Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), from Apple, is a remote administration tool for managing Apple computers running OS X across a network.
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LogMeIn Central by GoTo
Score 8.5 out of 10
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Central is a cloud-based remote monitoring and endpoint management solution enabling IT professionals to monitor,
manage, and secure their endpoint infrastructure. Whether it is used for remote employees or endpoints scattered across the globe, the vendor promises that Central
provides IT organizations with the speed, flexibility, and insight needed to
increase productivity, reduce IT costs, and mitigate risk.
For a small deployment of macOS, I can see where Apple Remote Desktop could suffice. I can see where a company that is strapped for cash could benefit from a knowledgeable employee using it to automate some tasks. I am not comfortable giving an estimate number-wise. For a large deployment of macOS or iOS, this would be a very inappropriate tool. There are far too many obstacles for an app like Apple Remote Desktop to successfully manage a large fleet of macOS computers or really any number of iOS devices. You simply need an MDM solution in this day and age. This will become increasingly necessary, even in small numbers, but MDM providers have started to provide solutions for customers in these situations.
I have found that large-scale adoption has its challenges, and it would be better suited for small-to-medium-sized businesses. Additionally, the connections have to be solid, which cuts down on the latency issues. Those companies looking to test a remote management tool may find that this tool is reasonable to implement and distribute. Those that are already experienced should have no problem.
I would like to see more included Unix scrips that can be pushed to clients.
Inclusion of a way to remote control or screen share with Windows machines would be useful, as I manage a handful of Windows machines. While this would be possible using VNC on the Windows machines, including the ability to connect using Windows terminal connections would be awesome, for me.
What I dont like is when I run out of licenses that the only way to get more is to buy large amounts. this is very frustrating and as a small business I need to watch how much i am spending. smaller license packs would be better
The LogMeIn Central is simple to use. You can easily manage computers and servers by creating different groups. Connecting to a remote computer is a simple click-on button. You don't need the remote user's password if [they are] already logged in. You don't need the remote user on the other side if you want to take full control. Overall the usability is simple.
I have never run into a scenario where it was unavailable for me. They plan there maintenance well and short periods of outage time for updates. In the 8 years, I have been using LogMeIn, I have never had any issues with their website or mobile apps. Let's just say they are very dependable.
Every time I called in with a question or concern, your support team always provided the right information. It's great to call in to support and everyone that answers is very knowledgeable of the product.
I use TeamViewer with users who are having trouble connecting to the VPN. I think TeamViewer is a good alternative when ARD isn't working. However supporting the number of users we support, TeamViewer can come with a pretty hefty price tag.
The most valuable or powerful or reliable feature I'd say it's simplicity and easy to access and complete tasks on time. Its single pane where we have all the control systems, tools and features. I also like how the remote connection is stable and fast. The support is very reliable and top-notch.
Apple Remote Desktop has a positive return on investment because for the expense to the school, the value it brings to teachers is important. The return on improved student performance is very difficult to measure financially, but there is a definite return.
The overall objective of education is to increase student learning, ARD does that phenomenally. Parents see the tool used and are impressed at what the capabilities of the tool can do and how it impacts how active their students are as well as how well they can learn.
One negative impact is that teachers rely too much on this tool rather than on actually teaching sometimes.