Managed service providers (MSPs), in essence, are third-party IT teams that serve companies and enterprises that don’t have in-house IT. MSPs use remote monitoring and management (RMM), a critical type of PSA software. RMM tools enable users to monitor and manage client networks, computers and endpoints remotely.
SelectHub’s research and analyst teams took time to compile a complete list of the top RMM tools, their essential benefits, features and trends.
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What are RMM Tools?
As aforementioned, MSPs, a type of professional services automation (PSA), offer customers solutions, security, networks and other services from their company, data center or third-party data center. MSPs utilize RMM tools, which provides remote access to their customer’s networks, computers, endpoints and more. RMM tools come with plentiful benefits, features and associated trends to consider.
Primary Benefits
There are several advantages this software brings to the table. These benefits include:
- Minimizes Downtime and Boosts Security: RMM tools can monitor systems 24/7 to detect and rectify potential threats, reducing downtime. The less downtime you experience, the more availability you have to meet customers’ needs and earn more revenue. You also keep company and client information protected against cybercriminals.
- Reduces Maintenance: This platform will upkeep updates and other maintenances to ensure it’s up to date, which also diminishes downtime.
- Increase Productivity: Less downtime, maintenance and manually-performed tasks mean streamlined productivity. You also garner high praise from clients.
Key Features
Like all software, RMM tools come with individual features and benefits. Just remember that you need solutions that meet the needs of your business and clients. Although a module or requirement is popular, it doesn’t mean it will fit your business needs. Here are some popular features:
- Remote Access & Control: Access, control and troubleshoot networks, devices and infrastructures from any compatible device.
- Patch Management: Develop, examine and install different patches or updates for existing applications and software on your system seamlessly.
- Alerts: Receive notifications when problems arise so you can stop them early instead of finding out when customers call in or fill out tickets.
- Monitoring: Govern network devices and performance metrics, such as CPU, memory, disk space and more.
- Reporting: Discern trends in your system’s performance and generate various reports and documents, such as your organization’s overall health, asset summary and device alert reports.
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Notable Trends
There are several trends to consider as you search for a new solution. Investing in every thinkable movement is highly expensive and ludicrous. If you focus on trends that best fit your company’s needs, you’re on the right track. Some industry statistics include:
- Compliance: This program can better align operations with essential regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). IndustryARC forecasts that the global governance, compliance and risk software market can hit $52.5 billion by 2025.
- Cloud: The cloud gains more popularity every day. You can access the software and company data on any internet-connected device. It’s hosted on third-party servers to avoid taking up computer memory, and it offers multiple security measures for optimized protection. Marketsandmarkets predicts the global computing market will hit $947.3 billion by 2026.
- Security: Varonis says all employees can access 17% of all confidential files and documents. Adding an extra layer of defense with methods like two-step or multi-factor authentication, user access levels and data encryption can safeguard information from hackers’ threats.
Best RMM Tools
It’s time to review SelectHub’s top RMM tools. Before reading up on these solutions, make a wishlist of the most desired features in this software for your MSP practices. Evaluate how your list stacks up to our picks.
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SolarWinds
SolarWinds RMM by SolarWinds MSP is a cloud and on-premise solution that governs IT operations across all client networks for companies of all sizes. Some of its capabilities include patch management, remote access, reporting, data backup and recovery.
An example of SolarWinds’ monitoring capabilities.
Primary Benefits
Passportal and Documentation Manager
Merge all IT documents into one location. Access the passport-management-as-a-service, and self-service password reset modules to review clients and tickets.
Endpoint Detection and Response
Avoid, pinpoint and address threats efficiently. Work with automatic rollbacks, automated policies, no-signature approaches, forensic analytics and prompt file analytic tools.
Managed Antivirus
Safeguard company and client information from hard-to-find malware hazards. Leverage signature-based scanning, heuristics verifications, endpoint branding, etc.
Netpath
Govern a network’s performance, including source, destination and more. You may implement QoS monitoring, network transparency, node/hop data and more.
Mobile App
Utilize the iOS or Android mobile apps to review problem servers, workstations, outages, asset data and checks, among other things.
