In today’s IT landscape, remote monitoring and management (RMM) is an essential tool for maintaining and securing infrastructure. RMM software allows IT professionals to monitor, manage and automate IT tasks on endpoint devices remotely, ensuring systems run smoothly and securely.
However, not all RMM systems are made equal. In this guide, we outline the role and importance of RMM, and compare different solutions to help you find the right fit for your organization
What is Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)?
Remote Monitoring and Management, or RMM, is a type of software used to remotely monitor and manage IT infrastructure. It enables IT admins to manage their endpoint devices from a single platform, including system patches, troubleshooting, user management, security and other tasks.
RMM has evolved significantly since its inception, especially as IT infrastructures have become increasingly decentralized. Today’s RMM solutions make endpoint management simpler, more powerful and more cost-efficient by incorporating advanced features such as automation, real-time monitoring and detailed analytics.
Key Features of RMM Software
Today’s RMM solutions offer several capabilities designed to simplify IT management. While each solution is unique, offering different IT tools for endpoint management, the most common RMM features include:
- Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: RMM software continuously monitors systems and alerts IT professionals about issues.
- Automated Tasks and Patch Management: RMM can automate routine tasks and patch management to maintain system security and efficiency.
- Remote Access and Control: RMM software allows IT staff to remotely access and resolve issues on endpoint devices.
- Integration with Other IT Management Tools: Some RMM solutions can be integrated with other IT management solutions and network monitoring tools for unified management.
- Reporting and Analytics: Some RMM software provides detailed reports and analytics to help IT teams make informed decisions about their infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity Detection & Response: More robust RMM platforms have built-in security features to detect and respond to endpoint threats, such as ransomware.
Benefits of Using RMM Software
The main benefit of RMM software is that it simplifies the management of endpoint devices. In turn, this delivers numerous advantages to organizations:
- Efficiency of IT Management: RMM makes it easier to manage a company’s infrastructure and endpoint devices, no matter where those devices reside.
- Cost Savings: By simplifying endpoint system management, RMM can greatly reduce the costs of IT operations. Additional features like IT automation can deliver additional cost savings.
- Saves Time & Resources: RMM makes IT management faster and more efficient. This frees up resources so that IT teams can focus their time on other high-priority tasks.
- Protects Against IT Issues and Downtime: Remote endpoint monitoring ensures systems are running smoothly and prevents potential issues before they cause downtime.
- Reduced Security Risks: RMM enhances security by continuously monitoring and addressing vulnerabilities. Companies benefit by reducing the risk of a costly cyberattack.
- Prevents Data Breaches: RMM software can proactively patch, update and secure devices, helping to prevent data breaches and compromised systems.
- Improves System Performance and Efficiency: IT automation capabilities in some RMM platforms help to improve maintenance tasks, ensuring systems are running efficiently.
Choosing the Right RMM Software
When selecting RMM software, there are several factors to consider. Most critically, businesses must be sure to deploy a solution that fits their IT environment and monitoring needs. Additionally, since each solution has different capabilities, it’s important to compare the features carefully.
What to look for:
- Compatibility: Ensure the RMM supports your operating systems and IT environment.
- Pricing: Evaluate the subscription models and find one that fits your budget and/or business objectives.
- Monitoring Capabilities: Identify how much control and insight your admins will have into your endpoint systems.
- Automation: Consider the need for features that automate routine tasks, such as system updates and patch management.
- Ease of Use: Make sure the interface is intuitive and easy to use, regardless of IT skill level. (Otherwise, it will defeat the main benefits of using RMM.)
- Security: Look for built-in cybersecurity defenses that help to block threats automatically.
- Integration: If applicable, ensure that the RMM integrates seamlessly with your other IT systems, such as EDR software or BCDR solutions.
- Customer Support: Reliable support is crucial for resolving issues promptly and ensuring smooth operations, either via an IT partner or directly from the RMM vendor.
For more information on what to look for, check out this handy from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Popular RMM Software Solutions
Several leading RMM software solutions are available, each offering unique features. Here’s an at-a-glance comparison of three popular solutions.
- Datto RMM: Robust monitoring and management capabilities, plus advanced features for automation, security and seamless integration with existing systems and other Datto products.
- NinjaRMM: Offers a solid suite of management features and a user-friendly interface.
- Atera: Provides comprehensive IT management tools with flexible pricing options.
Why We Recommend Datto RMM
At Invenio IT, we constantly evaluate different IT support solutions, from RMM to data backup – so we know what works in today’s IT environments – and what doesn’t. For remote monitoring and management, our top pick is Datto RMM.
Datto RMM is a comprehensive, cloud-based RMM solution that fits the needs of any organization, from small businesses to enterprise companies. It’s powerful, yet easy to use. And, it offers several capabilities that make it unique from other RMM solutions.
What we like about it:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Gives IT admins real-time visibility into all endpoint devices, plus built-in continuous monitoring and alerts.
