Remote desktop management
Remote work models can keep businesses productive while giving employees the freedom to work from anywhere. But managing remote devices can be complex and time consuming — especially for understaffed IT teams. With remote desktop management, you can oversee endpoints from anywhere, keeping them functional and secure at every stage of the device lifecycle.
What is remote desktop management?
Remote desktop management is the ability to manage and control remote networked devices to maintain functionality and security— no matter where they’re located.
Common tasks include computer imaging, software deployment, and patch management, which keep endpoints running smoothly through their lifecycles. And with a remote desktop management solution, you can do all that, and more, from one platform.
Key remote desktop management features
Deploy Windows operating system images to remote devices over the cloud using Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive — without VPN.
Automate deployments
Create custom answer files using a simple, wizard-driven process to automate remote deployments from end to end.
Deploy software easily to any remote Windows PC using a library of prebuilt or custom application packages.
Use custom or prebuilt scripts to execute key commands like domain joins or edit security settings on a remote device without leaving your seat.
Patch management
Identify and automatically update remote devices that need the latest Windows updates. Set silent installs or allow user deferment for minimal disruptions.
Remote Wipe
Protect company data when remote devices are lost or decommissioned by doing a Remote Wipe quickly from the administrator’s dashboard.
User data migration
Migrate user profiles seamlessly to new devices or operating systems remotely while retaining user files and settings.
Remote monitoring and connectivity
Install agents on remote devices to automatically scan and report hardware and software information from anywhere.
What are the benefits of remote desktop management?
IT optimization and efficiency
Remote desktop management enables IT to efficiently oversee a fleet of remote devices from a single platform. Simplify remote workflows so you can reimage, provision, update, and troubleshoot devices anywhere with ease.
Maintain remote endpoint security
IT can use a remote desktop manager to keep a close eye on hardware and software across the organization, even if devices are off-site. You can easily track and identify which remote devices need patching or software updates — and take the proper action directly from your workstation.
Hear from real SmartDeploy
customers
SmartDeploy makes the imaging process extremely simple and straightforward. The interface makes managing devices and different image types simple and intuitive. The ability to deploy from on-premises and via cloud applications such as OneDrive or Google Drive is a great addition for managing remote machines.
AUSTIN F.
Associate Network Administrator
SmartDeploy vs. leading competitor in remote 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
What can you manage through a remote desktop management platform?
Remote desktop management platforms can vary greatly in terms of complexity and features. Here’s a list of what they can be commonly used to manage:
How do you choose the right remote desktop management solution?
When it comes to choosing the right desktop management solution, more isn’t always better. A solution that has more features than you need may complicate rather than simplify your work. Assess the needs of your organization and industry, current IT resources and capabilities, and specific gaps that need to be addressed. Other important considerations include:
Ease of setup and use
Functionalities
Scalability
Technical support
Real customer reviews
If only part of your workforce is outside the office, you’d also want a remote desktop management solution that gives you the flexibility to support both on-site and remote endpoints at the same time.
How do you keep remote computers secure?
The increase in remote work also results in wider exposure to cyberattacks. To keep remote computers secure, in addition to using antivirus software, consider the following actions:
Patch regularly since unpatched devices are at higher risk of cyberattack.
Use up-to-date system images so that devices start from the same known, compliant state.
Use model-specific device drivers to ensure the performance and functionality of remote endpoints.
Update apps regularly to reduce the risk of software bugs and other security vulnerabilities.
Look for a remote device management solution that helps you simplify remote computer imaging, driver management, and software deployment.
How do I run automation scripts on a remote computer?
When managing remote computers across different locations, scripts can help save time and smooth workflows by automating repeated tasks or commands. These are a few ways that you can execute computer scripts for remote devices:
Executing PowerShell, VBScript, and batch files over a secure connection such as a VPN as an administrator.
Using remote desktop management software like SmartDeploy to deploy prebuilt script packages.
With a remote desktop management solution, you can easily push out prebuilt or custom scripts to any endpoint in any location across your fleet.
What is a Remote Wipe?
Remote Wipe is a feature that enables IT administrators to remotely delete data on a computer. When a remote company device is lost, stolen, or decommissioned, this important security measure can protect corporate data and prevent unauthorized access.
How does Remote Wipe work?
For a Remote Wipe to work, devices must be powered on and connected via a local network or over the cloud. In general, Remote Wipe can be used to:
Partially erase data on a device by deleting specific folders containing sensitive content.
Completely erase data on an endpoint device.
Do a factory reset of a device.
Remove all programming on a device, rendering it unusable.
Using a remote desktop management solution like SmartDeploy allows you to act quickly by executing Remote Wipe directly from the administrator’s console.
What are remote desktop management best practices?
Switching to a remote work model requires proper desktop management to ensure that any modem workplace can remain secure and productive. Here are some tips and best practices that can help.
With more ground to cover, these best practices can help mitigate security risks, protect your remote endpoint environment, and improve overall system performance.
Keep remote endpoints patched and up to date
Centralize software deployment to eliminate shadow IT
Maintain up-to-date operating system images
Track IT hardware and software assets with remote monitoring
Streamline onboarding and offboarding processes for remote staff
Build a strong security-minded culture within the organization
Set up a strong password policy
Use multifactor authentication
Use the best antivirus software for your needs
Have an incident response plan in place
Ready to get started?
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