Managing desktop environments is challenging for organizations of any size, but small and medium businesses (SMBs) often struggle the most due to limited budgets and lack of dedicated IT resources. Implementing desktop management software can help SMBs overcome these hurdles through features like centralized device management, automated software deployment, remote troubleshooting capabilities and robust security tools.
In this comprehensive guide, we evaluate the top 9 desktop management solutions tailored for SMBs. For each option, we provide an overview of key capabilities, ideal customer size, and other useful details to consider during your evaluation process.
What is Desktop Management Software?
Also referred to as client management software, desktop management solutions allow IT administrators to remotely monitor, manage and secure devices like desktop PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones from a unified dashboard.
Core capabilities include:
Device management – inventory devices, track hardware/software assets, manage device configurations
Software deployment – remotely install, update or uninstall software applications
Patch management – automate OS and software patch deployments across devices
Remote access/support – remotely access devices to resolve support tickets, without user intervention
Security features – endpoint protection, access controls, and compliance monitoring
Implementing these solutions alleviate the device management headaches most SMB IT staff face on a daily basis. Software automation and role-based access controls also allow managing devices securely with limited staff members.
Top Desktop Management Software for SMBs
1. ManageEngine Desktop Central
ManageEngine Desktop Central is a Windows-based, on-premise solution purpose-built for SMBs. Key features include:
- Comprehensive device management covering Windows PCs, Macs, Linux & Unix machines, laptops, smartphones and tablets
- Automated patch deployment for 180+ applications
- Advanced remote troubleshooting with file transfer, multi-user chat and screen sharing
- Reporting dashboards for hardware/software inventory, license monitoring, configuration audits and more
Ideal for growing companies managing 25+ devices, Desktop Central is highly affordable and easy to implement. The free edition supports up to 25 devices perpetually.
2. Splashtop SOS
Splashtop SOS is a cloud-based remote support and access solution accessible from anywhere. It makes supporting users simple with capabilities like:
- Fast remote connectivity without pre-installed software (uses RDP, VNC protocols)
- Support for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android devices
- Unlimited technician accounts and remote sessions
- Integrations with popular RMM and service desk tools
- Available standalone or with their integrated remote support platform
Splashtop SOS is ideally suited for smaller teams supporting less than 50 endpoints. It offers flexible plans starting from $16.67 per month billed annually.
3. LogMeIn Central
LogMeIn Central combines essential RMM capabilities like endpoint management, monitoring and remote control with their flagship remote connectivity technology used by over 200,000 businesses worldwide.
Standout features include:
- Easy remote control access without VPNs
- One-to-many web-based unattended access
- Software deployment and scripting
- Hardware/software audits and reporting
- Antivirus integration, USB device controls and other security tools
LogMeIn Central offers a nice middle ground with both cloud and on-prem options. It works for companies managing 50-200 endpoints.
4. NinjaRMM
NinjaRMM is a fast-growing, SaaS-based platform geared for IT services providers. Top capabilities relevant for internal teams include:
- Unified dashboard for endpoint monitoring, management and troubleshooting
- Essential RMM features – scripting, alerting, reporting and more
- Robust automation for patching, deployment and ticket life cycle management
- Built-in security tools like antivirus, firewall management and web filtering
Costing just over $1 per endpoint a month, NinjaRMM offers excellent value specifically if you will outgrow basic RMM feature sets.
5. Pulseway RMM
Pulseway is a cloud-based RMM that empowers managed service providers and lean IT teams to support unlimited users and devices.
Notable features include:
- Remote monitoring and management for servers, workstations, network devices and mobile devices
- Patch management for 120+ applications and automatic updates for OS and software deployments
- Remote control and background scripts
- Antivirus, backup monitoring, firewall management and security reporting
Supporting unlimited endpoints for $3.78 per device monthly makes Pulseway RMM one of the most affordable enterprise-grade options ideal for SMBs.
