Third-party Windows desktop management tools worth considering

Group policies can centrally manage Windows Settings and registration configurations in the domain, but they are not the best solution for all desktop management requirements. Maybe some machines in your organization are not in the domain. Maybe your computer is not connected to the company network, but you still want to manage these machines. Maybe you need better reports instead of simple Windows logs.

Although there is a systematic Center, this is an expensive solution. Other technical vendors have filled the gap in the Microsoft ecosystem. Let's take a look at how the following three third-party desktop management tools help Windows enterprises.

Desktop Central 8

The software department of Zoho, ManageEngine, said 5000 customers only use their software to manage nearly 1 million of their desktops, making the product attractive in the market. Like Windows Intune, Desktop Central 8 is a web-based application for managing Windows 2000 to Windows 7, including all server versions.

The desktop management software does not require a traditional domain environment. It is suitable for managing lab machines, running professional production and monitoring equipment, and household machines of employees. Desktop Central 8 covers software deployment, patch management, resource management, and Windows Remote Desktop Sharing. It also manages service package deployment and configuration, generates Active Directory reports when using the domain, and manages other reporting tools.

The price ranges from $295 in Desktop Management with limited basic edition to $695 in functions, which can be efficiently managed across multiple regions. The specific price depends on the number of desktops managed. The initial price starts from 50 computers.

Quest Workspace Desktop Authority

ScriptLogic was acquired by Quest last year, claiming that it is as simple as managing 10 desktops as managing 10 thousand desktops by administrators. Quest Workspace includes various modules in the desktop management process, including asset management, patch and Malware detection and deployment, and network-based Remote Management. It also includes password self-service, software packaging, privileged account monitoring, and other configuration support.

Quest Workspac supports Microsoft's virtualization technology, applications, and virtual desktop configuration packages. For example, you can set a specific user to log on to the Remote Desktop on the Remote Desktop Server, instead of logging on to the virtual desktop publishing or normal physical desktop. The Desktop Authority is also based on the network, and the user interface is simpler than the complex Microsoft Management Console.

The software has three editions: basic, standard, and professional, and a free 30-day trial.

Kaseya

Products with the same name as Kaseya can also be managed in the system. The company name itself is in the management service field-some small and medium business consultants provide Kaseya licenses for all customers' desktops so that they can be remotely managed without field access.

There is no reason not to use Kaseya within the Organization, because some of its system management functions are very suitable for departments that want several types of control. Kaseya's suite includes support for audit and inventory, monitoring and Patch Management. It also supports desktop policy management and a wide range of reports.

Unfortunately, Kaseya typically registers for a subscription, so there are often monthly or quarterly authorized payments. However, from an automation perspective, Kaseya is worth considering.

Apart from Microsoft, have you used other third-party desktop management kits? Succeeded or failed? Is it worth spending money on them? Please share your experience here.