Remote Access Device Management in a Hybrid Workplace

In today’s digital world, the concept of remote access device management has become increasingly important. As businesses continue to adapt to new ways of working, the ability to manage and control devices remotely is no longer just a convenience — it’s a necessity. Remote access device management refers to the ability to monitor, control, and manage devices from a central location, regardless of where the devices themselves are located.

The Rise of Hybrid Work

The global pandemic has accelerated a shift towards hybrid work models, where employees split their time between working in the office and working remotely. According to research from leading global knowledge solutions company, Intuition, 83% of almost 10,000 workers want a permanent hybrid model. This shift has brought with it a host of new challenges, particularly when it comes to managing the devices that employees use to do their work.

Challenges in Managing Remote Devices

Managing devices in a hybrid work environment is no easy task. IT administrators must juggle the needs of both remote and office workers, ensuring that all devices are properly configured, secure, and functioning correctly. This includes not only computers and laptops but also smartphones, tablets, and other IoT devices.

Certainly, managing remote devices presents a unique set of challenges that organizations must overcome to ensure smooth operations and maintain high levels of security. Here are some of the key challenges:

1. Device Diversity: In a remote work environment, employees may be using a variety of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. These devices could be running on different operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. Managing such a diverse range of devices and operating systems can be complex and time-consuming.
2. Security: Remote devices are often more vulnerable to security threats. They may connect to unsecured networks, be used by family members, or be lost or stolen. Ensuring that sensitive company data on these devices is secure is a major challenge. This includes maintaining up-to-date antivirus software, enforcing strong passwords, and ensuring that data is encrypted.
3. Software Updates and Maintenance: Keeping all devices updated with the latest software and security patches is crucial. However, it can be difficult to ensure that remote devices are regularly updated. This is especially challenging when dealing with a large number of devices or when updates need to be applied that require the device to restart.
4. Technical Support: Providing technical support to remote workers can be more challenging than supporting in-office workers. IT support staff can’t physically access the device, which can make troubleshooting more difficult. Tools for remote access can help, but they also require a stable internet connection, which can’t always be guaranteed.
5. Device Monitoring: Monitoring the health and usage of remote devices is another challenge. IT teams need to be able to monitor the status of devices, track their performance, and detect any potential issues. This can be difficult without the right tools and infrastructure in place.
6. Compliance: For industries that are subject to regulations regarding data security and privacy, ensuring compliance can be more difficult with remote devices. Policies and controls need to be in place to ensure that data is being handled appropriately, and that the devices themselves are compliant with any relevant regulations.
7. Internet Connectivity: Not all employees may have access to reliable, high-speed internet connections. This can impact their ability to work effectively and can also make device management tasks such as updates, backups, and remote support more challenging.

The Role of IoT in Remote Device Management

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a crucial part of many businesses’ IT infrastructure. From smart thermostats and security cameras to industrial sensors and smart manufacturing equipment, IoT devices are everywhere. Managing these devices effectively requires a robust remote device management solution.

Comparing Remote Access and Mobile Device Management

When it comes to managing devices remotely, there are two main approaches: remote access and mobile device management.

Remote Access

Remote access refers to the ability to access a computer or a network from a remote distance. In the context of device management, remote access allows IT administrators to control a device remotely as if they were physically present at the device’s location. This is particularly useful for troubleshooting issues, performing software updates, or carrying out administrative tasks without needing the device to be brought into the office.

Key features of remote access typically include:

• Screen sharing or remote control: IT administrators can view or control the screen of the remote device to troubleshoot issues or perform tasks.
• File transfer: Files can be transferred between the administrator’s device and the remote device.
• Session recording: Remote sessions can be recorded for audit purposes or for reviewing later.
• Text chat: Administrators can communicate with the device user via text chat during the remote session.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile Device Management, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive solution for managing mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. MDM solutions allow IT administrators to manage and secure devices remotely, but they also offer a range of additional features that go beyond the capabilities of basic remote access tools.

Key features of MDM typically include:

• Device enrollment: Devices can be enrolled in the MDM system for management. This can often be done in bulk for large numbers of devices.
• Policy management: IT administrators can define and enforce policies on devices, such as password policies, app usage policies, and more.
• App management: Administrators can remotely install, update, or remove apps on the device.
• Security management: MDM solutions can enforce encryption, detect and manage security threats, and remotely lock or wipe lost or stolen devices.
• Device tracking: The location of devices can be tracked, which is useful for managing field workers or for locating lost or stolen devices.

Remote Access vs. Mobile Device Management

While both remote access and MDM allow for remote management of devices, they serve different purposes and have different strengths.

Remote access tools are primarily focused on providing support and troubleshooting for remote devices. They allow IT administrators to take control of a device and perform tasks as if they were physically present.

MDM solutions, however, provide a broader set of management capabilities. They not only allow for remote control of devices but also enable administrators to enforce policies, manage apps, secure devices, and track device locations. This makes MDM solutions a better fit for organizations that need to manage a large number of devices or that have complex security and policy requirements.

In many cases, organizations may choose to use both remote access and MDM solutions together. This allows them to leverage the strengths of both approaches, providing comprehensive device management and support capabilities.

Customer Success Stories

Case Study 1: From Healthcare Industry

A Healthcare Network, a non-profit healthcare system, needed a way to manage and secure the mobile devices used by their staff. They turned to MobileIron, a leading provider of MDM solutions.

With Scalefusion’s MDM solution, St. Luke’s was able to enroll devices in their system, enforce security policies, and manage apps on the devices. They also used Scalefusion’s remote access capabilities to provide support and troubleshooting for their devices.

The result was a significant improvement in the security and management of their mobile devices. They were able to ensure that all devices were compliant with healthcare regulations, and they reduced the time and effort required to manage and support their devices.

Case Study 2: From Education Industry

A Public School, one of the largest school districts in the United States, needed a way to manage the iPads & Androids used by their students and staff. They chose to use Scalefusion, an MDM solution specifically designed for Mulit-OS devices.

With Scalefusion, Public School was able to enroll their iPads & Android, manage apps, and enforce policies on the devices. They also used Scalefusion remote access capabilities to provide support for their devices, even when the devices were at home with students.

The implementation of Scalefuson allowed a School to effectively manage and secure their iPads, ensuring that they were used appropriately for educational purposes. It also reduced the burden on their IT staff, who no longer had to manually manage each device.

These case studies demonstrate how organizations in different industries can successfully implement both remote access and mobile device management solutions to improve the management and security of their devices.

Choosing the Right Solution

Choosing the right remote access device management solution depends on the specific needs of your organization. Small teams and offices that do not have a large number of devices to manage may find that a simple remote access tool is sufficient. However, larger organizations with a more diverse array of devices may require a more robust MDM solution.

When evaluating solutions, consider factors like ease of use, scalability, and the level of support provided by the vendor. It’s also important to look for a solution that supports the types of devices you use in your organization. For example, if your employees use a mix of Android and iOS devices, you’ll need a solution that supports both platforms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, remote access device management is a crucial tool for businesses in today’s hybrid work environment. By allowing IT administrators to manage devices remotely, these solutions can help businesses improve efficiency, reduce errors, and keep their devices secure.

Whether you choose a simple remote access tool or a more comprehensive MDM solution, the key is to find a solution that fits the specific needs of your organization. With the right solution in place, you can ensure that your devices — and your business — are always running smoothly.