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Learn how to choose the best remote management tool for your business. Discover how to automate remote management with Level.
Level
Monday, April 28, 2025
With hundreds of remote management tools available today, each claiming to offer the best features, making the right choice can be difficult.
Many software vendors promise full control over your IT infrastructure. However, only a few actually deliver what your specific environment needs.
In this article, we'll explain step-by-step how to choose the right remote management tool that suits your business.
But first, we'll discuss its definition and the different types of platforms you can encounter. This will help you make an informed decision.
Remote management tools enable IT professionals and managed service providers (MSPs) to oversee computer systems, networks, and devices remotely. These tools help maintain the functionality, security, and efficiency of IT assets across distributed locations.
Furthermore, they enable remote troubleshooting, software updates, system maintenance, and centralized remote monitoring, all without the need for physical presence. They are useful for remote and flexible work environments.
Remote management tools provide insights into the health and performance of remote systems and networks. They alert IT departments 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 implementing 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. This involves installing and updating software applications to keep the operating system up to date.
The 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 that need to manage distributed 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 software can help organizations extend their management capabilities to smartphones, tablets, and other mobile gadgets.
MDM solutions enforce security policies, manage applications, and even control device features to protect corporate data.
Here's a detailed guide to help you select the right remote management tool for your IT environment.
Start with a thorough assessment of your organization’s specific needs. You 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 comprehensive solutions with extensive features that can handle multiple users and complex infrastructures efficiently.
On the other hand, smaller organizations might benefit from cost-effective solutions that are easier to set up and maintain.
Consider the nature of the tasks performed by your IT 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 across different locations?
If it's the former, you may find a remote desktop access tool useful. However, if you need remote connections to global endpoints, having powerful RMM software is ideal.
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 remote management tool with advanced 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 SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.
It’s important to choose a remote management tool that complies with these regulations. It should offer features like detailed record-keeping, report generation, and policy enforcement capabilities.
Your 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 solutions, your remote management tool should not become a bottleneck as your organization evolves.
When selecting a tool, you should focus on several key features that ensure it meets the current needs and adapts to future requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important features to consider:
Real-time monitoring helps your IT teams maintain business continuity by detecting issues as they happen.
Check if the tool provides live data on system health, performance, and user activity across devices used by remote workers.
With everything visible from a single platform, you no longer need to switch between tools or wait for user reports. You can respond quickly before minor problems become bigger disruptions.
Invest in a tool that gives you secure access to different endpoints without requiring on-site visits. Thanks to remote support, you can help users install software updates or resolve network issues.
You can also perform tasks, such as screen sharing, session recording, file sharing, and more. This saves time and money as you can control remote endpoints from any location.
Choose remote management software that can automatically detect missing patches and deploy them into your IT environment.
You should also consider advanced patch management features like scheduling, testing, and rollback options.
Scheduling tools let you push updates during off-peak hours to minimize business disruptions. Meanwhile, a testing environment ensures the patches are stable and bug-free before full deployment. Finally, rollback features can instantly reverse updates when needed.
Check if you can automate manual tasks and run scripts with the remote management tool. Common activities that could benefit from automation include system checks, patch deployment, and device reboots.
Automation and scripting tools can help save time and increase productivity. They also reduce the chance of human error and maintain consistency across remote work setups.
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 complete visibility into all systems and devices. It should also provide easy remote access and customizable options to suit different user preferences.
Choose a remote management platform that works seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure to avoid future replacements and reduce costs.
Make sure the tool supports various operating systems used within your organization, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It should also be compatible with desktops, servers, IoT devices, and cloud services without issues.
A remote management tool should integrate well with other platforms, such as network monitoring systems, helpdesk software, and security solutions.
Verify whether the tool has APIs or built-in integrations for commonly used IT management software. This ensures streamlined workflows and more efficient IT operations.
For secure remote access, the tool should include strong security features to protect against insider threats and data breaches.
Conduct extensive research to identify the tools that best fit your organizational needs.
Start by listing the platforms that offer the key features you’ve identified in the previous sections, such as real-time monitoring, patch management, and endpoint security.
When researching these tools, consider different sources such as:
Although research is helpful, nothing beats first-hand experience with the tool.
You should take advantage of free trials offered by most reputable vendors. These allow you to test different remote management tools in your own environment.
During the trial period, evaluate the platform's ease of setup, usability, and remote management capabilities.
This is also the perfect opportunity to test the responsiveness of customer support. Choose a vendor with reliable support to minimize downtime and speed up resolution in case you encounter an issue.
After the trial period, you probably have a good idea of which tool best suits your organization's needs. However, you need to complete one more step before investing in a specific platform.
This involves creating an implementation plan to ensure a smooth and efficient rollout. It also makes the job easier for your IT team, as all steps to be taken are already outlined.
Below are some tips to follow:
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, conduct 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. It also helps IT identify and address 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 can make sure the IT staff are proficient in using the new remote management tool. Training should cover all key features, with special attention given to remote access capabilities, which teams 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.
After confirming the tool's effectiveness during pilot testing, you can gradually roll out the tool to the rest of the organization. This approach helps you 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 is a modern remote monitoring and management platform designed for IT teams and managed service providers of all sizes.
It allows you to take advantage of secure remote access, enhanced automation, and a suite of tools that will elevate your IT management 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 to learn how the platform works or try Level free for 14 days right now!
A remote management tool lets IT teams and MSPs monitor, access, and control devices from anywhere. It supports endpoint monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuration, all through a single platform.
If your Mac is managed by a school or employer, remote management may be enabled to enforce security settings, install updates, or provide remote support.
You can remove remote management from an iPhone only if you have the admin credentials. Devices enrolled by businesses or schools are often locked under a mobile device management profile.
Popular tools for remote server management include Level, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, TeamViewer, and ConnectWise Automate.
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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