With more people working remotely, online tools that provide connection and access to your other devices are necessary.
What if you need a file from your office computer and you are working from home? How about a proprietary app that can only be used using company machines?
This is where remote access software comes in. It can access another PC even if you are on the opposite side of the world.
Remote access applications are no longer reserved for help desks. With better features and an intuitive user interface, these apps should be a part of your business.
Choosing the best remote access software is quite tricky as there are countless solutions in the market. To figure out which software is ideal for your business, check out Neil Patel’s best remote access software review. He looked into some of the best remote access software in the industry and covered their features and why they’re highly recommended.
Below are the crucial points you need to consider when choosing remote access software.
1. Security and Privacy
Remember pcAnywhere? During the early 2010s, it was everyone’s go-to remote access software. It ran into serious security issues, and Symantec eventually told customers to stop using it.
When choosing an app that can access your business’ assets, including confidential information, security should be your top priority.
Using an unsecured remote access app exposes your network and computers to hackers. They exploit the remote desktop protocol (RDP) to access your business’ devices without your knowledge.
Most providers promise to deliver the highest security measures. However, it is important that you check under the hood.
Major security breaches are often reported on reputable technology news outlets. A quick Google search of the security software’s name will show if it was involved in any security problems.
You can also take advantage of online reviews and customer feedback.
More importantly, remote access software should comply with the latest industry standards. For example, it should utilize 256-bit AES encryption to protect your network connection and data.
However, to be on the safe side, make it a point to always back up your data when using remote access software — and especially if you’re permitting other people to access your computer or proprietary app.
If you have sensitive Excel files on your laptop, keep copies of it in the cloud and other secure storage platforms.
If you developed your app on Microsoft Azure DevOps, for instance, protect your code by frequently running automated Azure DevOps backups.
Doing this ensures your business can still run smoothly should you lose your data assets due to compromised remote access software and illegal access.
2. Technical and Customer Support
Robust customer support is an important aspect of any business solution. Unfortunately, many business owners fail to consider this when choosing a remote access platform.
Ideally, business tools should be simple and easy to use. However, as your business grows, you will need complex solutions and more functionalities.
Eventually, you will run into challenges and issues that will require an expert’s assistance. Depending on your chosen remote access software, you will experience malfunctions, complicated interfaces, and confusing installation processes.
Every minute that you can’t use your business apps, the more money you are losing. As such, technical support should be readily available.
When comparing various platforms, look into the types of support channels offered by the provider. Here are some of the most common support types and their advantages:
- Community forum – basic support for non-critical issues and questions
- Email – great for specific inquiries, minor after-sales support, and general queries.
- Chat – suitable when you need an immediate response from an expert.
- Phone – essential in solving time-sensitive issues that require complicated solutions
- Ticket – can be used for escalations, upgrades, and other concerns that need tracking
- On-site support – required when you need assistance in installation, hardware configuration, and related business needs.
Take note of the support levels available in each package. Some companies offer premium support and professional services. You wouldn’t want to spend hours on a call queue when your software is not working, would you?
Additionally, see whether vendors handle their support using manual methods. Opt for companies that leverage customer service automation tools with modern capabilities, such as artificial intelligence and chatbots. This increases the chances that your provider can always promptly address your queries and requests.
Aside from customer support, also ask about training and tutorials. These are often delivered through a knowledge base, product demonstrations, and walkthroughs.
Making sure that your team members know how to properly use the remote access application will minimize errors and problems.
Also, the first few weeks of using your new app are critical. Ensure that you have enough after-sales support and assistance. Furthermore, this support information should be easily available through the provider’s website.
For example, TeamViewer prominently displays its support phone number on its portal. Its knowledge base, community portal, and training options are also located in one convenient place.
3. Device Compatibility
Imagine this scenario: you are excited to get started and use your newly purchased remote access software. It has advanced features, great security, and amazing support.
And then, your entire operation halts because half of your team cannot install the application. It turns out the platform only works on Apple devices.
Frustrating, isn’t it? Not to mention a complete waste of money.
To prevent this from happening, be mindful of your teams’ devices. Are they using laptops? Desktop computers? Tablets? How about the specification of their machines?
Next, be on the lookout for the technical requirements of the remote access software. Companies typically provide the ideal hardware specifications required to run the app smoothly.
Finally, assess your business needs. Do you need a solution that runs on the browser? Do you require mobile compatibility? Or do you need to purchase additional hardware?
Knowing these three factors before you start shopping for a remote access solution will make the selection much easier and faster.
4. Functionalities and Features
Remote access software is no longer limited to a single functionality. These apps have evolved to cater to the growing needs of various industries.
Before you consider a solution, think about your use case. Do you need a screen recording? How about multiple monitor access? Remote printing, perhaps?
Having all these features in one place will save time and effort. Also, you do not have to purchase other software, which is great for your budget.
For example, TeamViewer offers a wide range of features that allows you to access various devices, support your clients and customers, and even manage your team.
It includes user and device management functionalities, which can securely access your team members’ computers even when they are offline.
Aside from these powerful features, the remote access software should seamlessly integrate with your existing business applications.
Smooth data exchange between your tools is necessary to ensure efficient workflow. Switching between your existing apps and the remote access platform should be as painless as possible.
These can include popular video interviewing software, teleconference platforms, virtual presentation tools, open-source systems, and several others that you and your teams frequently use.
For instance, TeamViewer integrates with Zoho Desk, making it easy to launch remote sessions right from the tickets screen.
That means your team members and your clients can collaborate instantly with just a click.
Conclusion
Working remotely or having your team members offsite presents unique challenges. However, you can tackle these issues head-on using remote access software.
You can monitor employee activities, securely exchange data, and even collaborate, all in one platform. Advanced features such as integration with third-party apps software mean efficient workflows and significant savings.
On top of that, you can use remote access apps to attract leads and book more clients. You can conduct product demos, offer hands-on tutorials, and provide customer support without ever leaving your home or office.
