Item: ConnectWise ScreenConnect
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect) to manage remote and control our unattended systems so that we can perform maintenance, support, and even installation. Once connected, we have access to the entire system, but since it does not need any special port forwarding, firewall settings, or other complicated configurations to make it work, we find it a nice solution.

Pros and Cons

Connects to remote unattended computers
Allows sound and microphone to be mapped to the technician's computer
Scales the screen well

A little bit of a bandwidth hog
More granularity in permissions for different users
Some problems connecting if the network was down when computer restarts

Return on Investment

Saves a lot of time setting up sessions
Intuitive so less training needed for new techs
Ran into a bandwidth issue when working on a mobile hotspot

Alternatives Considered

Apple Remote Desktop and Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)

In terms of overall ease of use ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect), is so much easier to setup and use. Create and download the installer, and then run it once. I've never had any issues with remote machines being behind a firewall or having to be on the AD. There are some features that the other products I've used support but mostly because they are designed to be used for local computers and not those across the internet.

Key Insights

Do you think ConnectWise ScreenConnect delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with ConnectWise ScreenConnect's feature set?

Yes

Did ConnectWise ScreenConnect live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of ConnectWise ScreenConnect go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy ConnectWise ScreenConnect again?

Yes

Other Software Used

PhpStorm, Microsoft Teams, Postman

Usability

Installation is so straightforward. All you need to do is create the installer by filling in some information (the machine name, company, location, etc.) and then you download it (or even send a link to the download), and run it. The computer doesn't have to be restarted. When you need to connect, you pick it from a list. There are tools to filter the list and make it easier to find the machine or machines you want to use. Then select or double click to connect.

Support Rating

The software does exactly what we need it to do. I haven't used any other product that is as easy to install and can support remote unattended computers. It allows us to transfer files, run scripts, and make sure these computers are patched.

Likelihood to Recommend

It is a great solution for accessing unattended computers that need remote support and maintenance. It allows us to run scripts on groups of computers and also supports control-alt-delete when needed. The software is especially useful when supporting Linux and Windows (probably Macs also) because it works equally as well for both platforms. In situations where you aren't supporting remote computers, it may make sense to use a different solution that has a few more features (like AD integration).

ConnectWise Control works really well for us.

Overall Satisfaction with ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect)