Remote computer imaging
Imaging remote computers doesn’t have to be complicated. Not when you have a remote computer imaging solution that lets you deploy Windows images and software to endpoints over the cloud securely — even without VPN. From a single dashboard, you can provision, troubleshoot, and manage any remote machine, no matter how it’s connected.
What is remote computer imaging?
OS imaging and deployment over the cloud
Remote cloud computer imaging gives IT admins the ability to create and deliver corporate OS images to user devices over the cloud. Imaging is much simpler when remote user PCs don’t even have to be on a corporate network or connected through a VPN.
Manage user devices from anywhere
Leveraging your existing cloud service provider, you can manage endpoints centrally from your administrator console even if you and your users are in completely different locations. Securely deploy your Windows operating system, push out software updates and patches, and even migrate user data via the cloud — whether users are working from home or are on the go.
Out-of-box integration with cloud storage providers
Look for computer imaging software with cloud-based deployment capabilities and features out-of-box integration with third-party cloud storage providers like Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. This enables you to leverage your existing cloud storage account to carry out secure and reliable deployments to remote endpoints right away.
How do you reimage a PC remotely over the cloud?
Key remote computer imaging features
Connect to your cloud storage account
Use your Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive account to deploy to remote computers on and off your local network.
Leverage prebuilt driver packages
Streamline remote driver management with over 1,500 Platform Packs — prebuilt driver packages — for major OEM business-class models.
Create cloud-connected answer files
Automate your deployments via your cloud provider by creating answer files using a wizard-guided process.
Upload cloud packages
Store Windows OS images and driver packages in your public cloud storage account for faster deployments to remote endpoints.
Scan and report
Installed clients automatically scan and report hardware and software information for remote devices, so you can monitor them from anywhere.
Migrate remote user profiles
Migrate user profiles to new devices remotely while retaining user files and settings. Reduce user downtime and set them up quickly.
Remote wipe endpoints
Download and deploy the Remote Wipe script over the cloud to secure company data if devices are lost or stolen or when employees leave.
Create client installation packages
Prep remote computers for cloud-based deployments easily by installing a lightweight agent manually or during deployment.
What are the benefits of remote computer imaging?
Increase efficiency
Remote computer imaging enables IT to support a distributed workforce from a central platform. Whether it’s Windows migrations or troubleshooting PC break-fix issues, you can simply do it over the cloud.
Reduce overheads
Reimage, patch, and migrate user machines using your corporate cloud storage account, from anywhere. That means you can drop-ship devices to employees and save on shipping costs.
Hear from real SmartDeploy
customers
SmartDeploy vs. leading competitor in remote computer imaging
Quick setup
Easy to use and manage
Out-of-box cloud integration
Advanced technical skills required
Additional certification recommended
Seamless software updates
Quick setup
Yes
Easy to use and manage
Yes
Out-of-box cloud-based imaging and deployment features
Yes
Advanced technical skills required
No
Additional certification recommended
No
Seamless software updates
Yes
Quick setup
No
Easy to use and manage
No
Out-of-box cloud-based imaging and deployment features
No
Advanced technical skills required
Yes
Additional certification recommended
Yes
Seamless software updates
No
Frequently asked questions
How do you ensure that remote deployments over the cloud are done securely?
You can choose a solution that’s designed to encrypt all communication between the remote client and the console. Encrypting may be facilitated via a cloud broker service. This can be done using HTTPS/TLS1.3, for instance. Data stored on the cloud broker service should also be encrypted at rest. Data encryption can be implemented by the enterprise cloud platform as well as by the solution itself via specific encryption.
Throughout the deployment process, you should always be in direct control of your cloud service accounts. Data transferred to the client device should always be encrypted and accessible only with read-only access tokens. Once a remote deployment over the cloud is completed, all access information should be removed for security reasons.
What are the advantages of using cloud storage instead of local storage?
In general, storing company data on the cloud can be a more flexible, cost-efficient option since you only pay for what you use. Besides more robust security features like access control options and data encryption, using cloud storage comes with other advantages like effective multiuser collaboration and greater scalability for businesses that are growing rapidly.
For IT admins, cloud storage can also enable more streamlined endpoint management. If you’re using a computer imaging solution that allows you to leverage your business cloud storage account, you can deliver corporate images, software, and patches to remote endpoints over the cloud.
How do you choose the right remote cloud computer imaging software?
When choosing the right cloud computer imaging software, look for one that comes with out-of-box cloud-based computer imaging and deployment features, and integration with third-party enterprise cloud platforms. This way, you won’t need to spend a lot of additional time and effort on configuring it to work for you.
For added flexibility, you’d also want a solution that allows multiple deployment options — over the cloud, via local network, and via offline media. This would allow you to manage onsite user devices and remote user devices centrally, using the same software. Other aspects to look out for would be ease of use, functionality, technical support, and affordability. Make use of product demos and free trials to try out software before purchasing the one that best suits your needs.
Ready to get started?
See how easy device management can be. Try SmartDeploy free for 15 days — no credit card required.