Item: Apple Remote Desktop
Rating: 7
Author: Isidoro "Roy" Jovero

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We used to use ARD when we had Mac-based Zoom Room setups, but after changing our ZR environment, we only use ARD on a couple of dashboard setups in the org. It proved to be very helpful when it came to working on machines that don't have regular human interaction (we would use Zoom to do remote support when a human was on the other end).

Pros and Cons

Remote support of headless systems.
IP addresses are easily seen.
Latency never seemed to be an issue.

UI seems dated.
Specific configurations are needed on endpoints.
It would be nice to get a notification when an endpoint comes back online after rebooting.

Return on Investment

Reduction of time lost trying to find the remote computer.
No need to find a keyboard and mouse to interact with the machine.
No third-party UI elements that could get in the way of accessing menus.

Alternatives Considered

Zoom, TeamViewer, BeyondTrust Remote Support (formerly Bomgar) and ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect)

I think that the one feature that sets ARD apart is the UI when in a remote session. There have been times where I've used Zoom, TeamViewer, etc. and couldn't access a part of the menu bar or accidentally closed a session due to the third-party UI that's been applied on the window.

Support Rating

I've never had to get support for ARD, so I can't give a real opinion.

Key Insights

Do you think Apple Remote Desktop delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Apple Remote Desktop's feature set?

Yes

Did Apple Remote Desktop live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Apple Remote Desktop go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Apple Remote Desktop again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Bynder Enterprise DAM, Snagit, Camtasia, Jamf Pro

Likelihood to Recommend

ARD is great when you're working with headless servers and machines that don't have an active user attached. Although there is a little bit of configuration needed on the endpoint side, when set up properly, things are seamless. When in the office and the end user can't come to the IT area, I always check if I can use ARD instead of Zoom for remote assistance

It's free, it's Apple-native, and it just works

Overall Satisfaction with Apple Remote Desktop