen sharing, file transfer, chat, session recording, multi-monitor support, keyboard and mouse control, and more. It also integrates with other tools such as ConnectWise Automate, ConnectWise Manage, or ConnectWise Sell.
• SolarWinds N-central: A cloud-based or on-premises RMM solution that allows you to manage devices across multiple platforms and locations. It supports agent-based or agentless scanning, manual or automatic discovery, integration with Active Directory or SNMP, and more. It also offers grouping, filtering, searching, exporting, and reporting capabilities.
• Acronis Cyber Backup: A cloud-based or on-premises B&R solution that allows you to backup and restore data across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports cloud-based or on-premises storage, manual or automatic scheduling, full or incremental backup, compression or encryption, integration with Microsoft Azure or Amazon S3, and more. It also offers deduplication, versioning, retention policies, and recovery options.

Some examples of remote management software products that only offer cloud-based deployment options are:

• TeamViewer: A cloud-based remote access and support solution that allows you to connect to any device from anywhere. It supports screen sharing, file transfer, chat, audio and video calls, session recording, multi-monitor support, and more. It also integrates with other tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zendesk, or Salesforce.
• NinjaRMM: A cloud-based RMM solution that allows you to manage devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports manual or automatic deployment, scheduled or on-demand execution, integration with WSUS or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, and more. It also offers approval workflows, rollback options, reboot policies, and compliance reports.
• Jamf Pro: A cloud-based MDM solution that allows you to manage and secure Apple devices across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or tvOS platforms. It supports agent-based or agentless enrollment, manual or automatic provisioning, profile-based management, integration with Apple Business Manager, and more. It also offers app management, content management, and expense management.

Some examples of remote management software products that only offer on-premises deployment options are:

• Lansweeper: A cloud-based or on-premises ITAM solution that allows you to scan and inventory devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, or other platforms. It supports agent-based or agentless scanning, manual or automatic discovery, integration with Active Directory or SNMP, and more. It also offers grouping, filtering, searching, exporting, and reporting capabilities.
• Veeam Backup & Replication: A cloud-based or on-premises B&R solution that allows you to backup and restore data across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android platforms. It supports cloud-based or on-premises storage, manual or automatic scheduling, full or incremental backup, compression or encryption, integration with Microsoft Azure or Amazon S3, and more. It also offers deduplication, versioning, retention policies, and recovery options.
• Domotz: A cloud-based NMM solution that allows you to manage devices across various platforms and protocols. It supports predefined or custom templates, graphical or tabular formats, interactive or static views integration with Microsoft Power BI or Google Data Studio, and more. It also offers filtering, sorting, grouping, and exporting capabilities.

How to Compare and Evaluate Remote Management Software Products

Now that you know some of the must-have features of remote management software, how do you compare and evaluate different remote management software products? Here are some steps and tips that you can follow:

• Define your needs and goals: Before you start looking for remote management software products, you should first define your needs and goals. What are the main challenges and pain points that you want to solve with remote management software? What are the specific tasks and functions that you want to perform with remote management software? What are the expected outcomes and benefits that you want to achieve with remote management software? How do you measure your success and satisfaction with remote management software?
• Research and shortlist: Once you have defined your needs and goals, you can start researching and shortlisting remote management software products that match your criteria. You can use various sources and methods to find remote management software products, such as online reviews, ratings, testimonials, case studies, demos, trials, or referrals. You can also use comparison websites or tools, such as Capterra, G2, or Software Advice, to compare different remote management software products based on features, ratings, reviews, pricing, and more.
• Test and evaluate: After you have shortlisted a few remote management software products that suit your needs and goals, you can test and evaluate them in more detail. You can request a demo or a trial from the vendors or providers of the remote management software products, and use them in your own environment and scenarios. You can also ask for a consultation or a demonstration from the vendors or providers of the remote management software products, and ask them any questions or concerns that you have. You can also check the support and service levels that the vendors or providers of the remote management software products offer, such as documentation, training, updates, maintenance, or troubleshooting.
• Decide and implement: Finally, after you have tested and evaluated a few remote management software products, you can decide which one is the best for your needs and goals. You can consider various factors such as features, compatibility, security, scalability, cost, support, and user feedback when making your decision. You can also negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract or agreement with the vendor or provider of the remote management software product that you choose. Once you have decided on a remote management software product, you can implement it in your IT environment and start using it to manage your devices remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Remote Management Software

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about remote management software:

Question: What is remote management software?

