The ability to remotely access other computers cuts down on the time it takes to walk around the office building looking for a specific workstation. You don’t need to interrupt the user’s work. Remote administration tools save time and energy and, therefore, they also save money. Remote administration utilities enable one support technician to start examining the next problematic workstation as soon as the work on another finishes. There is no time lost by going from location to location.
Here is our list of the eight best Remote Administration Tools:
- Dameware Remote Support EDITOR’S CHOICE A remote support platform that offers tools for automated and manual IT department tasks. This on-premises package includes remote administration services for endpoints and servers running Windows, Linux, and macOS. Access a 14-day free trial.
- Atera (FREE TRIAL) A support platform for MSPs that includes the Splashtop remote access system and remote system management tools.
- N-able N-sight (FREE TRIAL) A set of monitoring and management tools that enable IT departments and MSPs to monitor multiple remote sites from a single console. Start a 30-day free trial.
- NinjaOne (FREE TRIAL) – formerly NinjaRMM – a SaaS platform that offers remote monitoring and management tools and also a ticketing system. Start a 14-day free trial.
- ManageEngine Remote Access Plus (FREE TRIAL) A remote administration system that can access Windows, Linux, and macOS remote devices. It installs on Windows and there is also an online version. Start 30-day free trial.
- Zoho Assist (FREE TRIAL) This cloud package provides unattended and attended remote access for support and maintenance tasks. Start a 15-day free trial.
- ISL Online Remote access to Windows, Linux, and macOS endpoints plus iOS and Android mobile devices. It is available as a SaaS system or for installation.
- RemotePC An easy-to-use remote access service that gets into workstations running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
RATs and RATs
IT professionals love abbreviations and RAT is an obvious short form of “Remote Administration Tool.” However, be careful when using this term and make it clear exactly what software is under discussion because “RAT” is a well-known abbreviation for “Remote Access Trojan”.
A remote access Trojan is a hacker tool. If a hacker can sneak a RAT onto a computer, she can open up connections that allow malware and controlling software in. RATs can be used to “zombify” a PC and make it part of a “botnet” that attacks other computers around the world.
So, to be clear, in this article, the abbreviation RAT refers to “remote administration tool.” If you want to find out more about remote access Trojans, take a look at my report Remote Access Trojans Explained.
Good RATs
RATs facilitate the centralization of IT support because any software that can operate over a network can also communicate across the internet. It is no longer necessary to keep a separate IT support department in every location that a business operates. Centralization is becoming an essential strategy for IT departments because the demand for qualified and experienced IT professionals outstrips supply. As skills shortages squeeze the hiring process, desks are left empty for months at a time whenever IT department staff move on.
Optimizing the time of IT professionals becomes more important because the law of supply and demand means that people with those rare skills are able to command ever-increasing wages as competition for their services intensifies.
If you have to pay more for each technician, you need to get more productivity and value out of each and every support team member. Therefore, centralizing IT services and using remote administration tools is essential.
The software category of remote administration tools doesn’t just describe facilities from direct manual remote access. RATs also include automated systems that rollout software bundles to newly acquired PCs and keep all operating systems and software up to date. RATs can take care of all of the mundane administration tasks of an IT system without manual intervention, releasing valuable man-hours for more intricate tasks.
Each qualified technician can provide even more value for money by delivering services to a number of companies. Many small businesses can’t afford to keep IT professionals on staff but remote administration tools provide a solution for these enterprises. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) serve many different companies, squeezing more value out of each expert technician and spreading the cost of an IT professional’s wages over a number of contracts.
Managed service providers could not exist without remote administration tools. Thanks to RATs an MSP located in a low-cost area, such as a rural region or a foreign country, can bid for clients anywhere in the world. This means that an MSP doesn’t need to pay for expensive Manhattan premises in order to win New York clients. MSPs are able to exploit cost-cutting strategies without reducing the quality of their services thanks to RATs.
The best remote administration tools
There are many remote administration tools on the market and they range from standalone communication interfaces to full suites of support systems. In order to provide a list of the best RATs available for remote IT support, we have covered every niche in the market.
You can read more about each of these options in the following sections.
