Not every desktop management system covers all types of user devices. Businesses that don’t want to include mobile devices in their equipment inventory will be satisfied with a tool that just focuses on desktops.

Tasks that are included in desktop management include on-boarding, software management, patch management, security protection, and access rights 30-day free trial management. Desktop management can be combined with servers, applications, and network monitoring and management to create a complete system management environment.

Here is our list of the eight best desktop management software:

  • Atera (FREE TRIAL) This package of tools for managed service providers includes automated endpoint management services plus remote access tools for technician investigations. This is a cloud-based system and you can get it on a 30-day free trial.
  • N-able N-sight (FREE TRIAL) A monitoring and management package that enables a central IT department to manage endpoints on local and remote sites without requiring physical access. Start a 30-day free trial.
  • SuperOps RMM (FREE TRIAL) This SaaS system is a full remote monitoring and management package for MSPs and includes services to monitor desktops and laptops running Windows. Start a 21-day free trial.
  • NinjaOne RMM (FREE TRIAL) A comprehensive system monitoring tool that includes management functions for endpoints. Access the 30-day free trial.
  • SolarWinds Hybrid Cloud Observability (FREE TRIAL) An asset manager that links the monitoring of user services from their origin on-premises or in the cloud through to user devices. Runs on Windows Server.
  • ManageEngine Endpoint Central (FREE TRIAL) A desktop management system that includes automated processes for onboarding and patch management.
  • Workspace ONE A unified endpoint management tool from VMWare that covers desktops and mobile devices.
  • BlackBerry Spark UEM Suite Endpoint management that includes extensive strategies for the control of mobile devices as well as managing desktops.

Considerations for desktop management

While planning desktop management tasks, it is important to include factors such as controlling access to those devices and ensuring that only authorized software is installed on it. It is important to ensure that the business’s equipment is only used for the company’s aims and not for private pursuits.

IT managers also need to take into consideration the security requirements of data protection standards if the business aims for accreditation in order to win and retain business.

Issues such as technician access are important factors. This category of considerations includes controlling and monitoring the actions of technicians on endpoints to ensure that support staff isn’t able to install unauthorized software or steal data. Access needs to be possible over the network to remove the necessity of having to visit each desktop in order to manage software.

The times of heavy usage of the company’s IT system need to be taken into account. Mechanisms for implementing change through automated processes during out-of-office hours will address most of the issues.

The best desktop management software

You can read more about each of these options in the following sections.

Our methodology for selecting desktop management software

We reviewed the market for desktop management software and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:

  • A service that is suitable for supporting users as well as endpoints
  • Remote management facilities, such as Wake-on-LAN plus troubleshooting tools
  • Facilities for mass onboarding for device fleets
  • Action logging for technician activity tracking
  • Process automation for maintaining many endpoints without technician intervention
  • A free trial or money-back guarantee for a risk-free assessment
  • Value-for-money software that saves time and improves services

1. Atera (FREE TRIAL)

Atera is a cloud-based SaaS system that is very appealing to small businesses. The service is charged for on a per technician basis per month. This makes the full package of desktop monitoring and management tools that big corporations use accessible to those supporting small systems.

Key Features:

  • System monitoring
  • Remote access and remote desktop
  • Team management functions

Atera includes remote access and remote desktop features. These facilities are essential for IT technicians that have to support desktops on remote sites. Apart from manual access, the Atera service facilitates automated processes and starts with an autodiscovery sweep. This builds an asset inventory and also logs all software installations for license management. Further software and operating system management tasks, such as patch management can all be automated.

The console of Atera is accessed through any web browser and there is also a mobile app to access the Atera system.

The full Atera package includes PSA functions, which support IT department managers with team management and it provides a ticketing system for help desk teams. The PSA functions also cover SLA goal tracking and time-sheet recording for cost management.

Atera is available for a 30-day free trial.

