3 Mac remote management software options for enterprise use
IT pros may be forced to manage remote macOS desktops, so they should understand the options they have for remote desktop management tools and what features they offer.
IT pros must be able to provide support to users, regardless of where they are or what device they use.
IT departments should familiarize themselves with Mac remote management software options that are available on the market today.
AnyDesk for macOS
One Mac remote management software option is AnyDesk for macOS. This tool allows for remote connectivity to macOS in addition to Windows and Linux systems.
AnyDesk for macOS is licensed on a subscription basis. The Lite edition is best suited to personal use and costs $10 per month. The Professional and Power editions are suitable for use in small and medium organizations, and cost $20.99 and $52.99 respectively.
The Professional and Power editions are nearly identical to one another, but the Power edition offers more concurrent sessions than the Professional edition. Therefore, Power is the best option for the enterprise if a significant number of users run macOS. Both editions allow admins to manage an unlimited number of endpoints and are licensed for commercial use.
Some of the more advanced AnyDesk for macOS features include an on-screen whiteboard, file transfer capabilities and a centralized administrative console. Additionally, AnyDesk offers technical support through an online portal.
RescueAssist
A second Mac remote management software option that is worth considering is RescueAssist. RescueAssist is a cloud-based service that allows remote management of PCs, Macs and -- for an additional fee -- mobile devices. IT must install a plugin on any device that requires remote support.
Some of the more advanced AnyDesk for macOS features include an on-screen whiteboard, file transfer capabilities and a centralized administrative console.
RescueAssist could be a good fit for all but the smallest organizations due to licensing restraints. Some of its more noteworthy features include a centralized web console, file transfer capabilities, multi-monitor support and Slack integration.
IT pros should be aware, however, that certain additional RescueAssist features don't support macOS desktops. These unsupported features include reverse screen sharing, annotation tools, and the remote reboot and reconnect features.
RescueAssist bills customers on a per agent, per month basis. Licensing prices start at $55 per agent, per month billed annually, or $69 per agent, per month billed monthly. This fee increases by $20 per agent, per month for organizations that also wish to support mobile users. RescueAssist offers online support through its site.
BeyondTrust Remote Support
A third Mac remote management software option is BeyondTrust's Remote Support offering. IT can remotely manage Windows and Linux systems in addition to macOS desktops. BeyondTrust allows IT to support several mobile OSes as well.
Remote Support is macOS support tool that is designed to operate at scale for large organizations. It features Role Based Access Control capabilities, and various auditing and compliance features. It integrates with a variety of CRM, IT service management, security information and event management, and password management tools. BeyondTrust also offers an API that IT can use to create custom integrations to support macOS users.
BeyondTrust Remote Support costs $1,995 per concurrent license, per year. There is also an option to purchase an appliance for a flat fee with no ongoing subscription costs. BeyondTrust does not publicly disclose its appliance-based pricing. BeyondTrust offers a variety of support options including email and chat communications, forums to track the latest updates and deprecations, and video resources to help IT troubleshoot issues.
