The dramatic rise of remote and hybrid working in recent years shows no signs of stopping. By all predictions, it will continue long into the future.
Going forward, therefore, there’s an urgent need for technological products that make remote working easier, more secure and more productive. Remote access software is a vital part of the picture – in fact, remote access has become critical to the success of any modern workplace.
In this article, we’ll explore what remote access software and apps are, how they work and what benefits they offer organisations both today and in the future. We’ll also explain what to consider when assessing remote access software and remote desktop apps.
What is remote access software?
These days, employees often need remote access to their computers when they are in a completely different location. Similarly, technicians frequently need access to computers that are geographically distant in order to troubleshoot technical issues. Remote access software is the solution for both of these situations.
Remote access software enables authorised staff to get remote computer access and device access from afar. Remote access solutions are already in widespread use on corporate and government networks. They enable management, IT staff and employees to log on to a workplace device from an off-premise location to gain easy access to work systems, work files and work data – simply by using an internet connection and remote desktop software.
In effect, remote access tools enable one computing device to view another device or even take remote control of it– not only over a network but also from any geographical position. In other words, authorised staff in one location can remote control the mouse and keyboard of a computer in a completely different location and use that computer as if they were sitting directly in front of it.
How remote access software is used?
There are many ways in which remote access software is currently used. It’s ideal for logging onto a client’s remote computer via remote session connections to teach them how to run a program or solve technical issues. Equally, sales staff can invite clients in a remote location to view a demo run from a desktop situated at a different site.
Additionally, remote access applications enable the transfer of files between two devices without the use of file-sharing services or email. For example, remote access apps can be used to send a document stored on one computer to a printer connected to another device.
The remote access tool also make it easier for staff to connect and collaborate on complex projects in real time, utilising other apps, systems, voice and so on.
Setting up remote desktop software
To set up for remote access as well as remote control, the remote desktop software is installed on the remote computer or device the employee is using, as well as the remote machine being accessed. The software can take a variety of forms, depending on the requirements of the organisation. Cloud-based solutions are rapidly gaining popularity across a wide range of sectors to remotely control desktops.
Once all the necessary remote access software and apps are installed, staff with the correct credentials simply open the app on their remote device and select the computer they wish to connect to. Provided that the computer is on and has access to the internet, employees will be able to establish a remote desktop access.
What are remote desktop apps?
In the cloud-driven, mobile-enabled work landscape of today, people and organisations expect to be able to securely access Windows desktop applications, both on and offsite, on a variety of devices.
Most organisations still rely heavily on Windows-based desktop applications. However, when it comes to mobile devices, Microsoft has been outpaced by other operating systems, notably Android and iOS. One difficulty for organisations, then, is to find ways to deliver Windows applications to non-Windows devices.
This is where remote desktop apps come in. Also known as virtual apps and virtual desktops, remote desktop applications are in high demand. They give employees the ability to use the apps they need – whether Windows or mobile device – anywhere, anytime on any authorised device.
The best remote desktop apps solve the problem of compatibility while providing the highest levels of security at all times.
How do remote desktop apps work?
Remote desktop apps are often delivered through a cloud-based Virtual Desktop as a Service (VDaaS) solution. The leading solutions enable organisations to implement remote working with complete confidence, as all relevant apps, workloads and data are securely hosted in the cloud. Only the projection of the graphic interface appears on the remote device.
Authorised users can capture and transfer to the cloud, using keyboard strokes, mouse movements as well as mobile gestures such as zooms, swipes or taps. The cloud processes the user’s commands and updates the graphic interface on the remote device in real time, creating the effect that the app is actually running on the user’s device.
The fact that the remote desktop software, virtual app, workload, desktop and data never leave the cloud reinforces security.
AUCloud’s solution also supports up to several thousands of remote users – all with the same capacity, access, functionality and security as is available on-site.
What remote access features to look for in a remote desktop app
There are a number of key remote access features to look for in a remote desktop application, including:
- Scalability, flexibility and reliability with full control
- A consistent user experience and user friendly interface regardless of the device or location
- Availability on personalised virtual desktops, organisation laptops, home computers, thin client devices, Macs, tablets or smartphones – whatever is appropriate for the organisation and requires access
- Compliance and ready availability of all enterprise data, with no compromise on security
- Control computers remotely and shut down unattended computers or remove unattended access if required
- Flexible contract terms that support scaling, early contract terminations and commitment discounts for loyal clients
- Ease of use and control, ideally with a single management pane
- Deliver remote support and connect easily with disparate staff
- The ability to manage dual zone deployments from a single management console
- A guarantee that all data (including metadata, monitoring data and derived analytics data) will remain in Australia and be managed by Australian citizens with full security clearance
What are the benefits of remote desktop access software and remote desktop apps?
Organisations are continuing to discover new benefits from remote access technology. However, these are some of the main advantages that a wide variety of organisations are enjoying right now.
1) More effective remote working
The main advantage of remote desktop software is that it enables remote working. It makes it more viable, valid and available to more people than ever before.
2) More productive, more engaged, more flexible
Remote access software can boost staff productivity. Employees no longer need to be on-site to access files and apps. They can connect in and complete projects from home or on the go, ensuring better engagement, improved workflow and on-time delivery. Workplaces and workforces are more flexible than at any time in the past without losing control over desktops and devices or giving up on security. Geography is no longer a constraint.
3) Technical support on tap
Through remote desktop services and remote control software, tech support staff can control any authorised computer remotely and access devices with remote computer access from afar. Remote support is easier than ever. Each time trouble strikes, IT support can easily connect to the machine in question, or access remote computers and sort out the issue. Not only does this save time, but remote support also saves on resources. New software versions are easily deployed to all end users at the same time.
4) Greater employee collaboration
By leveraging remote desktop apps, distributed workforces can connect and collaborate more effectively. File-sharing and file transfers are simplified, as is video conferencing, scheduling, tracking, monitoring, project management and a host of other workplace activities. When it’s easy for workers to collaborate, not only does the organisation reap the rewards of better teamwork, but workers feel a greater sense of belonging as well.
5) Improved efficiencies in computer resources
By putting more resources into apps and Virtual Desktop as a Service, organisations can avoid upgrading hardware and devices with more control. The cloud does all the heavy lifting, allowing end users to access the systems they need, when they need them. Moreover, remote desktop applications have the added value of enabling greater utilisation of computing power on employees’ devices.
Leveraging Virtual Desktop as a Service with AUCloud
AUCloud’s Virtual Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a highly effective and secure solution for organisations with a distributed workforce who need remote access. It has been implemented to ensure compliance with the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Information Security Manual (ISM) in relation to data classifications at levels appropriate for government, defence, intelligence and critical national industry communities.
AUCloud’s DaaS is the ideal platform for any organisation requiring a highly-available and scalable digital workspace with more control and maximum security built in. The service ensures the user experience is optimised anywhere, anytime and on any device.
AUCloud’s pricing is both competitive and flexible, ensuring your organisation can scale to meet highs and lows in usage demand. There are also schedule-based power management options for dedicated and floating desktops, along with rolling maintenance and image updates.
As recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), AUCloud stores, processes and manages all data within Australian borders only. This applies to metadata, monitoring data and derived analytics data. Not only does all data remain on Australia shores, but it is also handled by Australian citizens who have been appropriately security cleared in accordance with government requirements.
Whether for multiple client environments or remote working employees, today’s organisations need Desktop-as-a-Service software that delivers more control.
To find out how AUCloud can provide the perfect connections for your workplace, speak to a member of our team today! You can call 1800 282 568 or email [email protected].
