Advancing technologies and digital connectivity have come a long way, enabling individuals, teams, or even the entire organization to work from wherever they are yet to be productive and connect without compromising on security. Remote work has already emerged as the primary work model. With zero-trust access (ZTA), more and more organizations can access remote devices while managing data integrity securely. Thanks to remote support software, an application that allows seamless connectivity from anywhere, reduces costs and geographical limitations and eliminates unwanted commutes to the remote location. Remote support software solutions have been gaining traction post-2020.
What does Remote Support Mean?
Connecting, accessing, and controlling a remote computer or mobile device via the internet and remote support software from a different location is remote support. Back then, remote support meant only remote IT support, where the support representative fixed computer problems through remote services. With increasing digitization across the world, along with the adoption of remote working models, remote support currently involves connecting to anyone, anytime, anywhere, from any device, fixing computer problems, updating the software, providing enhanced connectivity, offering technical assistance, remotely monitoring, providing training, and much more.
What can You Accomplish with Remote Support?
- Remote Tech Support
- Screen Sharing
- File Sharing
- Troubleshooting / Repair
- Computer/ Mobile Maintenance / Setup
- Network Maintenance
- Software Upgrades / Installations
- Data Transfer & Recovery
- Hardware Upgrades
- Virus Removal
- Training
- Discussion / Meeting
Remote Support Then and Now
Remote support or remote connectivity has evolved over these years, and currently it is simple, efficient, secure and easy. Let us compare how remote support used to be a few years ago and how it is currently.
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What are the Benefits Of Remote Support?
- Remote connectivity
- Reduced operational costs
- Reduced business process outages
- Quick response time
- Improved productivity
- Workflow continuity
- Patch management
- Seamless Software updates
- Remote System maintenance
What are the Disadvantages Of Using An Unreliable Remote Support System?
- Security Issues
- Data vulnerabilities
- Version Issues
- Control Issues
- Network Dependency
- File corruption
- Collaboration challenges
How to Deliver Reliable Remote Support Services?
Choosing the right remote support software that suits your needs and business goals is the first step to deliver reliable remote support services. There are several top-notch remote support service tools available in the market. Choosing the best remote technical support tool can be overwhelming. To ease your search, you can refer to B2B listing and rating platforms like GoodFirms, where you can find the best tools to deliver remote desktop or mobile support, file and screen sharing services, audio and video conferencing facilities, real-time chat, ticketing, and knowledge-sharing activities. There are free, open-source, paid, and premium tools. Depending on your requirements, choose the best remote support software.
What Are the Best Free And Open Source Remote Support Software?
Before we proceed to the free and open source remote support software, it is important to know about one efficient remote support software that is gaining popularity these days - ManageEngine Remote Access Plus.
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is a HIPAA-ready remote support software designed to quickly troubleshoot IT issues. Owing to its robust features and functionalities, this remote desktop manager for enterprises has successfully managed over 100 million endpoints and 500 million+ remote sessions. It offers an easy-to-use, web-based unified interface to simplify mundane tasks, manage remote workforce, and streamline remote operations.
With ManageEngine Remote Access Plus, enterprises can reach out and connect with their remote team, examine the network peers effortlessly, collaborate with technicians, and resolve issues instantly without any hassle. The software is available in three versions - Free, standard, and Professional.
(Source: ManageEngine Remote Access Plus)
Key Features of ManageEngine Remote Access Plus:
- Advanced remote control
- Support Windows, Mac, and Linux computers
- Video and voice chat for instant collaboration
- Wake on LAN for instantly turning computer on
- Remote desktop shutdown
- Real time reports and analytics
- Secure remote desktop sharing tool
- Remote file manager to manage files and folders
- Support mobile app to troubleshoot issues from anywhere
Let Us Now See 5 Top Open-Source and Free Remote Support Software Solutions:
- Headwind Remote
- HopToDesk
- ConnectWise ScreenConnect
- DWService
- Remote Utilities
A Quick Comparison of the 5 Best Free and Open Source Remote Support Software
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#1 Headwind Remote:
Headwind Remote is an open source remote support software for Android devices, and other devices. The MDM software is safe to use. With this free remote support software, the remote access is initiated from a web browser with just a session PIN code, and the data is shared via secure protocols. There is no need for an internet connection. The docker container can be easily installed on any Linux server. Headwind works well for remote support with any smart phones and tablets, embedded Android devices, POS kiosk and terminals, smart connected TVs, terminals, barcode scanners, and all systems having custom-built AOSP. With the help of high-performance cluster, Headwind can connect more than 20000 devices easily. Apart from the community version of the free and open source license, the software also has a premium version. This version enables remote support to unlimited connected devices. Premium cost is $590 per annum.
