Item: TeamViewer
Rating: 5
Author: Nathan Miles

Overall Satisfaction with TeamViewer

Implementation Rating

Again, I only use it for connecting to computers remotely. I don't use it for any of the additional management features. In my opinion these are better suited to be handled by other products.

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I have used TeamViewer with a Business License for over 10 years for the simple purpose of connecting to and providing support for remote computers and servers. I have never used any of their available options for managing computers. I have had as many as 200 computers in my list that I have kept handy and can connect to easily whenever needed.

Pros and Cons

Pros

TeamViewer connects quickly
It behaves well when changing network settings remotely (and waiting for the connection to be re-established.
Maintains a low footprint on the system
Allows for personal password on the clients you are connect for super easy connectivity

Cons

When they updated from their Classic interface, the new interface was not very intuitive. It appeared as though they were going to force customers to change, however, they eventually added an option to stay in "Classic" mode.
Their renewal terms are tricky and border or predatory I feel. They want you to cancel within 28 days prior to renewal. If you do not, it is too late and they make you pay for another year whether you want their future services or not. While they are within their legal right to do this, it is a terrible setup for customers in my opinion. If anyone is considering TeamViewer services, make sure you are aware of this and look up the many unresolved cases at Better Business Bureau.
Their support can be slow in responding.

Return on Investment

It allowed me to maintain connectivity to computers I would otherwise have not had access to (in other countries)
It allows me access to servers locked up in server racks that are otherwise difficult to access
The list of computers that I connect to in TeamViewer has helped me keep a basic inventory of what I support.

Immediately.

Alternatives Considered

Splashtop

Team Viewer connect quicker.
Team Viewer does not handle multiple displays as well as Splashtop (which fully mimics a remote 3 screen setup with a single click).
Splashtop is much cheaper for basic connectivity, roughly 1/3 of what TeamViewer charges.
I was actually planning to discontinue TeamViewer and switch to Splashtop exclusively, but I didn't cancel within their required 28 days prior to renewal and was not allowed to cancel. I did so begrudgingly and so they would not send my account to collections. But, I did not want to continue the service and will not be resubscribing again after this next year is over.

Key Insights

Do you think TeamViewer delivers good value for the price?

Not sure

Are you happy with TeamViewer's feature set?

Yes

Did TeamViewer live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of TeamViewer go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy TeamViewer again?

Security

No.

Other Software Used

Splashtop, Snagit, Breeze

Likelihood to Recommend

TeamViewer is excellent for maintaining connectivity, however, I think other programs are probably a better fit for actually managing remote clients. I have installedTeam Viewer on many remote servers, and it's been very helpful to be able to access any of them quickly / remotely from any location. When connecting to some laptops remotely, I sometimes had a problem where, if the laptop was closed (but still turned on and running), sometimes the display of the laptop would not come through in TeamViewer. To fix, I figured out that I could install a virtual monitor on the laptop. Note that, with a Business License, you are only allowed to connect from three computers (unless you pay for more).

TeamViewer Feature Ratings

Comments

Please log in to join the conversation