Remote Access Software: A Guide to Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business

Explore the difference between remote desktop and VDI software, learn about the examples of remote support software, and how to choose the right one for your business needs.

In today's business world, working remotely has become increasingly important, thanks to remote access software. Employees can connect to their work computers from anywhere, anytime, making it easier to collaborate, communicate, and stay productive.

But with so many different types of remote access software available, it can be difficult to know which solution is best for your organization.

In this article, we will provide an overview of remote access software, including the different types available, the features to look for, and how to choose the right solution for your business.

Remote Access Software: What is it?

Remote access software, also known as remote desktop software, allows users to seamlessly connect to and interact with their work computers from a remote location.

Remote desktop software lets users see and control a connected PC or laptop (Windows or Mac) as though they were sitting directly in front of it.

This can be done through various methods, including virtual private networks (VPNs), remote desktop software, remote support software, and cloud-based remote access solutions.

Remote access solutions are helpful for remote work, collaborative work, technical support, demonstrations, and more.

With remote access software, employees can access their work files, applications, and emails, as well as collaborate and communicate with their colleagues, all from their own home or a remote location.

Remote desktop software vs. screen sharing software

The main difference between remote desktop software and screen sharing software is the level of control the user has over the remote computer.

Remote desktop software allows users to remotely access and control their work computer from another device, such as a laptop or tablet. The user can access and control the entire remote computer, including the operating system, files, and applications as if they were sitting in front of it. Remote desktop software is often used by IT support teams to remotely troubleshoot and fix issues on user's computers.

Screen sharing software allows users to share their screen with other users, but they do not have full control over the remote computer. Users can only see and interact with the remote computer's screen but cannot access or control the operating system, files, or applications.

Screen sharing software is often used for collaboration, presentations, and remote training.

Remote desktop Vs. VDI software

The main difference between remote desktop software and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) software is how they provide remote access to a user's desktop environment.

Remote desktop software allows users to remotely access and control their work computer from another device, such as a laptop or tablet as if they were sitting in front of it. And that’s it!

VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) software allows users to access their company’s network, verified by user identification and authentication.

VDI is a virtualization technology that creates a virtualized version of a user's desktop environment on a central server. The user can then access their virtualized desktop, network resources, and servers from any device, such as a laptop or tablet, using a remote connection.

In VDI, the user does not directly access the remote computer but a virtualized version of the user's desktop environment. This makes the user's desktop environment separate from the physical computer and can be accessed from any device.

So, compared to VDI, remote desktop software is usually less comprehensive and simply replicates the desktop experience.

VDI software is often used in organizations with a high number of mobile employees, or in those that want to centralize the management of their desktop environment.

Types of Remote Access Software

There are several different types of remote access software available, each with their own unique features and capabilities. Some of the most popular types include:

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is a type of remote access software that allows users to connect to a private network over the internet securely. VPNs are often used by businesses to allow employees to access the company's internal network from a remote location.

Examples of top VPNs are IPVanish, NordVPN, VPN Unlimited, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and more.

Remote Desktop Software

Remote desktop software allows users to remotely control their work computer from another device, such as a laptop or tablet. This type of remote access software is often used by IT support teams to remotely troubleshoot and fix issues on user's computers.

Examples of remote desktop software include TeamViewer, AnyDesk, RemotePC, Zoho Assist, and more.

Remote Support Software

Remote support software is similar to remote desktop software, but it is specifically designed for providing technical support. This type of software allows support teams to remotely access and control a user's computer to troubleshoot and fix issues.

Cloud-based Remote Access Solutions

Cloud-based remote access solutions are a newer type of remote access software that allows users to access their work computers from anywhere, using a web browser. Businesses often use these solutions with employees working remotely or traveling frequently.

Examples of Remote Access Software

There are many examples of remote support software available, some of the most popular ones include:

TeamViewer

A widely-used remote support software that allows users to remotely access and control another computer, as well as share files and hold video conferences. It is available for multiple platforms such as Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.

LogMeIn Pro

A remote support software that allows users to remotely access and control other computers, as well as share files and hold video conferences. It also includes a feature that allows IT support teams to remotely reboot a computer in safe mode for troubleshooting.

RemotePC

A remote support software that allows users to remotely access and control other computers, as well as share files and hold video conferences. It also includes a feature that allows IT support teams to transfer files between the remote and local computers.

ConnectWise Control

Zoho Assist

A remote support software that allows users to remotely access and control other computers, as well as share files and hold video conferences. It also includes a feature that allows IT support teams to transfer files between the remote and local computers, as well as remote reboot and power control.

Splashtop

Features of Remote Access Software

When looking for remote access software for your business, there are several features to consider. Some of the most important features include:

File and screen sharing: The ability to share files and screens with other users is essential for effective collaboration and communication.
Remote printing: Remote printing allows users to print documents from their remote location to a printer connected to their work computer.
Multi-platform compatibility: With so many different types of devices and operating systems in use today, it's important to choose remote access software compatible with various platforms.
Remote reboot and power control: Being able to reboot or power off a computer remotely can be useful for troubleshooting and maintenance.
Security and encryption: With sensitive business data being transmitted over the internet, it's essential to choose remote access software that offers robust security and encryption features.

Benefits of Using Remote Access Software

There are several benefits to using remote access software for your business, including:

Increased productivity: Remote access software allows employees to access their work computers from anywhere, making it easier for them to stay productive and complete their work.
Improved collaboration: With the ability to share files and screens, remote access software makes it easier for team members to collaborate and communicate with each other.
Flexibility and mobility: Remote access software gives employees the flexibility to work from any location, making it easier for them to balance their work and personal lives.
Reduced travel expenses: With remote access software, employees can work from home or other remote locations, reducing the need for business travel and the associated expenses.
Better IT support: Remote access software allows IT support teams to remotely access and troubleshoot user's computers, making it easier to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

Choosing the Right Remote Access Software

With so many different types of remote access software available, it can be difficult to know which solution is best for your organization. Here are a few key considerations when choosing remote access software:

Assess your organization's needs: Start by identifying the specific needs of your organization and the type of work that will be done remotely. This will help you determine which type of remote access software is best suited for your business.
Consider scalability and compatibility: Choose remote access software that is scalable and compatible with a variety of platforms. This will ensure that the solution can grow with your business and that it can be used by all employees, regardless of the device or operating system they are using.
Evaluate security and encryption options: With sensitive business data being transmitted over the internet, security and encryption features are essential. Choose remote access software that offers robust security and encryption options to protect your data.
Compare pricing and subscription plans: Remote access software can vary widely in price and subscription plans, so it's important to compare options and choose a solution that fits within your budget.
Read reviews and user testimonials: Before making a final decision, read reviews and user testimonials to get an idea of the experiences of other businesses that have used the software.

Conclusion

Remote access software is essential for businesses that want to increase productivity, improve collaboration, and enhance flexibility. With the right remote access software, employees can work from anywhere, anytime, stay connected and get things done.

When choosing remote access software, consider the specific needs of your organization, the features and capabilities you need, and the security and encryption options available.

With so many options available, it may take some research, but finding a solution that meets the needs of your business and your employees is worth it.

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