Desktop management
To manage large numbers of devices effectively, IT teams must optimize the way they work. Desktop management is an efficient way to oversee your endpoint environment, keeping user devices up to date, secure, and running smoothly. A modern desktop management solution can help you to operate at scale, seamlessly.
What is desktop management?
Desktop management, also known as endpoint management, is the process of managing all computers— including laptops, tablets, and servers — within an organization. Using a desktop management solution, you can monitor and control devices across your organization from a central platform. Key features like software and application deployment, computer imaging, and patch management enable sysadmins to easily standardize, update, and secure any computer device across its lifecycle.
Key desktop management features
Guided setup
Skip complex configurations and finicky software. Get started quickly with wizards that guide you from start to finish.
Device management
Once devices have the agent installed (as part of deployment), adding them into your management environment is easy as pie.
File-based computer imaging
Deploy a single Windows OS image to any PC make or model, whether remote or on-prem. Slipstream the apps you need or deploy them separately.
Multicast imaging
Roll out new hardware quickly with a built-in multicast feature that deploys OS images to multiple machines at the same time.
Deploy the latest drivers from a library of over 1,500 prebuilt driver packages supporting all major OEM business-class models. No muss, no fuss.
Software asset management
Manage your software inventory easily from a single platform. Install, uninstall, or update software on any user device.
Patch management
Identify and automatically update endpoints that need the latest Windows updates. Cut downtime by setting silent installs or allowing user deferment.
Streamline workflows by using custom or prebuilt scripts to automate management tasks like domain joins or installing printers.
What are the benefits of desktop management?
Optimized IT operations
Desktop management enables IT to efficiently monitor and support all computer devices within the organization. Whether you’re onboarding or updating devices, a desktop management solution can streamline and automate workflows to save time and reduce human error.
A more consistent, secure environment
Consistency and quality control are essential to keeping your endpoint environment secure and productive. With desktop management software, IT can ensure that user devices are maintained according to security and compliance policies across the board.
Hear from real SmartDeploy
customers
SmartDeploy vs. leading competitor in desktop management
Easy setup
Short ramp-up time
Wizard-driven guided interface
Suitable for any skill level
Additional training recommended
Requires complex configurations
Quick-start guides available
Easy setup
Yes
Short ramp-up time
Yes
Wizard-driven guided interface
Yes
Can be used by technicians of any skill level and experience
Yes
Additional training recommended
No
Requires complex configurations
No
Quick-start guides available
Yes
Easy setup
No
Short ramp-up time
No
Wizard-driven guided interface
No
Can be used by technicians of any skill level and experience
No
Additional training recommended
Yes
Requires complex configurations
Yes
Quick-start guides available
Yes
Frequently asked questions
Why is desktop management important?
Desktop management allows IT administrators to maintain consistency across their fleets throughout the device lifecycle. A desktop management solution allows smaller teams with limited resources to operate at scale. For organizations, this can lead to improved productivity, enhanced IT security, and increased operational cost savings.
How do you choose the best desktop management solution for your business?
The best desktop management tools simplify critical workflows and reduce manual hours spent on day-to-day tasks. When assessing your options, it’s important to look beyond upfront costs to consider the time and resources you’ll save in the longer term. Other deciding factors include:
Ease of setup and use
Scalability
Key features such as remote desktop management, software asset management, and patch management
Ability to support different hardware models and user groups
Real customer use cases
Quality of technical support
What are desktop management best practices?
Desktop management enables IT to optimize their operations, reduce their technical debt, and strengthen their organization’s security posture. Here’s a list of best practices.
How do I manage remote desktop users?
Remote work gives employees freedom and flexibility, but it can be a headache for IT. Here’s how IT can keep remote devices up to date and secure— without the cost and effort of setting up additional infrastructure.
Cloud-based mobile device management solutions like Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune can be used to manage mobile devices, users, and apps, as well as set and deploy policies to user and device groups. Intune can be integrated with Windows Autopilot to set up and configure new devices, and it works with Configuration Manager to co-manage on-prem devices.
Desktop management solutions with remote management features
Alternatively, you can use modern desktop management solutions like SmartDeploy, which includes out-of-box remote desktop management features on a single platform. Whether users are on-prem or using a remote connection, administrators can manage and monitor them seamlessly via the same dashboard. Access core features like computer imaging, driver management, app deployment, and custom task execution without extensive manual configuration or paying for additional software licenses.
Ready to get started?
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