Remote Access Solutions for Small Business

There are several popular remote access solutions for small business. The most common remote access solutions are software programs with built-in access and communication capabilities for tech admins and remote users. These tools allow admins to access employee workstations remotely and allow users to reach in-office resources from remote devices. The admin or user is then able to access the desktop as if they were in front of it—they can view and use applications, mapped drives, and other resources. Remote access programs use secure encryption to protect in-transit data and authentication to ensure only the right users have access to specific devices. These remote access solutions are typically user-friendly and don’t require as much admin setup as other options.

Another potential remote access solution is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs can be useful for workstation access for employees, but don’t provide the control most admins need for remote troubleshooting. A VPN allows an endpoint to access an office network through a secure, encrypted tunnel. It requires firewall configuration and the use of client software. A VPN uses encryption to protect company data as it passes through routers, gateways, and other parts of the transfer process. Using a VPN also requires authentication to ensure only approved remote users can access data. VPNs aren’t failsafe—bugs and other issues can potentially allow bad actors to access and read even encrypted traffic. A small business should consult an experienced admin to ensure necessary security measures are in place. Overall, more set up is required than when using a remote access program.

Remote access and remote support solutions work by providing an easy and secure way for admins to troubleshoot user devices regardless of location, and by allowing users to access remote workstations. Many employees and admins may need to work remotely, whether daily or intermittently. Further, even small businesses may have satellite or branch locations for employees. However, these employees still need to access local company resources, including servers, applications, files, and data storage. Clients or consultants may need to access these in-network resources as well, and small business tech admins need to be able to access, monitor, and troubleshoot employee devices, even when they’re off-site.

Remote access software provides a straightforward solution to these common challenges. For most users, the priority is functionality. The best remote access solutions offer comprehensive remote access capabilities like easy file transfer and remote printing. However, high-level security is also critical for small and medium businesses, as in some cases, remote access and data transfer can put sensitive information at risk. It’s important to use remote access software with secure over-the-internet connections, typically with an internet proxy server or HTTP tunnel. The most reliable security measures include proven encryption methods and robust authentication options so only approved users can access specific workstations.

The ability to access and troubleshoot remote devices from any location is critical for any business wanting to save time and money, while offering employees flexibility.  

For small businesses with work-from-home staff, secondary offices, or traveling employees, being able to reach workstations remotely can make a difference in productivity. Staff can access files and applications, while admins can offer troubleshooting services for devices both inside and outside the main office. With remote support or remote access, there’s less need for physical travel, which can quickly become expensive and much less efficient compared to using remote support software to perform tasks that would normally require in-person work.

Small business remote support software is designed to offer features and ease of use for both employees and staff to establish remote connections. Of course, such connections need to be fast and secure, but the remote support platform itself should come equipped with specific functionalities. For instance, staff should be able to perform quick and easy file transfers as well as initiate remote printing. Users should be able to connect with powered-off or sleeping devices.

Remote support software can also offer small businesses robust security features. Even small- and medium-sized businesses need to protect sensitive data, especially when it’s in transit. Remote support software can allow for secure over-the-internet connections without the use of insecure VPNs. Remote software should use top-notch encryption protocols like AES 256 and TLS1.2, along with FIPS-level configuration. The software should also help ensure compliance with common regulatory standards like HIPAA and GDPR. Additionally, users may be concerned about unauthorized access. With the right remote support software, small businesses can ensure all staff uses best practices for remote authentication, including two-factor login, integration with Active Directory, Smart Card integration, and multi-level permissions.

Small businesses can also benefit from remote support software facilitating effective remote troubleshooting. Supporting remote users and workstations is one of the most common and critical tasks IT performs daily, and it’s important for small business remote support software to allow for fast and easy resolution. Remote support software should offer tools technicians need, including system health displays, scripting capabilities, in-app communication, keyboard translation, and more. Techs should be able to take control of any device as though they’re working on it directly—otherwise, their troubleshooting abilities may be too limited to offer quick resolutions end users need.

Remote support software for small business should offer enterprise-grade features at an affordable price. Dameware has a solution for any small businesses seeking a better remote access tool. Dameware provides secure, easy remote-control sessions without requiring the use of a virtual private network. The remote software establishes over-the-internet connections both inside and outside company firewalls, without the need for third-party hosting. This means technicians can reach end users around the globe with ease.

Dameware Remote Everywhere (DRE) is a lightweight, Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for small businesses. It’s designed to help admins achieve quick issue resolution on remote workstations or servers, whether they’re Windows, Linux, or Mac OS X machines. Techs can usually establish a connection to workstations in eight seconds or less—even with sleeping or powered-off devices. With advanced encryption protocols and two-factor authentication, using DRE can help ensure user data stays safe while in transit. DRE offers an annual or monthly cloud subscription capable of accommodating up to 500 endpoint agents per license—more than enough for small and medium-sized businesses.

Dameware Remote Support (DRS) is an on-premises version ideal for small businesses preferring in-house software. It offers many of the same capabilities as DRE, including robust compliance, encryption, and authentication options. The program doesn’t offer certain features like pre-session chat, customizable surveys, and scripting capabilities.