Pros:

  • Minimalist interface makes it easy to view the metrics that matter most
  • Flexible pricing model makes it a viable option for small businesses
  • Includes multiple PSA features, great for helpdesk teams and growing MSPs
  • Can track SLAs and includes a time-tracking option for maintenance tasks

Cons:

  • The ticketing system can be confusing to set up, better out-of-the-box templates would be a nice addition

2. N-able RMM (FREE TRIAL)

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Atera is our top pick for a desktop management software package because a managed service provider can enroll any endpoint anywhere into its monitoring and management system. You get network, server, and application monitoring and management with this package, too along with remote access tools that enable technicians to perform investigations and fix problems on endpoints. The combination of task automation systems and manual tools along with a ticketing system and a team management service makes this a great option for desktop management.

Download: Access 30-day FREE Trial

Official Site: https://www.atera.com/signup/

N-able N-sight monitors desktops and enables a central IT department to manage the devices and the software loaded onto them. The system is a cloud-based service and it is able to monitor and manage desktops anywhere in the world. Technicians are able to access the console through a web browser. The tool is able to manage computers running Windows, Linux, and macOS and that includes both desktops and laptops.

Key features:

  • Device discovery and asset inventory management
  • Task automation
  • System monitoring
  • Cloud-based

The system includes a device discovery feature, which builds an asset inventory and updates it automatically when computers are added or removed. The RMM system includes a monitoring function that keeps track of the statuses of all devices. It then issues alerts when problems are detected, which enables technicians to take action and head off issues before they become noticeable.

Technicians gain remote access to devices and can troubleshoot and perform maintenance even while the computer is in use without the user noticing. Remote access can also be automated for tasks such as software installation or patch management. These tasks can be performed for individual devices or groups of computers and can be implemented immediately or on a schedule.

N-able N-sight is great for IT professionals managing desktops because it includes task automation and also facilitates manual access to a fleet of devices. The addition of a monitoring system helps the IT department to ensure desktops are in peak condition without having to visit each workstation. Task automation for software management removes human error and saves time.

N-able Remote Monitoring and Management is available on a 30-day free trial.

  • Excellent monitoring dashboard, great for MSPs or any size NOC teams

  • Scalable cloud-based deployment

  • Monitor for anywhere via a web browser

  • Automatic asset discovery makes inventory management easy, even on busy networks

  • Wide variety of automated remote administration options make it a solid choice for helpdesk support

  • The platform can take time to fully explore all of its features and configuration options

N-able N-sight Start 30-day FREE Trial

3. SuperOps RMM (FREE TRIAL)

SuperOps RMM is a SaaS package that includes all of the facilities that an MSP needs to manage the facilities of a client. This includes an Asset Management module that seeks out and logs all endpoints. The system also scans each device to create a software inventory. This function will operate on desktops and laptops running Windows.

  • Automated processes
  • Asset tracking and maintenance for endpoints
  • Patch management

As well as recording the presence of endpoints and monitoring their performance, the RMM package also provides a Patch Management service. The patch manager polls software suppliers for updates to the operating systems and software packages listed in the software inventory.

When a patch becomes available, the SuperOps system copies the installer over and stores it – the SaaS package includes cloud storage space for these installers.

The operator needs to specify in the SuperOps dashboard which periods are safe for maintenance functions, such as applying patches. The Patch Management service will queue up available patches and roll them out at the next available maintenance window.

All of the actions of the Patch Management service are logged for compliance auditing. The completion status of each patch run is also shown in the system dashboard. Thus, technicians can let the patch rollout run automatically overnight and check on completion statuses the following morning.

SuperOps is offered in four plans and three of these include asset and patch management. You can try any of the plans on a 21-day free trial.

  • Automated patch management

  • Constantly updated inventories

  • Thorough activity logging

  • Only manages computers running Windows

SuperOps RMM Start 21-day FREE Trial

4. NinjaOne RMM (FREE TRIAL)

NinjaOne is a cloud-based system that includes processing power and storage space as well as the desktop management software. This remote monitoring and management system is able to watch over desktops anywhere in the world – local and remote.