Our methodology for selecting remote administration tools
We reviewed the market for remote administration software and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:
- The ability to connect to endpoints running any operating system
- Options for both user-attended and unattended access
- The ability to open multiple sessions on the same endpoint for simultaneous Desktop and command-line access
- Credentials management
- The option to supply the service to a team of technicians with centralized administration
- A free trial for a no-cost assessment period or a money-back guarantee
- Value for money offered by a useful set of tools at a reasonable price
1. Dameware Remote Support (FREE TRIAL)
Dameware Remote Support is implemented as on-premises software. Those who would prefer a SaaS remote administration system should opt for Dameware Remote Everywhere. This tool provides remote access to desktops, servers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones running Windows, Windows Server, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Key Features:
- Access office computers
- Access mobile devices
- Credentials management
- Team package
- Remote control or background access
The Dameware environment is built for use by teams. A management user account stores all of the access credentials for each remote device. The manager isn’t able to see these usernames and passwords, and so there is no manual transmission of them. Instead, when a manager grants a technician account a task to access a specific device, the Dameware software in the management account shares those credentials directly with the nominated technician account. The remote access software receives this information without the necessity for the technician to see it.
With this remote administration system, technicians can access the operating system of the remote device and also directly access key applications such as Active Directory through the Dameware console. The operator is also able to manage log files, run diagnostics, and launch a remote startup or reboot. Other than the reboot option, any user working on the remote device would not be aware of the technician’s activity. There is also a remote control option that gives the technician full control over the remote device’s desktop with control over the mouse and keyboard.
Find out more about how Dameware compares to similar offerings from TeamViewer and LogMeIn. The software for Dameware Remote Support runs on Windows and Windows Server. You can access it on a 14-day free trial.
Pros:
- Access to all the major operating systems
- Get access without the device user’s involvement
- Option to get remote control with visibility to the device user
- Administrator controls over technician dashboards
- Password locker and background credentials distribution
Cons:
- Doesn’t include technician team supervision functions
EDITOR’S CHOICE Dameware Remote Support is our top pick for a remote administration tool because it is built for teams with an impressive remote credentials management system built into it. The different utilities built into the management and technician user account types enables an IT department or MSP to guarantee full confidentiality and security to the user community without the danger of a rogue technician disclosing or mismanaging user credentials. Start 14-day Free Trial: dameware.com/remote-support-software/registration OS: Windows & Windows Server
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Dameware Remote Support is our top pick for a remote administration tool because it is built for teams with an impressive remote credentials management system built into it. The different utilities built into the management and technician user account types enables an IT department or MSP to guarantee full confidentiality and security to the user community without the danger of a rogue technician disclosing or mismanaging user credentials.
Start 14-day Free Trial: dameware.com/remote-support-software/registration
OS: Windows & Windows Server
2. Atera (FREE TRIAL)
Atera is a SaaS platform that bundles together all of the software that an MSP needs in order to operate. Utilities are grouped into two services: Professional Services Automation (PSA) and Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) despite being defined as two services, utilities within each package can interact seamlessly.
- RMM system
- Splashtop or AnyDesk
- Task automation
- Remote management
The RMM section of Atera includes remote access and management automation tools. The remote access system available in Atera is actually a third-party tool, called Splashtop. This facilitates operating system access by technicians and also remote desktop control.
A nice feature that Atera promotes is that the clients of the MSP can utilize the Splashtop remote access system as well for their own purposes. This allows users working from home to access their desktop computer in the office and fulfill their work obligations without needing to store or process the information on their own home computer. This is a useful service during the Covid pandemic but it also has long term implementation possibilities for field agents.
The RMM system includes other remote administration tools such as patch management and device onboarding. An MSP technician is able to set up a device for a client remotely and can also create a hardware and software inventory of the customer’s system automatically.
Atera is a subscription service with a rate per technician per month. There are no setup fees or minimum service periods, so it is a very flexible service that is suitable for MSPs of all sizes. You can check out Atera on a fully-functioning free trial.
Choice of third-party remote access tool
Operating system access for investigation
Remote control with user communication facilities
Team and ticket management functions
Not a proprietary remote access tool
Atera Start a FREE Trial
3. N-able N-sight (FREE TRIAL)
N-able N-sight RMM is designed for use by managed service providers. and IT departments managing multiple remote sites. RMM stands for “Remote Monitoring and Management” and a key module of the RMM is its remote administration system.