6. ManageEngine ADManager Plus
ADManager Plus is an integrated Active Directory management and reporting solution with solid desktop management capabilities built-in. It covers key areas like:
- Automated software deployment and patching capabilities
- Hardware and software inventory management
- Advanced AD automation and lifecycle management
- Granular role-based access control across AD environments
If you have extensively invested in Active Directory for user identity and access management, ADManager Plus offers a nice single pane of glass for both AD administration and desktop management without needing another dedicated solution.
7. Dameware Remote Everywhere
Dameware offers a flexible suite of remote management tools available as individual components or pre-packaged bundles. Dameware Remote Everywhere represents an affordable option for essential remote functionality with:
- Remote control, file transfer and chat
- Inventory reporting
- Windows services monitoring
- Application and patch management plugins available
Ideal for companies managing less than 50 devices, Remote Everywhere pricing starts at just $16 per month. Dameware also offers Mini Remote Control for freelancers supporting 5 devices or less costing only $10 monthly.
8. Goverlan Reach
Goverlan Reach offers an impressive breadth of desktop management capabilities while staying ultra-lightweight. It covers functionality like:
- Global remote control and endpoint access
- IT asset inventory scanning and reporting
- Software and patch distribution
- Application usage analytics
Reach starts at just $2.63 per device when billed annually while delivering excellent value. Owing to its straightforward and intuitive approach, it can scale nicely as SMBs expand.
9. SuperOps.ai
SuperOps.ai is an emerging, business-ready RMM platform built for MSPs and modern internal IT teams. It enables unified management of servers, endpoints and cloud assets with:
- Unified dashboard providing single pane of glass manageability
- Essential RMM capabilities – monitoring, alert response automation, remote access etc.
- Cloud asset management and visibility
- Business oriented reporting suitable for both IT and executive stakeholders
SuperOps.ai offers a nice cloud alternative to traditional on-premise solutions starting at just $1 per device monthly. Its workflow-centric approach brings RMM into the modern context.
Key Considerations for SMBs Evaluating Solutions
Below we highlight essential factors to consider when determining the ideal desktop management approach for your SMB environment:
On-premise vs SaaS/cloud – Both deployment models have their tradeoffs. On-premise options like Desktop Central offer more customization and control for larger deployments. Cloud-based solutions tend to require less infrastructure while enabling accessibility from anywhere. Pick what aligns best for your use case.
Current endpoint count vs future scale – Understand both current and projected 3-year endpoint growth. Solutions like Dameware Remote Everywhere work nicely for sub 50 device environments while NinjaRMM caters nicely to 500+ endpoints.
Essential vs advanced functionality – Determine what core capabilities you need today + nice to have functionality for future proofing. Features like software deployment, patch management, inventory scanning tend to be universally required while items like advanced endpoint analytics appeal to mature IT teams.
Security requirements – Evaluate security protocols and controls available in solutions like role-based access control, 2FA, endpoint protection, VPN access. Some offer much more complete mechanisms that growing SMBs benefit from long term.
Budget availability – Given constrained resources, SMB IT teams need to maximize value from software spending. Several solutions listed above cater nicely to lean budgets in the $1 – $5 per endpoint monthly range.
Why Desktop Management Matters for SMB Success
Implementing desktop management technology alleviates many device management struggles SMB IT teams face. Benefits realized from robust solutions include:
Improved IT productivity – Automate previously manual, repetitive management tasks to focus staff on strategic efforts.
Enhanced security posture – Reduce endpoint vulnerabilities and secure access to device controls.
Higher end user satisfaction – Optimize the workplace experience and expedite issue resolution.
Lower costs + risks – Consolidate tools, reduce overhead spend and minimize infrastructure risks.
Given these advantages, desktop management deserves to be a foundational component of any growing SMB technology strategy. The solutions profiled above make it possible at price points matching conservative SMB budgets. Evaluate options like ManageEngine Desktop Central, Splashtop SOS and Dameware Remote Everywhere to start optimizing your environment today.