(Image source: Headwind)
Key features of Headwind free and open source software:
- Self-hosted
- Enrolment by just scanning the QR code
- Private server
- Push notifications
- API for remote logging
- No additional software required to set up the connection
- Improved fault tolerance
- Premium technical support
- Instant Session
- Mobile friendly
- Secured data
#2 HopToDesk:
HopToDesk is a free and open source remote support software available for personal and commercial use. This popular remote assistance software is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome OS, Raspberry Pi, and more. This free remote support tool is safe, secure, and reliable due to its end-to-end encryption. The software connects to any remote device without the need to make any changes to the router or the firewall settings. Users wishing to connect with HopToDesk can connect directly via the website or application or the download invite link. Users can customize the avatar image and choose the network settings.
(Image source:HopToDesk)
Key features of HopToDesk free and open source software:
- Multi-platform support
- User-friendly device list
- Search and filter option to connect
- Real-time device monitoring
- End-to-end encryption
- Free and open source software
- Easy screen sharing
- Simple remote control
- Hassle-free File transfer
- Live chat
- Direct IP access
- IP whitelisting
- Supports SOCKS5 proxy connections
#3 ConnectWise ScreenConnect:
Delivering quick and direct support services to customers anytime and from anywhere is easier with ConnectWise ScreenConnect free and open source remote support software. ScreenConnect is compatible with almost every browser and operating system, and it can help users expedite ticket resolution, securely access, instantly connect, and accomplish all remote support services in a secured environment. IT support staff can seamlessly automate, scale, and manage remote desktop and remote mobile support easily with ConnectWise ScreenConnect, currently Connectwise Control. With enhanced virtual desktop integration, the software is available as two products - ConnectWise View and ConnectWise Access Management.
(Image source: ConnectWise ScreenConnect)
Key features of ConnectWise ScreenConnect (currently Control):
- Universal compatibility
- Advanced machine management
- Shared and collective problem solving
- Sessions recording and reporting
- Command center
- Advanced encryption and security protocols
- Role-based access control
- Customized
- Flexible, and need-based security measures
- Seamless integration
- Powerful Extensions
- 24/7 support
#4 DWService:
DWService is another secure, free, and open source remote support software. The software enables the installation of an agent either permanently or on a demand basis when a user initiates to connect to a remote system and gain control. Users can create an account, validate their credentials, and install an agent to connect with the node and enable access to remote systems. With a time-based one-time password algorithm, the software facilitates only one connection at a time with one account.
(Image source: DWService)
Key features of DWService free and open source software:
- Two-factor authentication
- Facility to mark devices as trusted
- Full control over the remote system
- Access and share files and folders
- Text editor options lets users to edit text directly
- Access to system information like memory, processor, etc
- Shell application to start a terminal session
- Log watch
- Quick customer service
#5 Remote Utilities:
Remote Utilities is a free and open source remote support software with powerful remote assistance features. Developed in 2004, currently the software is running it its stable version
7.2.2.0 updated on October 30, 2023. The software is compatible with Microsoft Windows, iOS, MacOS, Linux, Android, and so on. The software is safe to use as it follows strict security protocols to access remote systems. The connection is established only with certain IP addresses. As a fully scalable, customizable and secure remote desktop software, Remote Utilities can seamlessly manage remote devices. It comes in both cloud and on-premise open source versions that offer robust features to chat with remote users, control their mouse pointers, serve on-demand support, shutdown their system, transfer files across systems, etc. Industries such as the finance, manufacturing, IT and healthcare widely use this software owing to some notable features such as in-built MSI configurator, attended and unattended access, easy customizations, robust security measures, active directory support and HIPAA compliant.
(Image source: Remote Utilities)
Key Features of Remote Utilities free and open source remote support software:
- Remote access over LAN and the internet
- Android and iOS supported viewer app to manage all connections at one place
- Text, voice and video chat with message broadcast
- Multi-monitor and drag and drop support
- Power controls with registry and terminal functions
- Address book and clipboard synchronization
- Color depth adjustments with “economode”
- Remote printing support
- Extra secured data transfers, authentication security and additional protection layers
- Full control of the remote systems
- Isolated network
- Built-in MSI Configurator
- Easy File transfer
- RDP Integration
- Facility to initiate real-time chat
- Facility to enable screen recorder
- Session recording
Conclusion:
The global remote support software market is projected to touch USD 12.28 billion by 2032. The future of remote support software will be AI-powered support to assist in real-time and personalize remote support experiences. Moreover, advanced analytics can further contribute towards resolving issues proactively and for unified monitoring and management. Automation will also have a more prominent role as it will help automate remote support services through bots and knowledge resources. Security features will be pumped up for better data sharing. Overall, it will create secure, seamless, and effective support for remote systems without burdening the technicians. If this sounds interesting, you may even check the list of the best software options available for other related categories like remote desktop software, remote monitoring & management software, and remote work software.
