Remote System management is about as common as it can get in today's world of network and IT system management. Two of the more prominent remote support software systems and tools we're going to be comparing today will be Dameware vs Bomgar!
Whether it's an internal IT help desk keeping a company dependent on their workstations up and running, or a company which provides Managed Support Services to its clients or customers, there's almost always a great deal of remote activity going on!
While a lot of issues can easily be solved in person or over the phone, there's always something to be said for being able to guide someone through something firsthand, or simply being able to perform complex fixes that require a precise set of actions or snippets of script quickly in lieu of having to slowly guide someone through it bit by bit!
And, of course, when working on a system via remote you can easily set it aside for a moment if something else arises – or pause the session while a long download or lengthy patch is applied (if your not using a Patch Management solution), giving you time to focus your attention elsewhere.
But without a software that can handle multiple sessions at once you'll find yourself restricted. Other features heavily come into play as well – can you prevent the remote machine from input temporarily if need be?
Some updates or adjustments can be dangerous to interrupt, and a user sitting down at just the wrong moment and clicking on things can dramatically complicate things, to say the least! Some networks run partially if not wholly on IPv6, and a remote software which can't handle that would quickly fall right flat on its face!
Dameware Mini Remote Control
Key Features
- Effortless Remote Setup: Empowers remote software installation with minimal fuss, enhancing deployment efficiency.
- Multiple Viewing Options: Supports an array of remote access methods, ensuring compatibility across different network configurations.
- Installation Customization: Allows for the creation of tailored MSI packages, facilitating streamlined network-wide software rollout.
- Control Over User Input: Offers the capability to temporarily disable remote user's keyboard and mouse, maintaining session control.
- Optimized for Slow Networks: Adapts session quality for lower bandwidths, ensuring reliable performance across various connection speeds.
Pros:
- Versatile Usage Models: Available as either on-premise or cloud-based, providing flexibility for diverse IT infrastructures.
- Universal Access: Browser-based access simplifies dashboard entry, enhancing user convenience.
- Broad OS Support: Compatible with a wide range of operating systems, accommodating a mixed-device environment.
- Unlimited Device Management: Supports an unrestricted number of devices, allowing for seamless IT department scaling.
- Tailored for Effective Support: Crafted to bolster remote assistance, facilitating both technician and end-user satisfaction.
Cons:
- Extended Evaluation Desired: A longer trial period would be appreciated for a comprehensive assessment of its capabilities.
Bomgar
Key Features
- Secure Connections: Ensures encrypted sessions between support agents and client devices, offering top-tier security.
- Multi-Platform Support: Compatible with a wide array of devices and operating systems, facilitating versatile tech support.
- Customizable Interface: Allows technicians to tailor the user interface to their preferences, enhancing usability.
- Session Recording: Captures detailed logs and video recordings of remote support sessions for compliance and training.
- Integrated Collaboration Tools: Features built-in tools for team collaboration during support sessions, improving efficiency.
Pros:
- Robust Security Measures: Employs advanced encryption, ensuring secure remote support sessions and data protection.
- Wide Compatibility: Supports a diverse range of devices and operating systems, making it adaptable to any IT environment.
- User-Friendly Design: Offers a customizable interface that can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of support teams.
- Detailed Session Insights: Provides session recordings and logs, aiding in compliance, training, and quality assurance.
- Teamwork Facilitation: Equipped with collaboration tools that streamline communication among support personnel during sessions.
Cons:
- Complexity for New Users: May present a steep learning curve for new users or those unfamiliar with remote support tools.
- Premium Pricing: The cost could be a barrier for small businesses or organizations with limited IT budgets.
Below is a side-by-side feature comparison of two particular remote desktop programs, Bomgar vs Dameware, with a rundown of some of the major features that each one does, or doesn't, have.
Here's a Comparison & Differences between Dameware vs Bomgar:
|
Dameware |
Bomgar |
|
| Supported operating systems |
Windows XP SP2 or above, Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2008R2, 2012, 2012R2, Exchange 2003 |
Most Windows versions; focus on Mac OSX; Linux; Android; iOS; Blackberry; Windows Mobile |
| Client/server listening |
Client & Server |
Client, server, and listening |
| Built-in encryption |
Flexible, RC4, 3DES, and AES-256 as well as smartcard support as well |
SSL, AES-256 |
| Export network service |
✔ |
✗ |
| Remote/Local file transfer |
✔ |
✔ |
| Audio passthrough |
✗ |
✗ |
| Dual-monitor support |
✔ |
✔ |
| Remote assistance |
✔ |
✔ |
| Requests permission to access |
Flexible |
✔ |
| Remote admin support (logs, event viewer, task manager, etc.) |
✔ |
✔ |
| IPv6 support |
✔ |
✔ |
| Drag and drop file transfer |
✔ |
✔ |
| Session recording |
✔ |
✔ |
| Screen lock |
✔ |
✔ |
| USB forwarding |
✔ |
✔ |
| Remote/Local printing |
✔ |
✗ |
| Chat window |
✔ |
✔ |
| Browser-based access |
Via webapp |
✗ |
| Active Directory integration |
✔ |
✔ |
| Mobile app administration |
✔ |
✔ |
|
More Info: Bomgar.com |
If you are in a OSX heavy environment, Bomgar takes the lead in terms of accessibility, but it falters a bit in regards to some handy features, especially for the sake of end-user access due to a lack of any kind of web-based java client for simple remote setup.
Dameware however takes that Lead in many aspects and really outshines it in several aspects, including the following:
- Browser-Based Access
- Remote Printing Capabilities
- Exporting Network Services
- and Extensive Microsoft Operating System support
See our Full Review of Dameware and its Full Features and more!
Grab a Free Download of Dameware from below and give it a try in your Network!