- Remote access
- Remote desktop
- Chat facility
Remote administration within the RMM gives a technician behind the scenes access to remote devices and also the option to take control of that device’s environment. This gives the option of performing investigations or essential maintenance without interrupting the user and also the possibility to let the user watch the actions of the technician on the device, which is a good training communication tool.
Each technician connection is managed by the RMM system so that there is no need for any access passwords to be revealed to the operating user. The sessions can be recorded both for training purposes and to prevent malicious behavior, and sessions can be transferred between technicians.
The remote control connection option includes a side chat window so the technician can communicate with the user of the remote device in order to investigate a problem and explain a solution. All of these chat sessions are automatically stored for future reference.
Customers of N-able N-sight RMM get much more than just a remote administration tool. The package also includes cybersecurity software to protect all remote endpoints and a system content firewall, a patch management system, task automation processes, diagnostic tools, a backup and recovery manager, mobile device management software, and a risk intelligence system.
The N-able N-sight package includes a service desk system that enables users to raise issues. This includes team management and work scheduling utilities. The RMM also includes a full system monitoring service with automated asset discovery. This is a very comprehensive bundle of tools that are delivered as a cloud service and so it can be accessed through any standard browser. You can experience N-able N-sight RMM on a 30-day free trial.
Automated remote management tools
Endpoint protection
Asset discovery and inventory
Not available for download
N-able N-sight Start 30-day FREE Trial
4. NinjaOne (FREE TRIAL)
NinjaOne – formerly NinjaRMM – is a cloud-based RMM platform that provides tools for MSP technicians to manage the systems of clients. This is a multi-tenanted system, so the data and credentials of different clients are kept completely separate. This RMM is also a good choice for the IT Operations departments of multi-site organizations.
- Remote discovery
- Network, server, and software management
- Patch manager
The service has many automated processes. These kick-off when a client is enrolled in the system. The RMM scans the client’s network and maps it, noting all of the devices that link the network together as well as those computers that are connected to it. The endpoints running Windows and macOS get loaded up with scanning agents – Linux devices are monitored from a separate host across the network.
This system provides automated live network and endpoint resource monitoring that incorporates an alerting mechanism. When a resource utilization threshold gets crossed, an alert is generated, which is routed through the NinjaRMM ticketing system for the attention of a technician.
Automated tools in this package include a patch manager and a configuration manager. The service can also be used as a Help Desk support system, thanks to it ticketing service.
NinjaOne is a cloud-based service with a browser-based console that can be accessed from anywhere. NinjaOne doesn’t publish a price list, so you need to contact the Sales Department to request a quote. NinjaOne is available on a 14-day free trial.
Network and endpoint management
Software license management
Endpoint protection
Offers third-party tools for remote access
NinjaOne Start 14-day FREE Trial
5. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus (FREE TRIAL)
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is offered as a cloud-based service or the software is available for on-premises installation – it runs on Windows environments. This tool gets IT technicians access to endpoints and servers running Windows, Linux, and macOS. Each endpoint first requires an agent installed on it before remote access is possible.
- Cloud or on-premises
- Investigative tools
- Voice and video chat
Technicians have two access options that are background access or full Desktop control. The Desktop option includes a chat panel so the technician can communicate with the user of the endpoint. The chat facility includes voice and video options as well as text.
The Remote Access Plus bundle includes tools to aid investigations and also a series of problem mitigation automated systems to solve problems. The system is a team environment – each user gets a private account console but can also communicate with other technicians in order to arrive at a solution. Tasks can be passed on to other operatives or put on hold.
Remote Access Plus is available in three editions: Free, Standard, and Professional. The Free version is limited to the control of ten client computers but it includes more features than the Standard plan, such as Wake-on-LAN, and remote shutdown/reboot. You can get ManageEngine Remote Access Plus on a 30-day free trial.
Remote desktop and background access
Wake-on-LAN and remote shutdown
Tech-to-user and tech-to-tech communication channels
No ticket management system
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus Access the 30-day FREE Trial
6. Zoho Assist (FREE TRIAL)
Zoho Assist is a cloud-based service, so technicians access the system console through any standard browser. This tool provides remote access to computers running Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is also able to access mobile devices running iOS, Android, or ChromeOS. The service can be used for troubleshooting with unattended access behind the scenes or for attended remote control sessions to educate users.