  • Management and monitoring modules
  • Task automation
  • 30-day free trial

The management software is able to organize desktops running Windows and macOS and also servers, laptops, and virtual machines. A monitoring system bundled into the NinjaOne RMM makes constant checks on the statuses of all equipment, alerting staff if a worrying condition appears, allowing for intervention.

Process automation within NinjaOne RMM automatically creates hardware and software inventories. Tasks can be implemented immediately, on a schedule, or through event-triggered scripts. Such tasks include system maintenance and Patch management.

The ability to implement access and usage policies through NinjaOne RMM helps towards data protection standards compliance. Reports that can be run from NinjaOne RMM assist in SLA goal tracking, compliance reporting, and team performance monitoring.

All technician access to desktops is monitored and facilitated by a remote access service. Each technician can have an individual account to access the console and services of NinjaOne RMM. The system is accessed through any standard web browser or through a mobile app.

NinjaOne RMM is available for a 30-day free trial.

  • Can silently install and uninstall applications and patches while the user works

  • Patch management and other automated maintenance tasks can be easily scheduled

  • Platform agnostic web-based management

  • Lacks support for mobile devices

  • Interface could be simplified, especially around the main web portal

  • Configuration options could be made easier to use, and have better tutorials

NinjaOne RMM Start a 30-day FREE Trial

5. SolarWinds Hybrid Cloud Observability (FREE TRIAL)

SolarWinds Hybrid Cloud Observability is an on-premises software package that identifies IT assets whether they are on-site or delivered from the cloud. The tool monitors endpoints and virtual systems plus the networks and internet connections that link them.

  • Asset discovery, logging, and mapping
  • Live monitoring
  • Performance analysis

The SolarWinds service discovers hardware and then watches the activity that software creates. The systems that the package identifies include services on cloud platforms. The discovery service builds up a dashboard of assets to track, listing all devices and the connections between them. This creates an asset inventory and system map. That identification continues during operational performance tracking, so any changes in infrastructure automatically get noted.

The system watches both physical and virtual systems, so it will monitor your desktops, servers, and network hardware, plus VMs, virtual servers on the cloud, VLANS, and SD-WANs. The tool includes path analysis for connections that reaches from each endpoint out to cloud platforms and it also creates application dependency maps, so you see the full stack in operation.

The observability system includes an alerting mechanism that triggers if performance drops or systems fail. This can be set up to forward notifications to key staff members through email or SMS. you can then leave the tool to watch over normal operations, freeing up human resources for more important tasks.

The software installs on your own host running Windows Server. However, the system is charged by subscription with a rate per node per month. A node is a device or a cloud subscription. So, all of the functions of the plan apply to each registered device for a flat fee. There are two plans for SolarWinds Hybrid Cloud Observability: Essentials and Advanced. You can register for a 30-day free trial of the Advanced edition.

  • On-premises software on a subscription rate

  • Asset identification and performance tracking

  • Analysis and planning tool for cloud and on-premises systems

  • You can’t buy the software outright

SolarWinds Hybrid Cloud Observability Start 30-day FREE Trial

6. ManageEngine Endpoint Central (FREE TRIAL)

Endpoint Central, formerly Desktop Central, is an on-premises system that operates as a unified endpoint management system. It manages desktops running Windows, Linux, and macOS and mobile devices with iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile.

  • Task automation
  • Manage desktops and mobile devices

This system tracks all assets, creating an asset inventory. It also searches out all installed software and records it, in order to facilitate license management. Once system administrators have all of the company’s assets documented they can create profiles for groups of desktops, listing all authorized software. It is also possible to create a standard setup for a type of endpoint and then take an image of that.

Once a standard package has been set, it can be automatically rolled out to groups of desktops according to the role of the user. This makes onboarding new devices and new users very easy.

Endpoint Central has extensive automation procedures for mobile devices, too. This enables the creation of an app’s profile per user type. With this in place, mobile devices can be set up en masse. The service includes mobile device tracking and remote locking and wiping.