Key Features
Store and Recover Data
Backup and recovery features come in handy, especially for MSPs or IT teams. Let’s say, for example, all of your data and information are up to par as you leave the office on Friday. But a low-magnitude earthquake rocks the office Sunday evening. When you show up Monday morning, chances are some or all of your data could be wiped out, and you have no way of retrieving it. SolarWinds’ backup and recovery feature provides virtual and continuous disaster recovery, advanced encryption standards, bandwidth throttling and other techniques for storing and recovering your system and data from IT disasters.
Remote Access and Maintenance
SolarWinds’ remote access component can easily maintain and fix any issues remotely with these tools:
- Reporting
- System configuration
- Performance issue maintenance
- Service management
- and more
You can also record any support session you want and review it at any time for troubleshooting or quality control and review chat transcripts.
Patch Management
SolarWind’s patch management tool has additional tools and benefits:
- One Console: SolarWind’s single, easy-to-use patch management tool guarantees you don’t need multiple tools to keep your third-party programs updated.
- Approval: Permits you to approve patches in batches across various sites, networks, servers and workstations.
- Automation: Automatically approves patches for specific programs based on varying security levels.
- Scheduling: You can set schedules for patching so you can perform them without disrupting crucial productive times for employees.
- Reporting: With clear reports, you get complete visibility of your patch statuses. You can also quickly fix issues that may arise from patch installations.
Automate and Script with Ease
The automation and script management tool has a drag-and-drop feature that crafts automatic tasks, so you don’t have to learn a new complex script language. You also can write original scripts and upload them onto the system, even if your team members have little or no coding experience. There are more than 100 scripted tasks you may enter and perform. This tool also comes with a script scheduling option and can initiate protective assignments to activate automatically when a monitoring check detects an issue.
Extensive Report System
SolarWinds RMM comes with a reporting component that can catch trends in your system’s performance and closely observe bandwidth. One type of report is an executive summary report. This report ciphers and transfers the business and technical value services. See key metrics and support activities in a professional easy-to-read format. Other files pertain to inventory, antivirus protection, user audits, hardware and software checkups among others. This component also permits you to export your reports as a PDF, Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word file.
Limitations
Although this platform has several modules and advantages, it also comes with a few drawbacks. These limitations include:
- Not available for Linux operating systems.
- Alert statuses have limited priority issue levels.
- The SQL Server backup needs separate server installations and has different prices.
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
Kaseya
Kaseya is a remote monitoring and IT management program designed for all business sizes. Kaseya VSA’s deployment options include cloud, on-premise, hybrid, virtual and distributed.
Patch management, inventory, monitoring, automation and remote control access are its top modules.
An example of Kaseya’s Asset Summary tool.
Top Benefits
Patch Overrides
Reject particular patches and KBs and block specific machinery updates, overriding the default update organization process.
Live Connect
Obtain and work on endpoints without interrupting end-users.
Latency Oversight
Exhibit session stats during remote-control occurrences to ensure managers know connection strengths and impacts.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Recovery Time Objective
Gauge compliance against established SLAs and obtain compliance reports. Define and record RTOs and an extensive audit report with all list discoveries.
Compliance Manager
Conduct assessments, risk analyses and network scans. Draft and print out GDPR-certified files and automate compliance reporting.
Key Features
Troubleshoot and Collaborate Remotely
Access computers and collaborate with end-users from virtually anywhere. You can securely access all your endpoints quickly without affecting user productivity and fix end-user problems instantly. Manage all of your devices from any location behind secure firewalls, even on low-quality networks. The remote control feature also includes a one-click script implementation to rectify before end-users are affected.
Thoroughly Monitor Your Infrastructure
All of your infrastructure components and performance metrics, such as memory, disk space, CPU, etc., are closely monitored thanks to Kaseya’s monitoring and alerts feature. This accessory also processes and services event logs, applications, hardware changes and more, keeping your MSP afloat.
Patch Transparency
Gain real-time transparency to the patch status on all IT devices, including on and off-network devices, so you’ll always stay in the loop. You can quickly set up patch reports to check compliance statuses throughout your whole IT environment and immediately catch endpoints that need your attention. This feature also keeps all of your third-party and system patch applications updated to preserve your IT infrastructure
Pinpoint and Manage Networks
Thanks to the discovery and inventory management tools, obtain a clear snapshot of your entire IT landscape. Find computers and devices on single networks or whole domains. Arrange all of your machines into easy-to-find groups. This feature also eliminates repetitive tasks, shrinks risks and frees up more time, boosting your productivity.
