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SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) vs. Skype (discontinued)

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)

    Score8 out of 10
    N/ADameWare Remote Support from Austin IT company SolarWinds is remote administration software for the remote control of desktops, laptops, and servers behind or outside the firewall, allowing registry editing, restart services, logging activity, account and password management, and more. The mobile app also provides access from a phone or tablet. DameWare Remote Support licensing is per technician, the number of end-user remote machines is irrelevant; one technician may receive a license for…

    $520

    one-time fee

    Skype (discontinued)

    Score7.1 out of 10
    N/ASkype (the personal edition or Skype free) was a web meeting, video conferencing, and VoIP software, now superseded by Microsoft Teams' free edition and unsupported from May 2025.

    $2.99

    per month

    Pricing
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)Skype (discontinued)
    Editions & Modules
    Dameware Mini Remote Control
    $370
    one-time fee
    Dameware Remote Support
    $520
    one-time fee
    United States Subscription
    $2.99
    per month
    North America Subscription
    $6.99
    per month
    India Subscription
    $7.99
    per month
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)Skype (discontinued)
    Free Trial
    YesNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsDameWare Remote Support and Mini Remote Control are licensed based on the number of technician users that use the software for remote administration. There are no limits or restrictions for the number of end-users supported or the number of remote endpoints/computers supported. As you buy higher counts of licenses, the per-seat pricing goes down giving you a reduced total price.—
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)Skype (discontinued)
    Considered Both Products
    SolarWinds
    Chose SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)
    Bomgar seems to have similar feature sets and abilities as DameWare, but was a little too pricey when we were looking. DameWare absolutely blows traditional RDP out of the water.
    Incentivized
    Discontinued Products
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    100%
    Would buy again
    11 Answers
    86%
    Would buy again
    85 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    11 Answers
    93%
    Delivers good value for the price
    80 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    91%
    Happy with the feature set
    10 Answers
    85%
    Happy with the feature set
    84 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    78%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    7 Answers
    84%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    53 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    90%
    Implementation went as expected
    9 Answers
    96%
    Implementation went as expected
    70 Answers
    Features
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)Skype (discontinued)
    Remote Administration
    Comparison of Remote Administration features of SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) and Skype (discontinued)
    Feature
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)
    8.6
    65 Ratings
    9% above category average
    Skype (discontinued)
    -
    Ratings
    Screen sharing10.053 Ratings00 Ratings
    File transfer10.050 Ratings00 Ratings
    Instant message8.347 Ratings00 Ratings
    Secure remote access with Smart Card authentication8.716 Ratings00 Ratings
    Access to sleeping/powered-off computers9.035 Ratings00 Ratings
    Over-the-Internet remote session8.548 Ratings00 Ratings
    Initiate remote control from mobile9.025 Ratings00 Ratings
    Remote management of servers & workstations9.158 Ratings00 Ratings
    Remote Active Directory® management7.239 Ratings00 Ratings
    Centralized management dashboard8.238 Ratings00 Ratings
    Session record8.55 Ratings00 Ratings
    Annotations7.94 Ratings00 Ratings
    Monitoring and Alerts8.75 Ratings00 Ratings
    Multi-platform remote control7.131 Ratings00 Ratings
    Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software
    Comparison of Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software features of SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) and Skype (discontinued)
    Feature
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)
    -
    Ratings
    Skype (discontinued)
    6.2
    138 Ratings
    24% below category average
    High quality audio00 Ratings6.5135 Ratings
    High quality video00 Ratings7.2133 Ratings
    Low bandwidth requirements00 Ratings5.5130 Ratings
    Mobile support00 Ratings5.5118 Ratings
    Screen Sharing
    Comparison of Screen Sharing features of SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) and Skype (discontinued)
    Feature
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)
    -
    Ratings
    Skype (discontinued)
    6.2
    119 Ratings
    25% below category average
    Desktop sharing00 Ratings5.5118 Ratings
    Whiteboards00 Ratings6.860 Ratings
    Online Meetings / Events
    Comparison of Online Meetings / Events features of SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) and Skype (discontinued)
    Feature
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)
    -
    Ratings
    Skype (discontinued)
    6.0
    118 Ratings
    31% below category average
    Calendar integration00 Ratings6.185 Ratings
    Meeting initiation00 Ratings6.3106 Ratings
    Integrates with social media00 Ratings4.465 Ratings
    Record meetings / events00 Ratings7.077 Ratings
    Slideshows00 Ratings6.268 Ratings
    Online Events Collaboration
    Comparison of Online Events Collaboration features of SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) and Skype (discontinued)