Answer: Remote management software is a tool that allows IT professionals to access, monitor, and control devices remotely. It can help them perform tasks such as troubleshooting, maintenance, updates, security, and backup without physically being present at the device location.

Question: What are the benefits of remote management software?

Answer: Remote management software can offer various benefits such as:

• Saving time and money by reducing travel costs and increasing productivity
• Improving efficiency and effectiveness by automating tasks and streamlining workflows
• Enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing faster and better service
• Increasing security and compliance by protecting devices from vulnerabilities and threats

Question: What are the challenges of remote management software?

Answer: Remote management software can also pose some challenges such as:

• Requiring reliable and fast internet connection for both IT professionals and devices
• Facing potential data breaches or privacy issues due to unauthorized access or misuse
• Dealing with compatibility or interoperability issues among different platforms or services
• Managing complexity or scalability issues due to increasing number or variety of devices

Question: How to choose the best remote management software for your IT needs?

Answer: To choose the best remote management software for your IT needs, you should consider various factors such as:

• Your needs and goals: What are the main challenges and pain points that you want to solve with remote management software? What are the specific tasks and functions that you want to perform with remote management software? What are the expected outcomes and benefits that you want to achieve with remote management software?
• The features of the remote management software: What are the must-have features that you need in a remote management software? How do different remote management software products compare in terms of these features?
• The deployment options of the remote management software: Do you prefer a cloud-based or an on-premises deployment option for your remote management software? How do different remote management software products compare in terms of these deployment options?
• The cost of the remote management software: How much are you willing to pay for a remote management software? How do different remote management software products compare in terms of their pricing models and plans?
• The support of the vendor or provider of the remote management software: How good is the support and service level that the vendor or provider of the remote management software offers? How do different remote management software products compare in terms of their support and service levels?

Conclusion

Remote management software is a tool that allows IT professionals to access, monitor, and control devices remotely. It can help them perform tasks such as troubleshooting, maintenance, updates, security, and backup without physically being present at the device location. Remote management software can offer various benefits such as saving time and money, improving efficiency and effectiveness, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty, and increasing security and compliance. However, remote management software can also pose some challenges such as requiring reliable and fast internet connection, facing potential data breaches or privacy issues, dealing with compatibility or interoperability issues, and managing complexity or scalability issues.

To choose the best remote management software for your IT needs, you should consider various factors such as your needs and goals, the features of the remote management software, the deployment options of the remote management software, the cost of the remote management software, and the support of the vendor or provider of the remote management software. You should also compare and evaluate different remote management software products based on these factors, and test them in your own environment and scenarios. You should also ask for a demo or a trial from the vendors or providers of the remote management software products, and ask them any questions or concerns that you have. You should also check the user feedback and reviews of the remote management software products that you are interested in. Once you have decided on a remote management software product, you can implement it in your IT environment and start using it to manage your devices remotely.

We hope that this article has helped you understand what remote management software is, what are its benefits and challenges, what are its must-have features, and how to choose the best remote management software for your IT needs. If you have any questions or comments about this article, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The information contained in this article is based on our own research and opinion, and may not reflect the latest developments or changes in the remote management software market. We do not endorse or recommend any specific remote management software products or vendors mentioned in this article. You should always do your own research and due diligence before choosing a remote management software product for your IT needs. You should also consult with a qualified IT professional before implementing any remote management software product in your IT environment. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions in this article, or for any damages or losses arising from its use.

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