Automation that Boosts Productivity
Diminish errors by implementing endpoint policies, enabling you to alter endpoints in one click. Instead of waiting for users to create a help ticket, this tool grants you the ability to automate scripts to fix issues. You can diminish interruptions by scheduling scripts to perform when it’s convenient for your users.
Limitations
This platform comes with a few drawbacks. These limitations include:
- The user interface isn’t user-friendly.
- The reporting accessory lacks robustness and may need a third-party system to craft files.
- Performing connections and utilizing remote access is slow.
- Agent procedure scripting needs improvements.
- Installation is lengthy.
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
ConnectWise Automate
ConnectWise Automate implements proactive monitoring to constantly examine recurring issues while simultaneously utilizing scripting to auto-rectify problems. Patching, automation, endpoint management, multi-deployability and asset discovery are some of its top features.
An example of ConnectWise Automate’s monitoring component.
Top Benefits
Agent Deployments
Automate agent deployments to support multiple endpoints for workgroup atmospheres and as an active directory group policy alternative.
Desktop and Server Management
Work with at-a-glance inventory and more than 100 unique commands for desktop and service management systems. Merge codes and perform them automatically.
Virtualization
Manage six agentless Hyper-V and VMWare infrastructure management commands without hassle.
PSA Integrations
Merge this system with PSA solutions to activate immediate billing and incorporate third-party patch management into invoices.
Issues Management
You may initiate scripts and commands with Powershell and Windows command terminals without disrupting users. Watch device activity and perform issue notifications and resolutions automatically.
Key Features
Monitoring
Foresee all device activity and receive immediate issue and solution notifications to stop minor problems before they grow. Obtain remote control session monitoring and reporting to deliberate which team members connected remotely and how long they were connected.
Endpoint Administration
Give client endpoint access to work out issues and decrease downtime promptly. Supply reliable customer support if they work in or out of the office. Establish a robust amount of data right in front of you and your team.
Hassle-Free Automation
In addition to automating endpoints, ConnectWise Automate naturally performs administrative duties such as generating random passwords, emailing scheduled reports, updating custom data fields and running structured query language (SQL). Creative script functions grant your team the option to automate devices, including some Internet of Things (IoT) hardware, routers and switches
Instant Third-Party Patches
Third-party patch management tool’s easy installation and configuration processes allow you to start updating your applications immediately. This tool instantaneously completes daily downloads of upgrades so your customers have current versions of their preferred applications. You can integrate this feature with your PSA to automate your billing process and include it on invoices.
Keep Track of Assets
Automated network scans supply you with up-to-date records of supported systems and devices. You have complete clarity for virtual machines and other network devices coordinating your standards and support for simple device management.
Limitations
ConnectWise Automate brings several benefits and attributes to the table. But it has a few drawbacks. These limitations include:
- Cumbersome software navigation.
- Users need classes and training for almost every step in this system.
- It’s only available on Windows and runs on MySQL on the backend.
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
Atera
Atera by Atera Networks is an RMM tool that gives clarity and authority over multiple device networks. Designed for cloud and on-premise deployability, Atera caters to MSPs, IT professionals, small and medium organizations. It has a complete assembly of real-time monitoring, IT automation, patch management and reporting elements.
An example of Atera’s dashboard.
Top Benefits
SaaS Model
Support technicians can run small MSPs with a laptop and internet connection via the cloud.
Price Structure
Customers may pay per technician per month to avoid high upfront fees.
Scripting
Utilize several script formats such as MSI, Bash, CMD and PowerShell. Automate duties and manually activate scripts on devices or for IT profile and task schedules.
Activity Log
Govern all provider actions and commands and track IT system activities.
Asset and Inventory Tracking
Initiate network and asset gathering from all mobile devices. Track hardware allocation, software stock, license status, antivirus types and other essential information.