- Browser-based console
- Attended and unattended access
- Troubleshooting and remote control
The cloud base of this tool means that technicians can log in from anywhere. This is a great feature for businesses that use a dispersed team of home-based customer support staff. The service has two modes that access managed devices and also the external systems of customers. The Zoho Assist system is suitable for use by in-house support teams and for the technicians of managed service providers.
All of the screens of the Zoho Assist can be branded to make the package seem to be a custom-built in-house system. External customers don’t need to have agent software installed in order to allow the technician access to a device. In this scenario, the support technician sends the customer a link by email, which opens up a session through the browser and provides full remote control.
Zoho Assist is offered in two versions – one for remote support and the other for unattended access. Subscribing to both systems gets you a unified technician console. There is a Free plan that covers both services but this is a single-user system with no team management features. The paid system for the Remote Support system is available in three plans and there are two plan levels for the Unattended Access service. You can get a 15-day free trial of the combined Zoho Assist package.
Connections protected by AES-256 encryption
Mass rollout of access agents for managed devices
Remote access from anywhere that supports distributed teams
No self-hosted option
Zoho Assist Start 15-day FREE Trial
7. ISL Online
ISL Online is a remote access system that can be installed on-premises or subscribed to as a cloud-based service. The technician console software installs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The system can also be accessed through a mobile app for iOS and Android. Users of the cloud service just need a standard browser to access the tool from any operating system.
- Deployment options
- Mobile app
- Remote agent
Each remote device that can be accessed through ISL Online needs to have an agent program installed on it. Agents are available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Users of mobile devices can grant access to a technician by downloading an app, which installs on iOS and Android.
The technician dashboard is straightforward and driven by a menu that lists all of the devices to which that user can connect. A separate tab in the menu gives access to sessions and that makes it possible to open several connections simultaneously and switch between them.
Technicians have two modes of access: operating system and Desktop. The behind-the-scenes operating system mode means that users can continue to work on the device while the technician investigates and fixes a problem. With the Desktop access mode, the technician gets complete control over the device, disabling the user’s access to the mouse and the keyboard.
All screens and notifications in the ISL Online system can be branded by the user so that it seems to be an in-house product. It is also possible to integrate the ISL Online service with existing corporate access rights management services.
A license for ISL Online allows one session at a time. So, if you want to be able to implement the feature that allows multiple simultaneous sessions, you will need to buy an appropriate number of licenses. The on-premises software is charged for as a one-time free. The online service of ISL Online offers two payment options. The first of these is a subscription per year per license. The second option is a pay-as-you-go plan that is metered per minute. The pay-as-you-go plan requires the purchase of blocks of 500 minutes.
Good for software support to the general public
The remote device user retains control
Operating system or desktop access
No Help Desk functions
The full, SaaS service of ISL Online is available for a 15-day free trial.
8. RemotePC
RemotePC is a remote access system with a straightforward operating strategy. The remote device needs to have an agent installed on it and the owner of that device can choose between permanent access for a technician or just a one-time session. The remote device can be running Windows, Linux, or macOS and the technician console is accessed through a browser, so it is not restricted to any particular operating system.
- Device owner consent
- Wake-on-LAN
- Operating system or desktop access
The permanent access option is a good solution for in-house deployment or for MSPs. Access can be behind the scenes of full Desktop control. Other features in this tool include Wake-on-LAN and remote shutdown.
There are four plans available for RemotePC: Consumer, SOHO, Team, and Enterprise. The Consumer edition just has a single-user license but the other three plans have no limit on the number of users that can access the system. The main difference between the three upper plans is the number of remote devices that the team can access. You can get a 7-day free trial of either the Team or Enterprise plan.
Good for support to the general public
Device owner grants access
Corporate option for permanent remote access
No autodiscovery
Type Manage op into the Start menu search field and select Manage optional features from the results.
Click on Add a feature.
Scroll down in the list of available features that start with RSAT. You will see each tool is available individually.
Make sure you select RSAT: Remote Access Management Tools and RSAT: Remote Desktop Services Tools.
Click on the Install button.
Watch the installation of these tools progress at the top of the Optional features screen.
