Domotz Pro Review

Domotz Pro was launched in 2016 and it has evolved rapidly since then. The package now has a number of new network management features that supplement its original network monitoring functions. So the package is evolving into a remote monitoring and management (RMM) bundle and the provider has been particularly successful in marketing the platform to managed service providers.

So, if you have looked at this system at some point in the past, it could be time to take another look.

The Domotz platform

Domotz is a cloud-based system and its console is hosted on the Domotz website – it has a subdomain, called portal.domotz.com. We will show more screens in the Web console later in this review when we discuss the functions of the platform.

There is no need to download any software in order to access the monitoring console. However, the system requires local agents to collect data.

The Domotz Network Agent

As it is hosted in the cloud, the Domotz server is going to be external to any system that it monitors. This could represent a problem because regular connections in order to gather data, or a long-term tunnel would be a potential security risk and would be blocked be the site’s firewall. Therefore, like many cloud-based monitoring systems, such as Datadog or NinjaOne, Domotz requires a local agent.

The Domotz Network Agent continuously gathers data and periodically updates it to the Domotz cloud platform for processing. The Agent is available in two formats:

1. A software package for Windows and Linux
2. A network device, which is sold through Amazon

The software agent is free to access and can be downloaded multiple times without charge. The hardware unit is called Domotz Box and it currently costs $139. Curiously, IntelliNet and TrendNet produce their own knock-off versions but both are more expensive than the official unit sold by Domotz.

You need to install one Domotz Network Agent on each site that you are monitoring. It can be either the hardware or software version. A remote computer, such as the computer of a work-from-home employee would need an agent installed on it in order to be included in the monitoring system. The package can monitor internet links between sites as well as the networks themselves.

The Domotz Mobile Application

Domotz provides a mobile app for access to the dashboard. This is available for free for iOS and Android. Although you don’t have to pay for the app, it won’t get you a free account – you need to sign up on the Domotz website for an account before you can get into the system through the app.

Domotz functions

Domotz provides both monitoring and management services from its platform. These fall into the following categories:

• Infrastructure Monitoring
• Infrastructure Inventory
• Infrastructure Management
• Endpoints and Devices
• Performance and Security

We will examine these categories of services in the following sections.

Domotz Infrastructure Monitoring

This is the original core of the Domotz Pro system because it includes the central network monitoring service. Network monitoring is the starting point for all Domotz services because it provides network discovery, which populates the network inventory and identifies all of the endpoints on a site. So, nothing would happen in the Domotz console without this section of the Domotz Pro system.

The features in this section of Domotz Pro are:

Network Device Discovery

Identifies:

• Routers, switches, and wireless access points
• Hardware firewalls and other network devices
• Servers and workstations
• Network attached storage (NAS)

Virtual System Discovery

Maps and tracks:

• Containers
• Virtualizations
• Cloud platforms and services

SNMP Monitoring

Uses the Simple Network Management Protocol:

• Continuous monitoring of network performance, uptime, and device availability.
• Tracks bandwidth usage and latency, allowing users to identify network bottlenecks.
• Provides alerts for network events, such as device failures, network outages, or security issues.

Alerts and Notifications:

• Customizable alerts based on network status, device performance, and specific thresholds.
• Multiple notification methods (email, SMS, or push notifications) to keep users informed.
• Integration with third-party tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zapier for streamlined alert management.

Subnet Scanning

Enables additional network segments attached to the LAN to be monitored separately according to their subnet addresses.

Cloud and Web Monitoring

Ping-style testing implements:

• Monitor website availability
• Check on Web services
• Get alerts on SSL certificate expiry

Amazon Cloudwatch extracts:

• Reports on AWS services
• Platform response times
• Cloud cost tracking

External IP Host Monitoring

Manually add an IP address for activity tracking:

• Records traffic in and out of the network
• Examines protocols from that IP address
• Provides a method for website traffic monitoring

Domotz Infrastructure Inventory

The Inventory management services of Domotz are concerned with documenting all of the equipment on the network, including endpoints. The functions of this unit are:

Asset Inventory

The Asset Inventory is a list of all devices including network equipment and endpoints. It acts as a menu of systems that can be accessed. Click on an entry to see details of the device. This is also an access point for some of the Inventory Management functions.

Network Topology Mapping

The platform automatically generates a map of the network. This provides an alternative access path to see details on each device. It includes wireless networks as well as the LAN.

Domotz Infrastructure Management

The Infrastructure Management services provide functions to manage network devices and endpoints.

Pre-configured Scripts

Domotz provides a library of scripts that extract troubleshooting data from specific technologies, such as virtualizations and containers. These scripts can also be set up to run repeatedly on a schedule, making them part of the Infrastructure Monitoring services.

Remote Access and Maintenance

• Allows remote access to devices (such as routers, switches, or servers) via secure protocols like SSH, Telnet, and HTTP(S).
• Integrated device managerment tools like remote startup, reboot, shutdown, and power cycling.
• VPN and remote desktop integration for seamless access to critical systems.

Troubleshooting Tools

• Network Speed Test (Ping)
• Route Analysis (TraceRoute)

Network Configuration Management

• Extract network device settings
• Store configuration backups
• Apply a stored configuration to a new device
• Set up automated and period difference comparisons between stored and current configurations
• Restore the settings of a device that has been tampered with or accidentally changed

Reporting and Logging

• Network log collection
• Productivity reports

Domotz Endpoints and Devices

The Endpoint Monitoring division is closely tied to the Infrastructure Inventory section of the Domotz platform. It will also monitor IoT and industrial systems as long as those devices can be contacted and have operating systems that the monitoring system can comprehend. In the case of those devices that can’t be accessed remotely, the tool will merely check on availability through Ping.

