Help desk teams face the challenge of navigating a complex and constantly evolving digital environment. To succeed in this journey, it is crucial to have flexible remote access software that can grow with the business, adapt to its needs, and ensure compliance with stringent security requirements.
Two of the most prominent solutions in this area are BeyondTrust and GoTo. Both offer robust tools for enterprise security, but which is really the best option for protecting your business?
In this article, we’ll thoroughly compare the key benefits and differences of these platforms, helping you make an informed decision about which one best suits your business needs.
BeyondTrust and GoTo: Two key remote access software for digital security
BeyondTrust
This leading privileged access management platform is designed to identify and neutralize internal and external threats.
Integrating a comprehensive set of security capabilities, this platform not only simplifies deployment but also reduces costs and streamlines security tasks for IT teams.
One of BeyondTrust’s most notable features is its privileged remote access tool, which eliminates users needing to remember or share their credentials.
It also offers support for a variety of operating systems, allowing technicians to focus on resolving incidents rather than worrying about deploying the tool.
GoTo
GoTo (formerly known as LogMeIn) is a comprehensive solution designed to optimize remote work and communication. This system stands out for its ability to streamline interactions between remote teams, implementing tools that improve business efficiency and security.
Although its focus is not on directly competing with other remote access software, its goal is clear: to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted workflow. This focus on stability ensures that users can fully rely on the platform.
In addition, GoTo includes a keyboard mapping tool, allowing users to configure customized shortcuts. A feature that not only improves productivity but also enriches their user experience.
Comparison criteria
To effectively compare two or more technology tools, it is essential first to identify the qualities they share. That’s why we’ve created this list of topics to help you more accurately evaluate the pros and cons of these platforms:
- Security
- Password storage
- Integration with other systems
- Implementation
With these parameters in place, let’s start with one of the most important aspects for help desk teams.
What level of security do these remote access software offer?
BeyondTrust:
BeyondTrust’s native two-factor authentication takes remote access security to a new level of efficiency. With this remote access software, companies can better protect themselves by requiring a unique, temporary code each time they log in. This second step ensures that only authorized individuals can access your critical information, providing an additional layer of protection that is both robust and easy to use.
If you are already using a two-factor authentication solution, the integration with BeyondTrust is seamless. Its single-tenant, appliance-based architecture includes secure TLS connections encrypted with SSL certificates and authentication with existing identity providers.
In addition, BeyondTrust allows you to associate specific policies to groups of users in a directory. Thus, if you move a technician from one group to another, permissions are automatically updated to reflect the change.
GoTo:
After exploring the GoTo platform, we noticed that this remote access software manages security policies simply and efficiently. However, it lacks the option to associate them with a group of users in a directory.
Like BeyondTrust, GoTo also includes two-factor authentication functionality, but this feature is restricted exclusively to the LastPass password manager. This, while providing an additional layer of security, somewhat limits flexibility for companies using other password managers.
Another notable feature of GoTo is the ability to record sessions and store them on the technician’s system. However, before using this feature, we recommend implementing additional security measures to prevent tampering. Thus, you can ensure their integrity and reliability as accurate records of technical interventions.
What technology do these remote access software use to manage passwords?
BeyondTrust
In the world of remote access, security is crucial. BeyondTrust understands this and has created its key storage feature, a digital vault designed to protect passwords and ensure data integrity.
This vault uses advanced encryption to protect your passwords, managing them efficiently and allowing access only to authorized individuals. In addition, it logs who accesses the passwords and when, providing full traceability and making it easy to identify suspicious activity.
BeyondTrust’s vault is not only secure, but also easy to use. With a streamlined and intuitive interface, technicians can share and keep track of privileged passwords directly from the help desk.
GoTo
Thanks to GoTo’s integration with LastPass, two-factor authentication is handled smoothly and seamlessly. The only negative is that the collaboration between these platforms does not extend much beyond this functionality.
If you decide to implement this integration, you will have access to an online user manual that will guide you step by step. In addition, you will be able to resolve your doubts by consulting the customer forum, and a telephone support service and live chat will also be included soon.
While this may be a disadvantage for companies that value direct, personalized assistance, it is clear that GoTo is committed to offering a comprehensive support service.
How do these integrate with other platforms?
BeyondTrust
Compatibility with several operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux and Unix, is one of BeyondTrust’s key strengths. This flexibility allows help desk teams to operate in a heterogeneous environment without worrying about compatibility issues.
In addition, it can easily integrate with leading IT platforms such as Active Directory, LDAP and ITSM tools, ensuring seamless and centralized user and device management.
However, BeyondTrust focuses not only on integrations, but also on security. Every remote connection is protected with advanced encryption and strict access policies. This ensures that only authorized users can access your company’s critical information.
GoTo
GoTo shares most of BeyondTrust’s integrations, except for the Linux operating system and mobile remote management consoles.
Similarly, we note that, although this remote access software compatible with Apple devices, it does not have the option to transfer files to iPads or iPhones. Nor can it record sessions, share screens, or connect over LANs in the macOS version.
However, this limitation is compensated by the RescueLens feature. A tool that allows technicians to remotely view the camera on iPhone, Android or Windows devices. To take advantage of this functionality, users need to purchase the add-on and install it on the respective device.
Is the implementation of these systems affordable?
BeyondTrust
When comparing the two systems, we note that BeyondTrust stands out as the only remote access software that can be used in cloud, SaaS and on-premises environments. This flexibility allows companies to choose the option that best suits their needs and security policies.
In addition, it offers several licensing options to suit different sizes and types of organizations. Whether you need a perpetual license, annual or monthly subscription, BeyondTrust has a flexible solution that fits your business model and budget.
This ability to adapt to diverse environments and offer multiple licensing options makes it a robust solution. It also offers the security of being able to scale and configure its platform according to your organization’s needs.
GoTo
GoTo uses a per-user licensing model, ensuring that each technician has an individual license to access the platform. While this model can increase overall implementation costs, it also offers the advantage of clear tracking of platform usage.
In terms of installation, GoTo is delivered exclusively as SaaS software. While this guarantees access to the latest version, it may be limiting for companies that prefer or need to maintain full control of their IT infrastructure.
When testing its interface, we noticed that it amalgamates all information into a single instance. Even though this may seriously affect users’ privacy, it also offers greater accessibility to data.
Conclusion
After analyzing these remote access software, we can say that both offer valuable solutions for help desk teams. However, the differences between these platforms can significantly influence the final adoption decision.
BeyondTrust stands out for its comprehensive approach to security and broad support for multiple operating systems and IT platforms. Its flexibility in deployment and various licensing options make it a robust choice for companies looking for a comprehensive and adaptable security solution.
On the other hand, GoTo offers a simplified and efficient solution for remote communication and collaboration. Ideal for organizations that prioritize ease of use and already manage their passwords with LastPass. However, its limitations in terms of compatibility and security can be a challenge for companies that require more rigorous and centralized management of their remote access.
The choice between BeyondTrust and GoTo will depend on each company’s specific requirements in terms of security, compatibility, and deployment flexibility. By carefully evaluating these factors, you will be able to make an informed decision and select the system that best aligns with your business objectives and operational needs.
