Working from anywhere has become commonplace. Unfortunately, that means IT issues can crop up when employees are scattered all over. Driving to fix problems onsite is tedious. Customers can’t easily bring devices in for troubleshooting either.
The solution? Remote access software that allows support technicians to securely diagnose and resolve device issues from anywhere. The global remote access software market is projected to grow from $2.27 billion in 2022 to $7.22 billion by 2029 at an impressive CAGR of 18%.
This rapid growth underscores how vital secure remote support access has become for both employees and customers across industries. But with many options to choose from, how do you pick the right solution for your business?
This detailed guide will cover:
- Challenges of traditional onsite support
- How remote access tools overcome issues
- An overview of Zoho Assist
- Features and capabilities offered
- Unique benefits for all use cases
- How it compares with alternatives like TeamViewer
So if you’re looking for a feature-rich yet affordable remote access and support solution for your business, then read on!
Why Onsite Support Has Become Inefficient
Onsite tech support often involves significant costs:
[chart]Driving technicians to employee homes or asking customers to visit repair centers is tedious. Scaling this process across a large team and customer base is extremely inefficient.
With 63% of high-growth companies having remote employees (Forbes), old-school onsite support just won’t cut it anymore.
How Remote Access Tools Solve This
Modern tools like Zoho Assist overcome these device management hurdles through secure remote session capabilities.
Technicians can gain real-time control of employee computers and mobile devices to troubleshoot or install updates without any onsite visits. Users simply click a support link on any internet-connected device.
For unattended scenarios, background access clients allow scheduled maintenance tasks like backups as well.
[Image: Technician remoting into user device]Overview of Zoho Assist
Part of Zoho Corporation’s suite of over 50 business apps, Zoho Assist is a leading remote support and access platform used by over 6000 businesses globally. Available on both cloud and on-premise servers, key modules offered are:
Remote Support – For end users to receive remote assistance from technicians
Unattended Access – For background access to maintain devices without users
Screen Sharing – To collaborate with other users
The tool provides extensive support across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android and iOS devices. Both attended and unattended access features make this a complete platform.
Now let‘s look at why over 30,000 technicians prefer Zoho Assist for remote connectivity.
Key Features of Zoho Assist
On-Demand Adhoc Access
Technicians can instantly start remote sessions with employees and customer devices through email invites. No pre-installed desktop clients needed! Users simply open the link on any desktop, smartphone or tablet to provide consent.
Such on-demand access makes it easy to resolve urgent issues quickly. Agents can remote control devices to diagnose problems, transfer updates, guide users via chat/talk and more.
Unattended Anytime Access
For background management of devices without users present, Zoho Assist offers pre-installed Unattended Access clients.
Once deployed on office computers, IT teams can remotely:
- Silently install updates, patches, software
- Configure systems, add printers etc.
- Take backups or manage files
- Automate tasks like Wake-on-LAN, shutdown etc.
No user intervention needed! Ideal for maintenance outside working hours.
Extensive Platform Support
Zoho Assist offers remote connectivity across:
- Windows 10, 8 and older versions
- macOS X
- Chrome OS
- Android 5.1+
- iOS 12.0+
- Linux
Tablets and mobile devices can also be managed over cellular or WiFi networks.
Such extensive platform support makes it easy for technicians to access employee and customer devices running different operating systems.
Secure Remote Access
Since the tool enables remote control of devices over the internet, adequate security is vital as well. Zoho Assist checks all the right boxes here:
✅ 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption for all remote sessions
✅ Authentication mechanisms like 2-factor authentication
✅ Using the native firewall and antivirus software already on devices
Additional Notable Features
- File transfer between computers via drag and drop
- Print remote documents on local or network printers
- Remote reboot and task manager access
- Multi-monitor screen support
- Live chat and talk during sessions
- Port forwarding guides for routers
- Brandable client apps and dashboard
- Active Directory and SSO integration
- On-premise deployment if needed
- Pricing starting at just $8 per technician
Together these powerful features make Zoho Assist easy to use yet extremely capable for both expert and non-expert users alike.
Compared to complex tools like Microsoft Remote Desktop Services that require significant expertise to even setup and access, Zoho Assist makes secure remote connectivity simple across platforms.
Benefits of Using Zoho Assist
For Employees
Enables quick resolution of computer and smartphone issues remotely through the corporate IT team. Features like chat, file transfer and talk make the experience smooth.
With the rise of bring your own device (BYOD), supporting employee personal devices is also simplified through Zoho Assist. Technicians can troubleshoot laptops, phones and tablets regardless of location.
For Customer Support
Deliver excellent remote tech support experience to customers without needing onsite visits. Agents can quickly diagnose and fix device issues over the internet through remote access.
Retailers can use unattended access to automate system updates, software deployment and remote locking of demo devices in stores outside working hours.
Field services teams can assist customers in real-time from office instead of driving to locations using features like talk, chat and annotations.
For IT Service Desks
Manage IT infrastructure of client organizations more effectively at lower costs compared to outsourced or in-house deskside teams.
MSPs can securely access computers and servers located in different branches of large enterprises to maintain systems after deploying unattended access agents. 24/7 monitoring becomes easier.
For Personal Users
Get quick remote help from family members for home PC issues if required. Basic adhoc features for non-commercial use available for free as well.
Who Can Benefit From Zoho Assist?
Here are just some examples of use cases by industry:
Software Companies – Support customers across the globe during rollout of new applications without any onsite visits.
Insurers – Agents can help clients in digitizing paperwork by directly accessing devices to upload documents.
Healthcare Providers – Diagnose and resolve IT issues with systems across different hospital branches.
Financial Services – Remotely assist customers struggling with net banking passwords or app login issues.
Education Sector – IT teams can easily troubleshoot device problems that students or staff may face within campus networks.
SMBs / Enterprises – Support decentralized teams and office branches while keeping data secure.
MSPs – Efficiently manage IT infrastructure of clients through unattended access features.
Individuals – Get assistance from family members for home PC issues regardless of location or tech skills.
The use cases are unlimited! Any scenario requiring remote tech support and assistance can benefit from Zoho Assist.
How Does Zoho Assist Compare With Top Alternatives?
Here is an indepth feature comparison between Zoho Assist and leading remote access tools in the market:
Some key advantages of Zoho Assist include:
✅ Completely cloud-based offering without standalone installs
✅ Instant on-demand support without pre-installed agents
✅ Native mobile device support across iOS and Android
✅ Affordable pricing starting at just $8 per month
✅ Customizable dashboards and client apps using branding
This combination of ease of use, extensive features and tight security makes Zoho Assist a reliable choice for remote access.
Conclusion
- Traditional onsite IT support has become highly inefficient
- Remote access software solves this by enabling real-time control of devices over the internet
- Zoho Assist is a secure and full-featured offering catering to all user types
- On-demand and unattended access modes make it very flexible
- Leading platform support, affordable pricing and customization options
With remote work only poised to grow further, using modern tools like Zoho Assist for device management is key. Hope this detailed guide gave you clarity in picking the right solution!
What has your experience been with remote access software like Zoho Assist? Feel free to share your thoughts below!
