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What is an RMM?

A Remote Monitoring and Management package is also known as an RMM. This is a package of tools that technicians need in order to manage the IT system of an entire site. Usually, that site is somewhere else; many central IT support teams are expected to monitor multiple sites at once. The RMM can facilitate that activity and also reduce the amount of manual work that technicians need to do. RMM systems include a high degree of automation both for monitoring activities and system management duties. 

The RMM package will also include a team monitoring system because all of the activities of each technician are logged, which provides all of the source data needed  to track productivity and compiled into reports. Remote access sessions can be recorded to ensure that technicians don’t perform damaging or suspicious actions. 

An RMM system can only be accessed by users with credentials and all internet connections are connected by encryption. These security measures are necessary to prevent the RMM from becoming a security weakness. 

What to look for in an RMM

When comparing RMM services as part of a buyer’s journey, it is important to first rule out systems that are inadequate. So, construct a shortlist of the best RMM tools for comparison by assessing the following attributes:

  1. Real-Time Monitoring: The RMM tool should provide continuous monitoring of all network devices, servers, and endpoints, raising alerts on performance issues.
  2. Automation and Scripting: Repetitive tasks like patch management, software updates, system maintenance, and backups should be taken care of by the system without the need for manual involvement.
  3. Secure Remote Access: The RMM package should secure remote connections with strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and role-based access controls.
  4. Scalability: The RMM solution should scale with your business needs, whether managing a few devices or hundreds across multiple clients. It should handle growing IT environments without compromising on performance or requiring significant upgrades.
  5. Customizable Alerts: You need customizable alerts that allow you to set thresholds for specific events like CPU usage, disk space, or network outages. 
  6. Activity Reporting: Look for detailed reporting features to track system health, performance trends, and compliance with service-level agreements (SLAs).
  7. Integration with Other Tools: The RMM should integrate with other IT management tools such as ticketing systems, antivirus, backup solutions, and network management platforms.
  8. User-Friendly Interface: The RMM solution should offer an intuitive, easy-to-navigate dashboard. Role-based access allows managers to monitor overall performance while technicians can focus on their specific tasks. A simple interface boosts productivity and reduces the learning curve for new users.
  9. Security Monitoring: Look for endpoint security, vulnerability scanning, patch management, and network segmentation capabilities.
  10. Vendor Support and Updates: Opt for an RMM provider with a solid track record of customer support and regular software updates. 
  11. Cost-Effectiveness: Consider the overall value the RMM package provides, balancing features against cost. 

By focusing on these qualities, you’ll be able to choose an RMM tool that offers effective remote management, monitoring, and security for your IT infrastructure.

How to compare RMM software

Look for the best RMM solution for you to get a shortlist then compare the features of those packages that meet all of your needs. Get a demo or a free trial of your two or three preferred systems and then check which is easier to use and demonstrates short response times.  Finally, assess the price of each of your chosen candidates and assess whether you feel the system is worth the price. 

FAQs

What is RMM strategy?

An RMM strategy enables one single support team to look after the IT systems on a remote site or even multiple sites. RMM stands for “remote monitoring and management,” which shows that these systems are designed to operate across the internet and they include appropriate security measures to protect access and connections. The RMM automates many of the tasks that take up the time of support technicians, so it takes a lot of the work off their shoulders and improves productivity.  

Is Microsoft Intune an RMM?

Microsoft Intune is considered an endpoint management system. It doesn’t provide automated monitoring systems for networks or servers, so it wouldn’t be considered to be an RMM, even though it can manage the software on endpoints remotely. RMM means “remote monitoring and management” so the inclusion of a monitoring system is essential to qualify for that description.

What is the difference between MSP and RMM?

MSP means managed service provider and RMM stands for remote monitoring and management. An MSP performs remote administration of systems on behalf of clients and the business would use an RMM package in order to implement that duty.