Remote device management software
The increase in remote work makes managing corporate devices exponentially more difficult. Without regular check-ins, you won’t have full visibility of your hardware inventory, patching status, device usage, and other individual device data. As a remote device management solution for Microsoft Windows PCs, PDQ Connect uses an agent-based approach to empower IT teams to set up, manage, monitor, and update machines from a central location.
Must-have remote device management features
Managing devices remotely is much easier with convenient key features. PDQ Connect simplifies common tasks while also giving you the flexibility to perform more niche actions on enrolled devices.
Automation
Automating routine tasks with PDQ Connect improves efficiency and consistency. Not only does your environment benefit, but you get time back in your day.
Automated deployments
Manual installations are a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Automate deployments to targeted devices or groups based on your selected triggers to finally get that win.
Offline queuing
Feel like deploying when multiple devices are offline? You do you. PDQ Connect queues any failed deployments to retry when the PC comes back online.
Dynamic device groups
Automatically organize devices based on your set criteria, keeping each device group neat and tidy even in changing environments. Filter based on installed application, app version, OS version, and more.
Customization
When you know how things need to be, a one-size-fits-all solution just doesn’t cut it. The PDQ suite gives you the flexibility to cater to your unique environment.
Custom automations
Automate deployments based on your trigger of choice.
Custom packages
Build your own multistep packages, like installing an MSI or running a PowerShell script, to meet your unique needs.
Public API
Using PDQ Connect’s secure REST API, integrate Connect with your other tools for seamless workflows.
Blazing speed
Waiting to collect data or complete a long list of deployments drains the life out of you almost as fast as watching a YouTube compilation of Jar Jar Binks’s greatest moments. (Operative word here: “Almost.”) Knock out tasks quickly with PDQ Connect so that you can move on with your day.
Rapid deployment
Complete tasks quickly. Without waiting for long, queued deployments, you can transform your to-do list into the world’s most aerodynamic paper plane that much sooner.
Real-time inventory data
Access up-to-the-minute information on online status, apps, last deployment, operating system version, device manufacturer, and more.
PowerShell commands
Take fast action by executing PowerShell commands directly on a device without deploying a package. Troubleshoot, gather information, and implement fixes quickly.
Next-level convenience
We want something in a sysadmin’s daily life to be easy, so we make our solutions simple and straightforward.
Prebuilt packages
Install or update software quickly with PDQ Connect’s ready-to-deploy packages. Your boss will think you put in much more work than you actually did.
Easy interface
Start managing remote Windows PCs right out of the gate. Without a steep learning curve, you can hone the skills you need as you need them.
Silent deployment
Install packages silently. Greater scalability + less chaos = true happiness.
What are the benefits of remote device management?
Remote Windows PC management with PDQ Connect empowers IT teams to manage machines at distant locales just as easily as those across the room. It’s probably as close as you’ll ever get to traveling through the multiverse. Here are just a few possible advantages:
Greater efficiency
More accurate budgeting
Enhanced device security
Superior visibility
Easier troubleshooting
Simple scalability
PDQ Connect vs. leading remote device management competitors
PDQ Connect’s remote device management | Leading competitors | |
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Detailed inventory |
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Device grouping |
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Custom package creation |
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Deployment automation |
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Real-time data |
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Fast response time |
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Extensive Package Library |
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Speedy, skillful remote support |
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Extensive Knowledge Base |
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Budget-friendly pricing |
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Remote device management FAQs
What is remote device management?
Remote device management (RDM) includes setting up and maintaining Windows PCs across locations through a central admin console window. While remote computer management is commonly associated with a distributed team, the same techniques also work for in-office and hybrid settings.
Effective remote device management may include the following components:
Inventorying hardware devices
Installing, configuring, and updating software
Monitoring system performance
Managing accounts
Securing managed devices
Troubleshooting device issues
RDM software centralizes and simplifies these processes. However, it’s important to note that remote device management tools often focus on particular aspects of RDM, so you may need several solutions to finally live out all your RDM dreams. PDQ Connect supports the most critical RDM functions, including automated software deployment, remote patching, and accessing real-time device data.
What is a remote device management process?
A remote device management process usually involves the following steps to set up and maintain the devices of remote workers.
Policy creation and implementation
Device enrollment
Device configuration
Security management
Monitoring and maintenance
Patch installation
Reporting and compliance
Decommissioning (and remote wipe if needed)
PDQ Connect supports these functions by maintaining an up-to-date inventory, gathering real-time device data, generating automated reports, deploying custom or prebuilt packages, and more. Meanwhile, PDQ Detect scans for vulnerabilities and prioritizes those with the highest risk to your environment to help secure your remote device fleet.
What other functions are related to remote device management?
As a subset of IT service management, remote device management is closely related to several other functions:
Mobile security management
Unified endpoint management
Identity and access management
Remote monitoring
Device configuration management
IoT device management
Help desk and support management
Compliance management
PDQ’s product suite helps support many of these functions, but it doesn’t do it all. We just do what we do, and we do it well. And with our highly effective device management solutions, you can reclaim more of your time to handle the rest.
How do you incorporate remote device management?
Planning your remote management approach up-front and then implementing PDQ Connect can set you up for success. These steps can help you better understand your environment and determine precisely what you need to accomplish.
Determine how many remote Windows PCs are in your device fleet
Set your budget
Assess existing processes
Establish what specific tasks you need to perform remotely
Find a remote device management platform to simplify common tasks
Update documentation (including your security policy) to reflect any changes
Every environment is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding your fleet and goals can help you build a remote management program that fits your needs.
What are remote device management best practices?
Using remote device management best practices can help you enhance security and improve visibility with less effort. Keep these tips in mind:
Designate who oversees remote device management
Choose a solution that fits your business needs
Inventory assets
Automate routine tasks
Update software regularly
Prioritize data security
By following these best practices and using PDQ Connect, you can maintain remote control and visibility over each managed device, even those that are never on-site.
How do you choose the right remote device management software?
To choose the right remote Windows device management solution, assess your environment, needs, goals, and options. Consider these factors when looking at software:
Functionality
Ease of use
Compatible devices (Windows devices, Apple devices)
Cost
Cybersecurity needs
Customer support
Customer reviews
A device management solution is the easiest way to maintain remote access to off-premises machines. To experience one of the best tools in action, sign up for a trial or schedule a demo to see the level of control PDQ Connect gives you over each connected device.
How does remote device management differ from on-prem management?
Remote and on-prem solutions differ in how they reach the end user. Remote device management solutions — like PDQ Connect — typically use an agent-based approach, giving a sysadmin visibility into real-time device data whenever remote machines are online. In contrast, on-prem solutions — like PDQ Deploy & Inventory — often use an agentless approach. That means users must connect to the local network or a VPN for sysadmins to manage their machines, which isn’t always feasible for remote users.