Key Features
Instant Monitoring and Alerts
Gain numerous customization options. Receive failures or alert notifications directly in your email. You’ll also get updated statuses on logged-in users, SNMP monitoring, SQL server, updates for Windows and more.
Seamless Automation Configuration
Use pre-configured administrative and maintenance duties that rapidly spread across servers and workstations, either on specific interfaces or whole groups and companies. These tasks range from shutting down and rebooting your system to running full system scans and defragmenting all disks and hard drives.
Individual and Group Patch Management
You may employ a straightforward recipe for patch installations. Embed patches throughout individual or group computers and tablets such as Java, Adobe and Microsoft Office updates, among others. It can even reboot your system if necessary.
Potent Analytics and Reporting
Document and gauge your assets, health, performance and customer networks with comprehensive reports so you have clarity over your IT atmospheres. The reporting suite has several documentation types, including agent health, system inventory audit, Microsoft licensing and more.
Limitations
Atera has a few limitations such as:
- Some basic tasks need custom scripts.
- Lacks Linux agents.
- API doesn’t provide as much information as built-in reports.
- The mobile version isn’t user-friendly.
- Can’t log into multiple devices.
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
NinjaRMM
NinjaRMM is a cloud-based RMM tool geared toward small and medium-sized businesses. NinjaRMM streamlines remote IT by giving immediate insights into the workstation, laptop, server, network device and virtual machine performance using robust devices such as remote control access, patching, scripting and automation to refine IT management. NinjaRMM’s top features include patch management, IT automation, reporting and network monitoring.
An example of NinjaRMM’s dashboard.
Top Benefits
Access Control
Manage role-based administration, suitable protocols and user access permission modifications. Other attributes include organizational group user control, TeamViewer configuration settings, two-factor authentication, etc.
Virtual Machines Alerts and Reports
Host machine, health, host, guest performance thresholds and other details ranging from uptime and licensing to memory, disk usage and temperature. You may also craft client-facing documents that review their virtual machine framework.
NMS Device Spread
Review networking device makes, models and statuses in offices or workstations.
Managed Security
You can customize security options in this system’s dashboard. Plan prompt or weekly scans, set limitations or perform rectifying duties.
Branding
Strengthen brand disclosure to clientele. Generate customers’ logos, colors and contact information.
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Key Features
Network Monitoring
With a practical and compact dashboard for your entire IT organization, NinjaRMM provides transparency to all your devices (e.g., printers, switches, firewalls, IoT devices, etc.). You may implement a discovery wizard, hardware performance data, simple network management protocol (SNMP) v1 v2 v3 support and instant polling and monitoring. Consistently survey SNMP devices to search for peculiarities and receive results on your dashboard.
Patching
Whether you have 500 or 5,000 patches, this tool can keep all of them upgraded through all-supportive Windows versions and more than 120 third-party vendors. The policy framework accessory can help you frame your scans and update schedules for various groups of devices. You can either have this component automatically update your patches or manually approve or reject patches across distinct or all groups. Detailed reporting can also assist in spotting and repairing noncompliant endpoints.
Reporting
Regardless of active troubleshooting or supervising, you can mend compliance reports across different device groups and organizations, review which computers sparked the most alerts and examine connection reports. The reporting tool can also create personalized reports with company names and logos.
Automation
You need automation to prepare and schedule your scripts to run at a suitable time for you and your clients. This tool does just that and tracks records for compliance and auditing needs. Schedule maintenance like patches, antivirus scans, scripts and other IT actions after hours without interrupting clients. Arrange performance thresholds or formulate shifts that tell this program when to fix issues without human intervention.
Limitations
Although NinjaRMM comes with numerous attributes and perks, it also has some limitations. These drawbacks include:
- Lacking Linux agents.
- Training and files don’t cover complex actions and tasks.
- vDoesn’t offer multiple agreements on devices.
- Lacks an equipped allocation process and needs AD or PDQ Deploy to perform network allocations automatically.
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
Last Words
Picking the ideal RMM tools for your MSP can be difficult. When you perform the proper research and create a wishlist of features that meet the criteria, choosing your new system is a cakewalk. For more PSA options, check out our in-depth comparison guide.
Which RMM tool is your first choice and why? Let us know in the comments!
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