    Feature
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)
    -
    Ratings
    Skype (discontinued)
    5.3
    111 Ratings
    41% below category average
    Live chat00 Ratings5.5110 Ratings
    Audience polling00 Ratings5.364 Ratings
    Q&A00 Ratings5.362 Ratings
    Online Events Security
    Comparison of Online Events Security features of SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) and Skype (discontinued)
    Feature
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)
    -
    Ratings
    Skype (discontinued)
    7.4
    101 Ratings
    9% below category average
    User authentication00 Ratings8.988 Ratings
    Participant roles & permissions00 Ratings7.183 Ratings
    Confidential attendee list00 Ratings6.260 Ratings
    VoIP system collaboration
    Comparison of VoIP system collaboration features of SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) and Skype (discontinued)
    Feature
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)
    -
    Ratings
    Skype (discontinued)
    6.5
    4 Ratings
    12% below category average
    Video conferencing00 Ratings5.74 Ratings
    Audio conferencing00 Ratings6.54 Ratings
    Video screen sharing00 Ratings6.14 Ratings
    Instant messaging00 Ratings7.94 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)Skype (discontinued)
    Small Businesses
    N-able Take Control
    Score7.2 out of 10
    ClickMeeting
    Score9.5 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Remote Desktop Manager
    Score9.6 out of 10
    JioMeet
    Score9.8 out of 10
    Enterprises
    BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
    Score9.1 out of 10
    Webex Meetings
    Score8.7 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)Skype (discontinued)
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.3
    (66 ratings)
    9.3
    (140 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.0
    (13 ratings)
    10.0
    (5 ratings)
    Usability
    9.0
    (10 ratings)
    6.0
    (4 ratings)
    Availability
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Performance
    8.5
    (2 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Support Rating
    5.0
    (9 ratings)
    10.0
    (42 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Online Training
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    5.0
    (8 ratings)
    10.0
    (3 ratings)
    Configurability
    9.5
    (2 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Contract Terms and Pricing Model
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    9.5
    (2 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    8.0
    (2 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Professional Services
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    9.5
    (2 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    9.5
    (2 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS)Skype (discontinued)
    Likelihood to Recommend
    SolarWinds
    I feel like this is a very robust solution that I would recommend to anyone who relies heavily on remote support. Most of the colleagues I work with already use SolarWinds products to one extent or the other. I feel the price for the solution is very fair and a good value for the product.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    Having interacted with a new replacement tool, Microsoft Teams, it is challenging to recommend Skype, as it lacks some essential features, such as being less equipped with the latest updates, and it is not platform-independent, causing issues on PCs and phones, as well as during calls that might hinder work.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    SolarWinds
    • Troubleshooting computers remotely without the need for the user to even be around.
    • Install software that needs to be installed manually without having to travel.
    • Viewing what the user is doing specifically that triggers the issue, making replicating issues way simpler.
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    • The instant chat function is great. Very straightforward, easy to use, easy to learn, no technical issues.
    • Video calls are pretty easy also, user friendly and a mostly stable connection with no issues.
    • Voice calls are easy also, eliminates the need for an external landline or the need to use your cell phone. Clear connections, not really any dropped calls.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    SolarWinds
    • It would be nice if the installed agent would be able to check in with the server so that I can connect to laptops, etc that have the agent pre-installed for when they are off network.
    • DameWare could do better with the mobile app. I cannot connect in from the outside with the mobile app to provide quick support if needed. This kind of defeats the purpose of a mobile app. If I am on the network, I probably have access to my workstation.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    • Skype is a RESOURCE hog. People who have limited bandwidth will have poor call quality.
    • It is hard to figure out how to use emojis and upload images in the chat.
    • The background images do not fool anybody....it is clearly not your real background.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    SolarWinds
    This application is one of my most used tools when it comes to supporting end users and the network as well. I don't have to run all over the place to get things done when I can access multiple computers on the network at the same time to accomplish multiple tasks in a minimal amount of time.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    I have given this rating as this need to give more than that as it's very helpful for us and makes our work more efficient and fast.
    Read full review
    Usability
    SolarWinds
