Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) Software

Today’s world of distributed working needs a remote savior that can swoop in to save the day when something goes wrong — that hero is remote monitoring and management (RMM) software. Because it supports a fully remote environment, RMM software can be managed by your own IT staff or outsourced to a managed service provider (MSP). More and more small businesses are choosing to go the second route, as bring your own device (BYOD) policies and emerging technology have changed the IT landscape.

Whether you opt for in-house or outsourced IT, you want to put your faith in a comprehensive RMM software you can trust. Here, we’ll explore the benefits of RMM software and offer insight into its top vendors.

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What is RMM software?

The spike in telecommuting brought on by COVID-19 has changed the working landscape forever. RMM software is now widely used by companies everywhere to handle system maintenance, bug detection, and proactive security measures. An effective RMM software will:

  • Make it easy to detect and manage security threats.
  • Manage IT functions from one place, increasing efficiency and creating a comprehensive risk management system.
  • Prioritize proactivity over reactivity, with high savings potential.
  • Produce reports that allow you to hone directly in on issues.

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Top RMM software comparison

iOS compatibilityHIPAA-compliantSelf-hosting availableBasic alertingAntivirus integrations
Atera
NinjaOne
Syncro
Auvik
Addigy

Atera

A simple-to-use RMM software designed for MSPs and IT professionals alike, Atera takes care of RMM, remote access, reporting, patch management, and more. The platform is packed with features, including real-time alerts and IT automation. Some users have reported frustration with the platform’s reliability and customer service, but it’s one of the more affordable RMM solutions on this list. Considering everything that’s included and its fair pricing plans, Atera is a good value for your money. 

Screenshot of Atera.
Source: Atera

Pricing:

  • Pro: $79 USD/month per technician when billed annually
  • Growth: $119 USD/month per technician when billed annually
  • Power: $149 USD/month per technician when billed annually

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NinjaOne

NinjaOne doesn’t have built-in professional services automation (PSA) features, but it does integrate with external PSAs like ConnectWise Manage and Autotask. It also provides integrated data protection and backup options so you can protect your distributed business data from anywhere. NinjaOne customer service may not always be available to solve your problems in real-time, but you can expect a timely response when reaching out about product issues. When in doubt, the platform’s blog, resources center, and podcast can help you troubleshoot your own issues or give you pointers on how to grow your business.

Screenshot of NinjaOne.
Source: NinjaOne

Pricing:

NinjaOne’s pricing is pay-per-device, but specific information is not available online. Contact NinjaOne directly for a personalized quote.

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Syncro

An up-and-comer on the RMM scene, Syncro serves as an all-in-one RMM, PSA, and remote access platform. Flexible integrations and the continual addition of new features mean Syncro is well-equipped to evolve alongside your business needs. Syncro’s reporting could be more detailed and the company was slow to roll out its Mac-based solutions, but now that its iOS options are out of beta, they add a whole new dimension of value to Syncro’s service. Note that Syncro doesn’t host the most visually appealing interface out there, but users like it for its billing platform, robust PSA, and flat fees per user.

Screenshot of Syncro.
Source: Syncro

Pricing:

Syncro’s MSP Platform (with PSA, RMM, and remote access) is $119 USD per user, per month when billed annually.

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Auvik

Auvik’s user interface has a bit of a learning curve, meaning it’s not your best bet for out-of-the-box functionality. However, many users report top-notch customer support and excellent network mapping capabilities. This allows you to gain an overview of your network devices and their corresponding connections. Auvik makes troubleshooting a breeze, although it can be difficult for some users to understand the topology at hand depending on the number of devices you need to monitor.

Screenshot of Auvik.
Source: Auvik

Pricing:

Contact Auvik directly to get a custom quote. All plans include unlimited users, network sites, endpoints, and support, with no maintenance fees.

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Addigy

Addigy was specifically built for Apple users, meaning IT teams and MSPs everywhere can easily manage all types of Apple devices, from macOS to tvOS. With Addigy, you can manage devices in real-time, initiate remote access, and automate patch deployment. The software offers integrations with other IT platforms, including Zapier, Zendesk, and ConnectWise Manage. However, Addigy’s biggest selling point is also its biggest drawback: the tool is perfect for managing iOS devices, but it won’t work for companies that also need to manage Windows or Android-based devices, for example.

Screenshot of Addigy.
Source: Addigy

Pricing:

Detailed pricing information for Addigy is unavailable online. Contact the company directly to obtain a quote.

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Important features of RMM tools

Reporting 

To make the most of your RMM’s monitoring capabilities, it’s important to select an RMM tool with good data visualization and reporting options. It’s even better if you can customize your dashboard to display the most relevant metrics for your personal use case.

Also read: Small Business Reporting Software & Platforms

Remote access

Remote access is a key feature of RMM software that allows you to log on to a user’s computer from anywhere in the world. Without it, you’d be missing out on one of the software’s main functionalities. If the responsible IT team Is unable to resolve issues externally, it might need to remote in to handle patches, installations, or other procedures.

Also read: Best Remote Access Software for Small Business

Monitoring

One of the big perks of RMM software is the overview it gives you of device and system performance. Monitoring is an essential component of RMM software, allowing your team to identify laggy devices and suspicious new software before your business operations are impacted.

Device compatibility

With BYOD policies constantly on the rise, many of your employees could be using their own devices for work-related tasks. No longer is each team member using the same laptop or phone system, and your company’s security depends on a bird’s eye view of all devices in use. A comprehensive RMM solution must be compatible with all kinds of operating systems, from iOS to Windows to Linux.

Security features

Because your RMM software will have access to some of your company’s most secure assets, RMM security is a big deal. Endpoint security measures can help protect your company devices and are included with some RMM tools. Otherwise, you may have to purchase additional endpoint security tools for peace of mind.

Data backup

Data backup features are a rare feature amongst RMMs, but that doesn’t make them any less important. Depending on how much storage space your company needs, it’s nice to have the option to backup or recover lost data integrated with your RMM system.

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How to choose an RMM solution

When choosing RMM software for your business, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Pricing is generally a top concern for small business owners, but that’s not the only metric you should examine. Your in-house IT staffing capacity or lack thereof may make the option of using an MSP more appealing, which can also affect the scale and scope of your RMM capabilities.

The number and type of features you desire will also have a big influence on your final choice. And finally, your business’s industry may make some RMM solutions more appropriate than others. Fast-growing technology companies are likely to need more robust RMM software than small local businesses, for instance. 

No matter what kind of operation you run, your software is likely the backbone of your operations. And an increase in cybercrime and technology complexity means that adopting RMM software is a must for any small business.

Celita Summa
Celita Summa
By day, Celita Summa is a Florida-based freelance writer specializing in technology, marketing, sustainability, and a plethora of other topics. Nothing makes her happier than reading and writing well-researched content. By night, Celita can be found developing her talents, which include her black belt in karate, her fluent Italian, and her knack for vegan cooking.

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