Remote Desktop Management: Managing Desktops From a Distance

Software solutions, strategic ideas and random thoughts about remote desktop management and desktop virtualization

Remote desktop management is a strategy employed by small, medium and large organizations to efficiently maintain their business networks. Systems administrators use dedicated tools to manage all their enterprise desktops from a central point, controlling the organizations assets over their networks and the internet.

The starting point for any desktop management system is to maintain a hardware and software inventory of the complete computing infrastructure. Desktops throughout the network can then be programmed to automatically receive software updates and patches without affecting the users. Protection is maintained against viruses or other attacks and unauthorized tampering, either by software agents or individuals, is prevented. If problems occur PCs are remotely diagnosed and repaired or isolated if necessary.

The major elements of desktop management are asset management, software deployment, patch management, remote desktop sharing, active directory reports and user logon reports.

The task of asset management can be automated by using scanning software to probe desktops for potential problems, matching the equipment and programs found against known issues. Software deployment and management includes license management and license compliance. Windows Vista enhanced group policy and remote firewall controls are two tools that can be used to protect both desktops and the network in case of an emergency situation such as a virus attack.

Remote desktop sharing enables users to access and use their own desktop from other machines or locations as if they were sitting in their own office. Active directory and user logon reports maintain a history of usage of the network and are a valuable tool for tracking resource utilization.

Mobile devices can present special problems because they are not continuously connected to the network. Authentication servers can be used to check mobiles as they attempt to connect to the network and agents on remote machines can be programmed to ‘phone home’ to check for patches at regular intervals.

Many patches are installed overnight to avoid disruption, but machines are often turned off out of hours to save power. Intel, in a new development of its core architecture has recently introduced vPro, an out-of-band management system. With this tool, management software can wake up machines and implement patches without any user intervention.

Large networks with 1000’s of desktops can be managed by using automated desktop management software. The software enables administrators with minimal Windows expertise to efficiently secure and control their windows network.