Dameware Remote Anywhere

[Lisbeth Balsiger]

Im trying out the Dameware Remote Everywhere product and was kind of annoyed that even though I set the profile to enable the "notify when tech is connected" when I installed the agent it would not show that notification. The checkbox was not ticked on any of the agents that I installed, and had to do so manually to get it to display, not something I wanted to do when deploying it enterprise wide. The current product we have been using shows a window when one of our Help Desk staff is connected to a system, so our users are used to seeing that.

I found the config file that the agent uses, it's a simple ini file (C:\ProgramData\GetSupportService_Dameware\BASupSrvc.ini) and one of the lines on the bottom half controls the notify checkbox in the app- NotifySessionStart. Obviously 0 equals off and 1 equals on.

Since the top half of the file seems to have GUID info that is specific per system you won't be able to just replace the file with a pre-built one, so you have to replace the text instead. I created a couple of powershell scripts to deploy from the Dameware remote dashboard. Here is the powershell script to turn the notifications on:

I just created a new script for powershell, give it a name, and drop that in the body as an explicit script. When you run it against a system or systems, it seems to take about 30 seconds to a minute to run. It might take longer depending on the network. Same thing if you need to create a converse one to turn the notifications off (flipping the 0 and 1 in the script above), so run it a bit before you try to connect to the agent. In my testing the agent service does not need to be restarted, it seems to read the ini file constantly, but you can add the restart-service command and work in the service name for the dameware agent.

Not being able to turn on and off the agent notification anywhere in the product was a bit of a consternation and a sticking point for me, so when I got this working I figured others might find it useful as well.

In this review of Dameware, we will examine Dameware Remote Everywhere (DRE) by SolarWinds to determine if it is the best remote desktop software. DRE is a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution designed for IT professionals who require remote support for numerous computers and mobile devices across various operating systems. Dameware Remote Everywhere is ideal for those seeking a fast, secure service that offers detailed information about the connected devices.

Dameware offers tiered pricing based on the number of technicians or devices you need to manage. It also offers per-technician licensing, where you pay a specific amount for each technician using the software.

With licenses costing several hundred dollars each, Dameware is a service aimed at businesses with large IT networks that need enterprise-level features. DRE can be used from anywhere that has an internet connection. And even though a technician might be a long way from the device that needs support, DRE can connect to it in less than eight seconds to help bring about a resolution to the problem as quickly as possible.

Dameware features a very high level of security, meeting requirements set out by the U.S. Federal government. It is compliant with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2, using the BSAFE Crypto-C Micro Edition cryptography module.

Dameware was also the first remote access software product to offer a Smart Card solution, which was developed in 2006 in coordination with the U.S Army. Since then, smart card authentication has become mandated at all levels of the Federal government.

DameWare is a comprehensive suite of remote support software solutions developed by SolarWinds, a company known for its powerful and effective IT management tools. The suite includes two main products: DameWare Remote Support (DRS) and DameWare Mini Remote Control (MRC). These tools are designed not only to facilitate remote control of desktops and servers but also to aid in system administration tasks across Windows, Linux, and Mac OS environments.

DameWare's strongest asset lies in its robust set of tools for remote support. With features like remote desktop viewing, system information manager, and active directory management, IT technicians can perform a wide array of tasks remotely. This reduces the need for physical presence, saving time and reducing operational costs.

DameWare stands out with its cross-platform support. Whether you're managing a Windows PC, a Mac, or a Linux system, DameWare allows IT administrators to seamlessly connect and troubleshoot issues without compatibility headaches.

Considering the risks associated with remote access tools, DameWare has implemented strong security measures. It uses encryption protocols such as SSL and TLS to secure connections between the remote client and the host computer. Additionally, it supports Smart Card authentication and enforces several layers of security checks to prevent unauthorized access.

The DameWare Mini Remote Control is particularly noted for its lightweight design. It does not require high system resources, which makes it agile and faster in performance compared to other remote access tools. Moreover, its interface is user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners and experts alike.

In an era where mobile connectivity is paramount, DameWare's limited support for mobile devices can be a drawback. Remote control and management of mobile devices are not as robust or straightforward, which could be a hindrance in environments with a high reliance on mobile technology.

Depending on the IT setup and the specific demands of your network, DameWare might require a complex setup process. New users or organizations without a dedicated IT department might find it challenging to deploy and maintain.=

We were disappointed with DameWare Remote Everywhere (DRE), given its high price per license. Setting it up took longer than expected, and the documentation did not meet our standards for a service with such high pricing.

While the software worked fine, there were numerous crashes when accessing sections with important information about the remote device. When we contacted DameWare support during setup, it took several days to resolve our query, and only after a follow-up email from us.

DameWare is undeniably a powerful tool for IT professionals seeking to manage systems remotely. Its strengths in security, multi-platform support, and comprehensive remote support capabilities make it a solid choice for many organizations. However, before deciding, potential users should also consider the costs, limitations in mobile device support, and the required investment in setup and maintenance.

For businesses prioritizing robust IT support and secure, versatile network management tools, DameWare offers significant advantages. However, weighing these benefits against the drawbacks is essential to determine if it's the right tool for your organizational needs. Exploring trial versions and seeking feedback from current users can further inform this decision.

Remote Support works in much the same way as DRE and comes in three different plans starting at $8/month and going up to $21/month. More expensive plans include more features and more simultaneous sessions, which compares to a single active session for every DRE license.

Security should be your top priority. An excellent remote desktop solution should offer strong encryption for data in transit and at rest. Look for features such as TLS/SSL encryption, multi-factor authentication, and the ability to set robust password policies. The software should also comply with industry standards and regulations relevant to your business, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.

The best remote desktop software is the one that everyone in your organization can use without extensive training. Look for intuitive interfaces and straightforward setup processes. Quick connectivity and saving frequently accessed connections can also enhance user experience. Ensure the solution provides robust support and tutorials to help users navigate issues.

In remote access, performance is measured by how seamlessly and quickly you can control a distant computer. High-quality remote desktop solutions offer optimized speed and screen refresh rates, even on slower internet connections. They should also provide reliability, guarantee connection stability, and offer redundancy to minimize downtime.

Your remote desktop solution should grow with you. Look for customizable features tailored to your specific needs and the scalability to support increasing users and machines. This could include session recording, file transfer capabilities, and integrating business branding elements.

Evaluate the cost relative to the features and benefits provided. Many solutions offer tiered pricing plans based on the number of users, the level of support, and additional features. While it might be tempting to choose a free or low-cost option, ensure it meets all your needs without compromising security and functionality. Consider investing in quality software as a way to save money in the long term through enhanced productivity and reduced downtime.

Good customer support can significantly impact your experience with remote desktop software. Look for providers that offer 24/7 support through multiple channels, such as phone, email, and live chat. Additionally, a comprehensive knowledge base, community forums, and how-to guides are invaluable resources for troubleshooting and learning.

Choosing the right remote desktop solution is a critical decision that impacts your team's efficiency, security, and productivity. By focusing on the abovementioned aspects, you can select a robust, reliable tool that supports your business needs while ensuring a seamless remote working experience. Remember, investing time in researching and choosing the best solution pays off in the long run, contributing to the success and growth of your business.

I have a problem with DameWare Remote Support v9, I am unable to connect using the DameWare Mini Remote Control when the "Permission Required" setting is enabled on the "Additional Settings" tab within the settings of the MRC Client Agent Service on the remote machine. When enabled, this option should prompt the currently logged on user to grant or deny permission for every connection attempt.

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