    Because it has enhanced my ability to trouble shoot more issues during the day. Instead of having to go to each machine and spend time at the machine, I can remote in from my desktop and assist the person 90 per cent of the time. I also use it from home to remote in which saves me the time from having to return back to the workplace.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    Skype is not as good as Facetime in terms of ease to glance at it and figure out how it works. I think that's a result of Skype trying to be too many things at once. A lot of the menu and UI could be streamlined, and I would jettison some of the additional functions that have been tacked on over the years to simplify. That being said, while some options are slightly hard to find, they all work flawlessly once found.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    SolarWinds
    Yes, always available.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Performance
    SolarWinds
    The application always seems responsive to me
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    SolarWinds
    I use a Samsung mobile device; DameWare Mobile was working and then after an Android update it started crashing. I reported the issue to DameWare and worked with the technicians and developers to gather data for them to correct the issue. They quickly published a beta release for me to test (which corrected the crashes) and then published an update to the Google Play Store.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    I am not aware of the current support level for Skype for business, as I have never used even though I have the product. However, the support for Skype's personal paid users is not where it could be. Users who pay for Skype features do not have a clear path to reach out to support. So, rating 6, can be better as soon as I need to use Skype for business support and get a good experience. I will say that I will renew Skype for Business subscription, which is a significant inconsistency on my end. The explanation is that Skype for Business comes bundled with Office for Business, with no additional cost, so why not.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    In-Person Training
    SolarWinds
    It was excellent
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Online Training
    SolarWinds
    The videos were more than sufficient to learn the product
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation Rating
    SolarWinds
    It helps greatly if you know someone already using DameWare Remote Support. I was fortunate as my tech support guys were using it at their hospital and assisted me through the purchase, download and implementation of remote support. As well as, knowing how many licenses to purchase at the time. You have to make sure that anyone assisting in IT can have access to the program with their own license.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    It can be used on the phone via mobile application as well as on the desktop by logging in to the website. Easily installed and ready to use.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    SolarWinds
    We previously utilized LogMeIn. They increased the pricing of their solution which made us reconsider it. I inherited LogMeIn. I am not a big fan of hosted solutions for some vital IT processes. There was convenience in LogMeIn, but there were also risks about the solution that I was never completely comfortable with. I had utilized DameWare at a previous company, so I knew what I was getting with it. It was an easy decision for me to make. DameWare is an exceptional product.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    We use Skype in combination with Grasshopper. While Grasshopper acts as a routing toll free number with extensions, if we are making calls directly, we do it through Skype. Skype's desktop and mobile apps are easier to use, and provide unlimited local calls at a flat, affordable rate. Allowing our team to use their existing mobile or desktop devices without additional hardware for business office phone calls is important, and Skype makes that possible
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    SolarWinds
    You get an 8 because of the constant initial freeze on most connections. Takes a reconnect to have it work.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Professional Services
    SolarWinds
    No answers on this topic
    Discontinued Products
    The service provided is up to date, as discussed before buying.
    Read full review
    Return on Investment
    SolarWinds
    • DameWare has allowed us to maintain our non-traditional approach to IT support. It allows our administrators to work from anywhere and has extended their reach to clients domestic and abroad.
    • Return on investment was realized as soon as we purchased the licenses. We don't have to maintain a large office space or overhead costs due to the flexibility it allows our administrators.
    • First call resolution has increased drastically since implementing DameWare company-wide. The user no longer has to wait to reproduce an error. We can screen share and view it as it happens and mitigate the issues.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    • Skype made keeping in touch with an advisor in Mexico very easy. The initiative there resulted in 5 new partnerships.
    • Skype has helped me with account management for at least 3 customers in LATAM--usually it's a fast way to answer a question about a support renewal.
    • For about 9 months Skype helped me stay in touch with a colleague in Prague. We would meet once a week to go over sales activities.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) Screenshots

    Screenshot of DameWare Remote Support Management ConsoleScreenshot of Remotely Connect to Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X ComputersScreenshot of Over-the-Internet Remote Session via Secure Proxy ServerScreenshot of Connect to Remote Computers from iOS and Android Mobile Devices