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Remote device management software

The increase in remote work makes managing corporate devices exponentially more difficult. Without regular check-ins, you won’t have full visibility of your hardware inventory, patching status, device usage, and other individual device data. As a remote device management solution for Microsoft Windows PCs, PDQ Connect uses an agent-based approach to empower IT teams to set up, manage, monitor, and update machines from a central location.

Man typing on desktop computer
Man typing on desktop computer

Must-have remote device management features

Managing devices remotely is much easier with convenient key features. PDQ Connect simplifies common tasks while also giving you the flexibility to perform more niche actions on enrolled devices.

Automation

Automating routine tasks with PDQ Connect improves efficiency and consistency. Not only does your environment benefit, but you get time back in your day.

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Automation Connect UIAutomation Connect UI

Automated deployments

Manual installations are a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Automate deployments to targeted devices or groups based on your selected triggers to finally get that win.

Offline queuing

Feel like deploying when multiple devices are offline? You do you. PDQ Connect queues any failed deployments to retry when the PC comes back online.

Dynamic device groups

Automatically organize devices based on your set criteria, keeping each device group neat and tidy even in changing environments. Filter based on installed application, app version, OS version, and more.

Customization

When you know how things need to be, a one-size-fits-all solution just doesn’t cut it. The PDQ suite gives you the flexibility to cater to your unique environment.

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Customization Connect UICustomization Connect UI

Custom automations

Automate deployments based on your trigger of choice.

Custom packages

Build your own multistep packages, like installing an MSI or running a PowerShell script, to meet your unique needs.

Public API

Using PDQ Connect’s secure REST API, integrate Connect with your other tools for seamless workflows.

Blazing speed

Waiting to collect data or complete a long list of deployments drains the life out of you almost as fast as watching a YouTube compilation of Jar Jar Binks’s greatest moments. (Operative word here: “Almost.”) Knock out tasks quickly with PDQ Connect so that you can move on with your day.

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Speed Connect UISpeed Connect UI

Rapid deployment

Complete tasks quickly. Without waiting for long, queued deployments, you can transform your to-do list into the world’s most aerodynamic paper plane that much sooner.

Real-time inventory data

Access up-to-the-minute information on online status, apps, last deployment, operating system version, device manufacturer, and more.

PowerShell commands

Take fast action by executing PowerShell commands directly on a device without deploying a package. Troubleshoot, gather information, and implement fixes quickly.

Next-level convenience

We want something in a sysadmin’s daily life to be easy, so we make our solutions simple and straightforward.

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Prebuilt packages

Install or update software quickly with PDQ Connect’s ready-to-deploy packages. Your boss will think you put in much more work than you actually did.

Easy interface

Start managing remote Windows PCs right out of the gate. Without a steep learning curve, you can hone the skills you need as you need them.

Silent deployment

Install packages silently. Greater scalability + less chaos = true happiness.

What are the benefits of remote device management?

Remote Windows PC management with PDQ Connect empowers IT teams to manage machines at distant locales just as easily as those across the room. It’s probably as close as you’ll ever get to traveling through the multiverse. Here are just a few possible advantages:

  • Greater efficiency 

  • More accurate budgeting 

  • Enhanced device security 

  • Superior visibility 

  • Easier troubleshooting 

  • Simple scalability 

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Remote Device Management illustrationRemote Device Management illustration

PDQ Connect vs. leading remote device management competitors 

PDQ Connect’s remote device management

Leading competitors

Detailed inventory

yes

yes

Device grouping

yes

yes

Custom package creation

yes

yes

Deployment automation

yes

yes

Real-time data

yes

no

Fast response time

yes

no

Extensive Package Library

yes

no

Speedy, skillful remote support

yes

no

Extensive Knowledge Base

yes

no

Budget-friendly pricing

yes

no

Remote device management FAQs

What is remote device management?

Remote device management (RDM) includes setting up and maintaining Windows PCs across locations through a central admin console window. While remote computer management is commonly associated with a distributed team, the same techniques also work for in-office and hybrid settings.  

Effective remote device management may include the following components:  

  • Inventorying hardware devices 

  • Installing, configuring, and updating software 

  • Monitoring system performance 

  • Managing accounts 

  • Securing managed devices 

  • Troubleshooting device issues 

RDM software centralizes and simplifies these processes. However, it’s important to note that remote device management tools often focus on particular aspects of RDM, so you may need several solutions to finally live out all your RDM dreams. PDQ Connect supports the most critical RDM functions, including automated software deployment, remote patching, and accessing real-time device data.  

What is a remote device management process?

A remote device management process usually involves the following steps to set up and maintain the devices of remote workers. 

  • Policy creation and implementation 

  • Device enrollment 

  • Device configuration 

  • Security management 

  • Monitoring and maintenance 

  • Patch installation 

  • Reporting and compliance 

  • Decommissioning (and remote wipe if needed) 

PDQ Connect supports these functions by maintaining an up-to-date inventory, gathering real-time device data, generating automated reports, deploying custom or prebuilt packages, and more. Meanwhile, PDQ Detect scans for vulnerabilities and prioritizes those with the highest risk to your environment to help secure your remote device fleet.

What other functions are related to remote device management?

As a subset of IT service management, remote device management is closely related to several other functions:  

  • Mobile device management 

  • App management 

  • Mobile security management 

  • Unified endpoint management 

  • Identity and access management 

  • Remote monitoring 

  • Device configuration management 

  • IoT device management 

  • Help desk and support management 

  • Compliance management 

PDQ’s product suite helps support many of these functions, but it doesn’t do it all. We just do what we do, and we do it well. And with our highly effective device management solutions, you can reclaim more of your time to handle the rest.

How do you incorporate remote device management?

Planning your remote management approach up-front and then implementing PDQ Connect can set you up for success. These steps can help you better understand your environment and determine precisely what you need to accomplish.  

  • Determine how many remote Windows PCs are in your device fleet 

  • Set your budget 

  • Assess existing processes 

  • Establish what specific tasks you need to perform remotely 

  • Find a remote device management platform to simplify common tasks 

  • Update documentation (including your security policy) to reflect any changes 

Every environment is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding your fleet and goals can help you build a remote management program that fits your needs. 

What are remote device management best practices?

Using remote device management best practices can help you enhance security and improve visibility with less effort. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Designate who oversees remote device management

  • Choose a solution that fits your business needs

  • Inventory assets

  • Automate routine tasks

  • Update software regularly

  • Prioritize data security

By following these best practices and using PDQ Connect, you can maintain remote control and visibility over each managed device, even those that are never on-site.

How do you choose the right remote device management software?

To choose the right remote Windows device management solution, assess your environment, needs, goals, and options. Consider these factors when looking at software:  

  • Functionality 

  • Ease of use 

  • Compatible devices (Windows devices, Apple devices)  

  • Cost 

  • Cybersecurity needs 

  • Customer support 

  • Customer reviews 

A device management solution is the easiest way to maintain remote access to off-premises machines. To experience one of the best tools in action, sign up for a trial or schedule a demo to see the level of control PDQ Connect gives you over each connected device. 

How does remote device management differ from on-prem management?

Remote and on-prem solutions differ in how they reach the end user. Remote device management solutions — like PDQ Connect — typically use an agent-based approach, giving a sysadmin visibility into real-time device data whenever remote machines are online. In contrast, on-prem solutions — like PDQ Deploy & Inventory — often use an agentless approach. That means users must connect to the local network or a VPN for sysadmins to manage their machines, which isn’t always feasible for remote users.

Sound too good to be true? Try it for yourself.