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In this article, we'll explain step-by-step how to choose the right remote management tools. Level.io is the top pick for a Remote Management Tool.
Level
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
The move towards remote and hybrid work models, accelerated by recent global events, has shown the need for digital solutions that can manage and support decentralized workforces.
Statistics show that the top industry for remote work in 2023 was the computer and IT sector. And as the number of remote IT workers continues to rise, the importance of selecting the right tools for remote device monitoring becomes more apparent.
In this article, we'll explain step-by-step how to choose the right remote management tools.
Administrators and IT professionals use remote management tools to manage and monitor computer systems, networks, and devices remotely. The tools help maintain the functionality, security, and efficiency of IT assets across distributed locations.
Furthermore, they enable remote troubleshooting, updates, system maintenance, and centralized remote monitoring, all without the need for physical presence. This is especially useful for remote and flexible work environments.
Remote management tools provide insights into the health and performance of remote systems and networks. They alert administrators to potential issues even before they become critical so that they can take preventive measures.
Administrators can also control remote devices to provide support, perform configurations, and resolve issues directly as if they were physically present at the device's location.
The tools often include features for managing security protocols, such as applying patches, enforcing compliance policies, and managing endpoint protection.
They also allow asset management by tracking and managing hardware and software assets across the organization, including installing and updating software applications so that the operating system is up to date.
Three main types of remote management tools are:
This tool allows users to access another computer's desktop interface remotely. It is widely used for providing technical support, accessing files, or running applications from a distance. Remote desktop tools are pivotal for tasks that require a graphical interface or when direct system interaction is needed.
RMM tools are specifically designed for IT service providers and large organizations to monitor and manage their IT infrastructures. They automate routine management tasks, provide comprehensive monitoring, and help manage multiple clients or sites from a central console.
As mobile devices become integral to business operations, MDM tools help organizations extend their management capabilities to smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. MDM solutions enforce security policies, manage applications, and even control device features to protect corporate data.
These are the steps for choosing the right tool for your team:
Choosing the right remote management tools begins with a thorough assessment of your organization’s specific needs. This assessment should take into account various factors that influence which tools will best support your operational goals and challenges.
Here’s how to evaluate these factors:
The size of your organization plays a big role in determining the type of remote management tool you need.
Larger organizations may require more robust solutions with extensive features that can handle multiple users and complex infrastructures efficiently. Smaller organizations might benefit from more streamlined, cost-effective solutions that are easier to implement and maintain.
Consider the nature of the tasks performed by your team.
Does your workforce require frequent remote access to the office systems for maintenance or customer support? Do they need to manage and secure endpoints that are geographically dispersed?
Security is vital, especially when managing and monitoring systems remotely. Evaluate your organization’s risk profile and security needs.
This includes determining the necessary levels of encryption, the importance of multi-factor authentication, and the ability to enforce compliance across all devices and networks. A tool with robust security features will be able to protect against external threats and internal vulnerabilities.
While it depends on the industry, your organization may be subject to specific regulatory requirements related to data protection and privacy, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX.
It’s important to choose a remote management tool that supports compliance with these regulations, offering features like detailed logging, report generation, and policy enforcement capabilities.
The chosen tool should be scalable to accommodate growth and flexible enough to adapt to changing business needs.
Whether it's adding more devices, expanding into new geographic locations, or integrating with other IT management tools, your remote management solution should not become a bottleneck as your organization evolves.
When selecting a tool, you should focus on several key features that ensure it not only meets the current needs but also adapts to future requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of essential features to consider:
The tool should have an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate for all levels of IT staff.
Look for a dashboard that provides a comprehensive view of all systems and devices, easy access to common tasks, and customizable options to suit different user preferences.
The remote management tool must work seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure to avoid costly modifications or replacements.
Ensure the tool supports various operating systems and platforms used within your organization, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and can interact with other software applications and databases without issues.
As your organization grows, the tool should be able to accommodate an increasing number of devices and users without performance degradation.
Assess the tool’s ability to handle large-scale operations and check if it offers flexible pricing plans that scale with your needs.
A remote management tool should integrate well with other tools, such as network monitoring systems, helpdesk software, and security solutions, to provide a unified management experience.
Verify whether the tool has APIs or built-in integrations for commonly used IT management and security software. This ensures streamlined workflows and a more efficient IT operation.
For secure remote access, the tool must include robust security features to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
Choosing the right remote management tool requires a thorough evaluation of the available options in the market.
To begin, conduct comprehensive research to identify the tools that best fit your organizational needs. Start by listing the tools that offer the essential features you’ve identified in the previous sections, such as scalability, usability, and security.
When researching these tools, consider a variety of sources to obtain a well-rounded view of each option. User reviews are great for this—they'll give you a sense of how the tools work day to day, if they're reliable, and what kind of help the company offers if you run into problems. Websites like Capterra, G2, and TrustRadius are good places to find these reviews.
Expert opinions, which can be found in industry publications, blogs, and forums, are also invaluable. These opinions are typically written by IT professionals who have tested various tools and can provide detailed comparisons and recommendations.
Additionally, attending webinars and trade shows can also provide deeper insights and first-hand information from vendors and other users.
Another useful tip is to take advantage of trial offers. Most reputable vendors offer free trials that allow you to test their tools in your own environment. During the trial period, pay close attention to the tool's performance in key areas such as ease of deployment, central management capabilities, and the responsiveness of customer support.
Best practices for implementing remote management software involve a combination of strategic planning, training, and gradual deployment.
Begin with a comprehensive plan that outlines the objectives, timelines, and responsibilities associated with the deployment of the remote management tool. Before a full-scale rollout, it is prudent to start with a pilot test involving a controlled group of users and devices.
This allows IT teams to understand how the tool interacts with different operating systems within the organization and to identify any issues in a controlled environment.
The pilot test should mimic real-world usage as closely as possible to ensure all scenarios are tested.
Effective training is important for ensuring that IT staff are proficient in using the new remote management tools. Training should cover all key features of the tool, with special attention given to remote access tools which staff will frequently use to manage and troubleshoot systems remotely.
Additionally, consider training end-users who need to understand how to interact with the IT team through the tool, particularly when it comes to software installations or troubleshooting issues across multiple monitors.
Once the pilot test confirms the tool's effectiveness, the tool will be gradually rolled out to the rest of the organization. This phased approach helps to manage the change more effectively, allowing for adjustments as more users and systems come online.
During the rollout, maintain open lines of communication with all users to collect feedback and provide ongoing support.
Level allows you to take advantage of modernized remote access, enhanced automation, and a suite of tools that will elevate your service capabilities.
Whether you're looking to improve efficiency, strengthen security, or expand your service offerings, Level provides the technology to make it happen.
Book a demo or try Level free for 14 days right now!
IT professionals, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and businesses of all sizes use remote management tools. It is particularly beneficial for organizations with distributed teams. It can also benefit businesses with multiple office locations or those that provide remote support to clients.
Remote management tools vary depending on specific needs. Some popular ones include remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools, virtual network computing (VNC), remote desktop protocol (RDP), and simple network management protocol (SNMP) among others.
Yes. Remote control is secure when carried out correctly and with the right tools. Most remote management tools use encryption and robust authentication mechanisms to ensure safety.
At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.
Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.
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