The system will track the following types of devices:

• Servers
• Workstations
• Uninterruptible power systems
• Power distribution unit
• IP security cameras
• Property access control systems
• Industrial machinery and equipment
• Printers
• Point-of-sale systems
• Digital signage
• Audio distribution systems
• Network gateways
• VLANs

Domotz Performance and Security

Domotz includes a number of security features, many of which have already been mentioned in the sections above.

Security tools include:

• Network Configuration Manager
• Port Scanner
• Rogue device detection
• Single Sign-On
• Two factor authentication
• Technician accounts for access to the console

Platform Capabilities

There are two important attributes to the Domotz platform that don’t relate directly to the Domotz Pro system buyt are part of the platfrom and enhance the capbilities of Domotz Pro.

A Multi-Tenant Architecture:

• Ideal for MSPs managing multiple clients or locations, as it supports monitoring of multiple sites from a single dashboard.
• Centralized control of multiple networks with role-based user access.
• Reporting and auditing features to keep track of performance metrics and historical data.

Integrations and APIs:

• Integrates with popular business tools like PSA (Professional Services Automation) and ticketing systems.
• Extensions that connecet with thjird-party systems for data collection
• APIs for custom integrations and extended functionality.

Customer Base

Domotz Pro has two types of customers:

1. Managed service providers (MSPs)
2. Enterprises

The company has had particular success selling the system to MSPs.

1. Managed service providers (MSPs)

Domotz terms the MSPs that use its platform as partners rather than customers. The business created the Domotz Channel Partner Program, which presents flexible options to MSPs that help them to increase profit. This is in two forms: either a discount on access to the software or a pass-through invoice that can be charged by the MSP to their clients with a commission that goes to the MSP.

2. Enterprises

Businesses are able to subscribe to Domotz Pro directly – the system isn’t just for MSPs. The client list of Domotz Pro has some very large organizations on it, including:

• BBC
• Best Buy
• Peleton
• Pinterest
• Sony
• WeWork

Domotz Pro Pricing

Domotz has two plans that both offer the same features but have different service units:

• Device Plan costs up to $1.50 per month, per device
• Location Plan costs $35 per month, per location

A location means a site. The rates for both plans will be heavily discounted for MSPs  in the Domotz Channel Partner Program.

This tariff favors traditional busineses with almost all of their endpoints confined to offices. A business that operates a remote-first employment policy will rack up charges very quickly.

You can access a 14-day free trial of the Location Plan.

Major Competitors

Here are some major competitors to Domotz in the network monitoring and management space:

1. PRTG Network Monitor (Paessler)

A comprehensive network monitoring tool that provides detailed insights into IT infrastructure, including servers, devices, bandwidth, and applications.

• Strengths: Highly customizable, supports a wide range of devices, real-time alerts, and detailed reports.
• Best for: Enterprises and IT teams needing in-depth network analysis.

2. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)

A robust and scalable network monitoring tool with advanced features for detecting, diagnosing, and resolving network performance issues.

• Strengths: Deep network insights, SNMP monitoring, fault detection, and customizable dashboards.
• Best for: Large enterprises and MSPs looking for advanced monitoring capabilities.

3. Auvik

A cloud-based network management solution focused on simplifying network monitoring and offering automated device discovery, alerts, and troubleshooting tools.

• Strengths: Easy setup, strong automation, and great for remote monitoring and management.
• Best for: MSPs and mid-sized businesses looking for simplicity and automation.

4. Nagios XI

An open-source, enterprise-grade network monitoring solution that provides powerful monitoring of network devices, services, and applications.

• Strengths: Highly customizable and scalable, with detailed reporting and notifications.
• Best for: Enterprises and IT teams needing a flexible, open-source solution.

5. ManageEngine OpManager

A complete IT infrastructure monitoring tool that covers network performance, servers, and storage devices with deep visibility and control.

• Strengths: User-friendly interface, multi-vendor support, customizable alerts, and reports.
• Best for: Enterprises and MSPs needing comprehensive monitoring and management.

6. LogicMonitor

A SaaS-based infrastructure performance monitoring platform designed to monitor networks, cloud environments, servers, and more.

• Strengths: Real-time monitoring, automation, scalability, and multi-cloud support.
• Best for: Enterprises and MSPs managing large-scale, hybrid IT environments.

7. Zabbix

A free, open-source network monitoring tool that provides real-time visibility into network devices, servers, and cloud infrastructure.

• Strengths: Highly customizable, supports SNMP, JMX, and IPMI monitoring, and offers robust reporting and alerting features.
• Best for: Enterprises and IT professionals looking for a free, flexible, and scalable monitoring solution.

8. NetCrunch (AdRem Software)

A powerful, agentless network monitoring system designed to monitor network performance, applications, devices, and services.

• Strengths: Comprehensive monitoring with auto-discovery, real-time alerts, and built-in visualization tools like network maps.
• Best for: Mid-sized businesses and enterprises looking for a visual, easy-to-use, and automated network monitoring solution.

These alternatives offer varying levels of customization, scalability, and features, catering to different types of users and businesses, from small to large enterprises.

Domotz Pro Review: Summary

Best for: MSPs

Domotz Pro is a cloud-based network monitoring and management solution designed for MSPs, IT professionals, and system integrators. It offers features such as real-time device discovery, continuous network performance monitoring, remote access, and customizable alerts. Domotz Pro also supports multi-site management, making it ideal for businesses managing multiple networks or clients.