All devices can be turned on or off and accessed remotely. The technician can work on a computer while it is in use without interfering with the user. Alternatively, a support operator can take over the environment, leaving the screen active so the user can see what is happening. This is a great feature for teaching users how to solve a common problem. The remote access and remote control features can be shared, enabling a group effort to troubleshoot or solve a problem. All sessions can be recorded.

Collaboration features in Endpoint Central include messaging to help groups of technicians to work together. Task automation allows standard tasks, such as patch management to be automated. Execution status reports can be shared.

Endpoint Manager runs on Windows Server and Linux. The software is available for a 30-day free trial.

  • Good option for administrators who prefer on-premise solutions

  • Can be installed on both Windows and Linux platforms, making it more flexible than other on-premise options

  • Offers in-depth reporting, ideal for enterprise management or MSPs

  • Nested menus and cluttered UI makes navigation difficult

  • The remote control agent can lock up and have problems with higher resolution screens

  • Reporting could be easier to use

ManageEngine Endpoint Central Start 30-day FREE Trial

7. Workspace ONE

Workspace ONE is a very good unified endpoint management system for businesses that want to operate a BYOD environment. The service manages desktops and mobile devices but its particular strength is its ability to contain company software and data in a separate area of a user-owned device. Workspace One can also manage Wi-Fi connected office equipment and wearable devices.

  • Containerization for user-owned devices
  • Manage desktops and mobile devices
  • 30-day free trial

The system manager creates a set of profiles, organizing a software and access rights profile for each type of device or group of devices intended for specific user groups. Once these policies have been set up, the manager can control and maintain groups of devices easily. This includes the automation of patch roll-outs and onboarding.

Workspace ONE encrypts all communications between its console and the controlled devices. It can also implement 2FA and bio-metric checks for user authentication. The service can apply encryption to all communications between monitored devices and remote or cloud services.

Technicians get access to all devices for troubleshooting and manual maintenance tasks. That remote access utility also facilitates automated support activities. Workplace ONE also includes a remote control system that gives the IT professional control of the screen of a remote device. Remote control utilities for mobile devices include the ability to track, lock, and wipe the device.

Workspace ONE is a cloud-based service and you can get a 30-day free trial.

  • Dashboard is easy to customize and offers a simple top-down look at desktop statistics

  • Can support mobile devices as well as desktops

  • Supports biometrics authentication – good option for heavily regulated industries

  • Lacks easy integrations into other platforms

  • On-premises version can be difficult to deploy, especially when compared to the SaaS version

  • Report creation could be made easier

8. BlackBerry Spark UEM Suite

The unified endpoint management system from BlackBerry is able to manage desktops running Windows and macOS and mobile devices running iOS and Android plus Chromebooks with Chrome OS. It can also monitor and manage IoT and wearable devices.

  • Content management system
  • For desktops and mobile devices
  • Free trial

The system is able to set groups of device profiles including user-owned devices, which will receive a containerized service, keeping company services isolated from the device and making the removal of access to those apps a simple step. Once profiles have been implemented, all device management tasks, such as patch management, can be automated.

Controls available in this UEM include content protection, tracking who gets access to documents, and disabling functions such as screen print and printing of sensitive documents when they are accessed from outside the business’s home network.

IT professionals in the support department get remote access to devices and there is also a remote control utility.

BlackBerry Spark UEM Suite is available for a free trial.

  • Supports a diverse ecosystem of Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices

  • Can create custom management groups, great for BYOD

  • Offers device management as well as patch management

  • Can suffer from sync issues

  • Onboarding, upgrades, and updates can be difficult to implement

  • Does not integrate with popular mail apps

Choosing desktop management software

There are so many factors to consider that deciding on a suitable desktop management tool can be very time-consuming.

Desktop management should be possible from one location in order to manage all of the endpoints that contribute to the business’s aims. This could involve managing devices in many locations. Nowadays, telecommuting is becoming more common, particularly during the time of the COVID pandemic. This means that businesses also have to manage network and resource access being conducted from user-owned devices.

Desktop management is becoming increasingly more complicated and so a robust tool that fully supports all monitoring and control issues is very necessary.