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What is an RMM?
An RMM is a remote monitoring and management package. It automates many of the tasks that technicians need to perform in order to look after an IT system. A key attribute of an RMM is that it is able to contact devices across a network and it can also connect to remote sites in order to extract performance data, troubleshoot, and manage systems. The RMM gives a support technician a console that provides access to appropriate tools.
The tools in an RMM package include automated monitoring for networks, servers, and applications. This system has a series of performance expectation thresholds and if one of these is crossed, the RMM will raise an alert. It is also possible to set up the RMM to forward alerts to specific technicians by email, SMS, or messaging system.
The RMM also includes remote system management services, such as software deployment systems and a patch manager. Some RMMs will also have mobile device management and security monitoring facilities. The purpose of an RMM is to reduce the amount of time that each technician needs to spend looking after an IT system. The more utilities that a specific RMM package has, the more savings the buyer gets.
Is a free trial RMM just a demo?
Some RMM providers offer a free trial, some offer a demo, and others will make both a demo and a free trial available. Some of the RMM sales websites will advertise a free trial, but you find out when you go to sign up that it is only a demo. Demos can take three forms: a video showing someone using the system, a live walk-through from a sales team member, or a functioning console that you can access and try out but it will operate on a sandbox environment rather than your own system.
A free trial could be unlimited access to the standard package of the RMM system or it could be a limited package that only has a limited set of features or will only manage a small number of devices. Basically, each RMM provider sets its own free trial or demo policy and you will need to check out the details on each RMM sales website.
Some RMM packages, such as NinjaOne, are available for 14 days for free, while others offer a 30-day free trial – N-able N-Central is an example of that. Other providers, such as ConnectWise Automate, only offer a 7-day free trial.
How to start a free RMM trial
Every RMM system has a sales website and you can sign up for the service on that site. You should look for a button, which is often at the top of the page that describes the features of the RMM. If your chosen RMM is a software package, you will have to fill out a form and give your email address. The system will verify that address by sending you an email. Follow the instructions in the email to get access to a download page. If the RMM is available for different operating systems, you will be given several download choices.
After you download the free trial software, you will have to run the installer. When this finishes you can set up the RMM package and start using it. At the end of the trial period, the software will just stop working. However, you will be connected by a dsales repeentative before that date to talk over your purchase options.
A cloud-based RMM will operate its consoles at the same Web address as the sales website. In this case, you click on the free trial and then you will just have to set up a username and password. You will probably also have to enter your business email address, which will then be verified. Once you are in, you can set up the RMM and access it directly on the website. Again, the RMM will stop working at the end of the trial period.
FAQs
How much does RMM cost?
RMM systems are offered at all price points. Generally, a downloadable package will be charged for a one-year or perpetual license but a cloud-based system will be charged for on a subscription. An RMM subscription can usually be paid for monthly or yearly. The yearly rate works out cheaper per month, however, you have to pay the whole amount upfronmt.
Is RMM software safe?
RMM gives remote access to an entire IT system, including operating system access. That, potentially, is a security risk. However, reputable RMM providers make sure that their systems cannot be broken into by unauthorized outsiders. Access can only be made with credentials for a user account and can often involve multi-factor authentication. All connections across the internet are protected by encryption to prevent hackers from breaking in.
How long is NinjaOne free trial?
The NinjaOne system is available for a 14-day free trial.