- Native M365 Management: Allows admins to manage, onboard/offboard and quarantine Microsoft 365 users via a naive M365 module.
- Ransomware Detection: Takes immediate action against early signs of a ransomware infection to kill malicious processes, minimize impact and prevent downtime.
- Integration with Existing Systems: Seamlessly integrates with your current IT infrastructure for unified management, including solutions like Datto BCDR and Datto AV. (Note, integrations will influence the total cost of deployment. See Datto SIRIS pricing and Datto AV pricing for details.)
- Dynamic Automation: IT admins can use custom scripts, policies and webhooks to automate tasks and resolve issues without human intervention.
- User-Friendly Interface: Datto RMM is simple and intuitive, making it easy for IT teams to manage systems effectively.
- Scalability: Scales easily as infrastructure grows, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes, offering flexible deployment options.
One of our favorite features of Datto RMM is the network discovery topology maps. This provides a visual representation of the entire network, so you can quickly identify every connected device (not just the managed devices).
It’s worth noting that Datto RMM has a 98% customer satisfaction rating and nearly 5 stars on G2 with over 550 reviews. It outperforms many competitors by providing comprehensive protection and ease of use. For more information, request Datto RMM pricing for your organization.
RMM Software vs. Cybersecurity Software
RMM and cybersecurity software are sometimes part of the same overall conversation about securing endpoint devices. But while some of their features overlap, they are two distinct IT solutions.
While RMM software focuses on monitoring and managing IT infrastructure, comprehensive cybersecurity solutions offer broader protection, including antivirus, network firewalls, intrusion detection systems and data encryption. Businesses should evaluate their specific needs to decide whether to use standalone RMM software or a full cybersecurity suite.
The Future of RMM Software
We mentioned above how RMM has come a long way over the last few decades. But the technology continues to evolve. Looking ahead, we see several advancements on the horizon that will undoubtedly enhance the RMM solutions of the future, such as:
- AI and Machine Learning: These technologies allow for predictive analysis and proactive threat mitigation built into the RMM software.
- Advanced Automation: Future RMM solutions will feature even more advanced automation, reducing the need for manual intervention and redundant IT tools.
- Integrated Security Features: RMM software will increasingly integrate with cybersecurity solutions to provide holistic protection.
The potential for these enhancements is another reason why it’s important to choose a reliable remote monitoring and management solution from an established provider. Choosing an industry leader like Datto ensures that your organization will be equipped with the best technology as it continues to evolve and improve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about RMM
1. What is a remote monitoring and management system?
A remote monitoring and management system (RMM) is software that allows IT professionals to monitor and manage IT systems remotely. RMM solutions ensure that systems run smoothly and securely, while also making them easier to update and manage from a single interface.
2. How does RMM work?
RMM works by deploying software that allows IT admins to remotely monitor and manage company devices. The software collects data on system status and sends it to a central dashboard, where IT managers can troubleshoot issues, update applications, respond to threats and perform other tasks.
3. How does RMM software differ from cybersecurity software?
RMM focuses on IT management and maintenance, while cybersecurity software is more narrowly focused on defending against cyber threats. However, some RMM solutions, such as Datto RMM, offer built-in security capabilities, such as ransomware detection.
4. What are the benefits of using RMM software?
RMM benefits organizations by making it easier to manage their IT infrastructure remotely. It saves time, reduces costs and frees up IT resources by allowing admins to monitor company devices, automate routine tasks, troubleshoot issues and enhance security.
5. How does Datto RMM compare to other RMM solutions?
Datto RMM is unique from other RMM solutions in that it offers advanced endpoint monitoring, ransomware detection and unified management of Microsoft 365 users. Datto RMM also offers dynamic automation capabilities that allow admins to automate tasks with custom scripts.
6. Why is RMM important for businesses?
RMM is important for businesses because it significantly streamlines the management of IT infrastructure, especially if endpoints are spread across many locations. RMM ensures IT systems run smoothly, prevents downtime and enhances security, which is crucial for business operations.
7. Can RMM software protect against ransomware?
Yes, advanced RMM solutions like Datto RMM can detect and respond to ransomware threats, minimizing the impact.
8. What factors should be considered when choosing RMM software?
When choosing RMM software, businesses should consider compatibility with their infrastructure, pricing, capabilities for system monitoring and management, security and customer support.
Conclusion
RMM software is essential for maintaining IT infrastructure in today’s digital landscape, but not all RMM platforms are the same. With advanced management features and built-in security capabilities like ransomware defense, Datto RMM is our recommended platform for organizations that want to ensure their IT systems remain secure, efficient and easy to manage. As infrastructure expands, investing in robust RMM software is crucial for safeguarding your business and ensuring smooth operations.
Reduce IT Costs & Headaches. Learn More about Datto RMM
Request Datto RMM pricing for your organization to see how it can simplify your endpoint management, bolster security and make your life easier. For more information, schedule a meeting with our IT specialists at Invenio IT, call us at (646) 395-1170 or email success@invenioIT.com.
