The Complete Guide to Remote Device Management Systems

Remote work has become the default for many industries. IT teams are now responsible for managing devices that live far outside the traditional office environment. With employees connecting from homes, coffee shops, and overseas locations, keeping everything secure, compliant, and running smoothly is a challenge. This is why a remote device management system (RDMS) is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s essential.

This guide will walk you through how remote device management works, the different types of devices it can manage, the best remote device management tools on the market, and why cybersecurity for small and medium businesses now depends heavily on these platforms. We’ll also cover allocation models like BYOD / COBO / COPE / CYOD, best practices for implementation, and a checklist for choosing the right solution.

What Is a Remote Device Management System?

A remote device management system is a category of endpoint security and configuration management tools that allows IT teams to monitor, control, update, and secure endpoints from a single, centralized dashboard. These endpoints can include laptops, smartphones, IoT devices, servers, firewalls and routers, or even specialized hardware like point-of-sale systems.

The system works by installing an agent or using a built-in API that connects each endpoint to the RDMS. Once connected, IT admins can:

• Enforce security compliance policies
• Schedule automated updates to close vulnerabilities
• Run system performance monitoring to detect potential issues early
• Remotely configure settings through remote configuration
• Isolate compromised devices to prevent data breaches

Modern RDMS tools integrate with network security management platforms, system health monitoring software, device tracking tools, configuration management solutions, and software deployment automation to create a full IT infrastructure management solution.

Devices You Can Manage Remotely

The scope of remote device management extends far beyond standard office computers. A capable platform should manage:

• Laptops and Desktops (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Mobile Devices (iOS, Android, ChromeOS)
• Servers (both on-prem and cloud-hosted)
• IoT devices such as cameras, sensors, and industrial control systems
• Point-of-Sale Systems in retail environments
• Printers and Scanners often overlooked but vulnerable
• Firewalls and routers essential for network integrity

Each type of device requires unique handling. For example:

• Mobile devices may require remote configuration and device compliance checks.
• Servers often need patch management and asset inventory tracking.
• Networking gear demands integration with network discovery tools and network device management policies.

How Remote Device Management Works

The process generally looks like this:

1. Enrollment – Devices are added to the RDMS through automated onboarding or manual registration.
2. Configuration – IT admins apply standard policies, access controls, and security measures.
3. Monitoring – The system runs real-time network monitoring and alerting tools to detect anomalies.
4. Maintenance – Includes patching via IT automation tools or IT automation for managing remote devices.
5. Remediation – If a threat is detected, automated remediation is triggered.

Some platforms use STUN / TURN / ICE protocols to establish peer-to-peer connections, ensuring remote access without middleman routing. This improves both privacy and speed, especially for remote troubleshooting.

Device Allocation Models

Your device management tools should support all major allocation frameworks:

• COBO (Corporate-Owned, Business-Only) – Tight control, no personal use allowed.
• COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled) – Company-owned devices with limited personal access.
• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) – Cost-effective but increases endpoint security risks.
• CYOD (Choose Your Own Device) – Employees select from a pre-approved list.

These models require automated device onboarding for IT teams and adherence to SMB device security best practices for safety and compliance.

Why Remote Device Management Matters for SMBs

Small and medium businesses are prime cyberattack targets. The assumption that “we’re too small to hack” is a dangerous myth.

• 66% of SMBs experienced a cyberattack in the last year.
• The average recovery cost is measured in millions.
• Phishing attacks, RDP vulnerabilities, and outdated systems are common entry points.

With remote monitoring and management, SMBs can enforce VPN requirements, implement data breach prevention tools, manage the device lifecycle, and deploy malware protection instantly across all endpoints.

Key Features of the Best Remote Device Management Tools

When comparing the best remote device management tools, look for these essentials:

1. Centralized Dashboard – Manage all devices from one location.
2. Remote Access Without Middleman – Direct peer-to-peer connections for security and performance.
3. Patch Management – Automated OS and app updates to maintain compliance.
4. Automation Tools – Leverage IT automation tools and software deployment automation for bulk tasks.
5. Asset Inventory – Full IT inventory management to track hardware and software.
6. Real-Time Monitoring – Built-in system performance monitoring to catch issues early.
7. Security and Compliance Controls – Includes encryption, access logging, and port restrictions.

Top 7 Remote Device Management Tools in 2025

If you’re evaluating options, here are some of the best remote device management tools and network security management platforms available in 2025:

1. Level‍

A modern RMM built for simplicity, direct peer-to-peer connections, patch management, and asset tracking. Transparent pricing, great for SMBs and MSPs.

2. ManageEngine OpManager‍

Full-featured network monitoring and configuration management tools for enterprise IT teams.

3. Auvik‍

Cloud-based platform with real-time network monitoring and alerting tools plus automated mapping.

4. Paessler PRTG‍

All-in-one monitoring with network discovery tools, custom dashboards, and automated alerts.

5. OpenNMS Meridian‍

Open-source and highly customizable, ideal for complex network environments.

6. Atera‍

MSP-friendly platform combining RMM, helpdesk, and software deployment automation.

7. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager‍

Strong compliance auditing, configuration management tools, and data breach prevention features for multi-vendor networks.

Benefits of Remote Device Management

The advantages of using endpoint security and asset lifecycle management platforms are significant:

• Reduce Downtime – Quicker fixes with remote troubleshooting and proactive alerts.
• Boost Security – Improved endpoint security and encryption.
• Lower Costs – Reduced on-site visits through business process automation.
• Improve Efficiency – Workload automation frees IT from repetitive tasks.
• Achieve Scalability – Support for thousands of devices without sacrificing control.
• Enhance SMB Device Security Best Practices – Enforce device compliance policies automatically.

Ready to see how a modern remote device management system can transform your IT operations? Start your free trial of Level today.

How to Choose Remote Device Management Software

If you’re deciding how to choose remote device management tools, use this checklist:

• Supports multi-platform environments (Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile, IoT devices)
• Includes network discovery tools for visibility
• Handles remote management for COBO and BYOD
• Offers features of remote device management tools that match your needs
• Enables you to monitor and manage devices from anywhere
• Has transparent pricing and a trial option

For SMBs, the best remote management solution combines these features with ease of use and reliable support.

Practical Use Cases

• Healthcare IT – Manage hospital tablets, medical devices, and maintain HIPAA compliance.
• Retail – Use automated updates for POS systems, manage firewalls and routers, and maintain uptime.
• Remote Workforce – Deploy VPN access, enable endpoint monitoring, and provide secure file transfers.

Security Considerations

A robust RDMS should protect against:

• Phishing attacks by restricting suspicious access
• Data breach prevention via encryption
• Security compliance failures through automated checks
• Automated updates to close vulnerabilities quickly

FAQ: Remote Device Management

Q: What’s the difference between network device management and remote device management?‍

A: Network device management focuses on routers, switches, and firewalls, while remote device management covers all endpoint devices including laptops, servers, and IoT systems.

Q: Can an RDMS manage devices I don’t own?‍

A: Yes, with BYOD policies in place, but you must have device compliance agreements with users.

Q: Is peer-to-peer remote access secure?‍

A: Yes, when using encrypted protocols like STUN / TURN / ICE, it can be more secure and faster than relay-based access.

Final Thoughts

The benefits of remote device management system are clear: improved security, reduced downtime, and centralized control over every device in your environment. Whether you’re looking to understand how network security management platforms work or want to enforce SMB device security best practices, investing in the right platform will protect your business and make IT management more efficient.