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Atera vs. Datto: Which RMM Solution Should You Choose?

In this article, we'll compare Atera against Datto. We'll break down how each RMM platform works and how their features differ.

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Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Atera vs. Datto: Which RMM Solution Should You Choose?

Choosing the right remote monitoring and management (RMM) solution can significantly impact your IT processes. Among the top contenders in today's market are Atera and Datto, both offering robust tools to manage your IT infrastructure.

In this article, we'll compare Atera against Datto. We'll break down how each remote monitoring and management platform works and how their features differ.

Overview of Atera vs. Datto RMM

When it comes to managing IT environments, you'll find that Atera and Datto are two popular RMM solutions. Below, we'll provide a general overview of these two platforms.

What is Atera?

Atera is an all-in-one IT management platform designed to improve operational efficiency. It combines remote monitoring, asset management, and patch management into a single system. This means you get full visibility of all your IT tasks and can manage them from one place.

Atera
Source: Atera

What is Datto?

Datto (formerly Autotask Endpoint Management) offers a cloud-based remote monitoring solution that lets you secure, monitor, and manage endpoints remotely. 

Datto’s RMM tools are built with ransomware detection and automated patch management. This makes it a strong choice for businesses that prioritize data security and continuity.

Datto
Source: Datto

Atera vs. Datto: Comparison of Key Features

In this section, we'll discuss the specific features that set Atera and Datto apart. Understanding each one is important to choosing the best RMM software for your business.

Multi-Device Access

Atera provides seamless access to multiple devices. It allows you to monitor and manage numerous endpoints, including client endpoints, no matter where you are. 

It ensures that all devices are accounted for and operating optimally. This reduces IT downtime and improves your staff's productivity.

Datto RMM, on the other hand, gives you direct access to Microsoft 365 tenants. It offers a unified platform where IT professionals can oversee all users, manage their configurations, and reset passwords with just one click.

Unattended Access

Atera has unattended access capabilities that allow IT teams to perform maintenance tasks at any time. It also offers threshold profiles that automate manual and repetitive tasks for you based on a trigger. 

This feature minimizes disruption to users' work and ensures timely resolution of problems. Additionally, it frees up technicians to focus on more critical tasks.

Similarly, Datto provides unattended access features through its browser-based HTML 5 remote control. With this tool, IT teams can remotely connect to devices to carry out updates, perform diagnostics, and implement fixes. 

This level of access is the key to maintaining system health and ensuring that all devices are running the latest software and security patches.

RMM Functionality

When it comes to RMM functionality, Atera includes a wide range of tools for monitoring, managing, and securing IT environments. 

Features such as real-time alerts, asset scanning, reporting, and remote maintenance make it a great solution for proactive IT management. These capabilities simplify device management and reduce the need for manual intervention.

Datto also has robust RMM functionality, which focuses on automation and efficiency. The platform offers automated alerts, detailed monitoring, and comprehensive dashboards. 

Patch Management Capabilities

Atera excels in patch management, providing automated updates to protect all Windows and Mac devices against vulnerabilities. 

The platform schedules and deploys patches without user intervention. This reduces the risk of security breaches and ensures your operating systems (OS) are up to date.

In addition to your OS, Atera can also automate software patches and hardware driver updates. It helps minimize operational disruptions so you can continue to serve your clients and keep employees productive.

Meanwhile, Datto offers patch management as part of its comprehensive security features. This RMM platform notifies you when updates or patches are ready so you can deploy them as soon as possible. It helps prevent potential security threats and improves system stability to maintain a secure IT environment.

Collaborative Features

Collaboration is essential in IT task management, and Atera supports this with integrated communication tools. These features allow IT teams to coordinate tasks, share information, and review the actions of other users.

However, Atera also combines ticketing and PSA capabilities on one platform. It might overwhelm teams, which prevents them from adapting the solution effectively.

Datto RMM also provides collaborative features, which include shared dashboards and file sharing. These enable IT teams to work together effectively, ensuring all members are informed and aligned on ongoing projects and issues.

Integration Capabilities

Atera is known for its extensive integration capabilities. It can connect to AnyDesk, ConnectWise, Splashtop, and TeamViewer, among other remote support and access tools. These integrations support different business processes, allowing for greater efficiency.

On the other hand, Datto provides seamless integrations with Microsoft apps like Office, Teams, and Outlook. This RMM platform is easy to adopt in businesses that are already using Microsoft workflows. There's no need to force employees to use an unfamiliar system.

Cost and Pricing Plans

Atera offers a transparent pricing model that charges per technician rather than per device. This approach can be more cost-effective for growing businesses, as it provides predictable costs and scalability. 

Additionally, Atera's pricing includes all features without hidden fees, making it a budget-friendly option.

Meanwhile, Datto's pricing is only available upon request. User reviews also mentioned hidden fees for the setup and maintenance of the RMM software, which add to the total cost of ownership.

Customer Support

Atera is known for its responsive and helpful support team, which is available through multiple channels. Their support resources include phone, live chat, and email support, so you can receive timely assistance when needed.

Datto also boasts good customer support, with a dedicated team ready to assist users. This RMM platform offers 24/7 support, product documentation, and various training resources. 

Datto's commitment to customer service helps IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) quickly resolve any issues they encounter.

Platform Compatibility

Atera is compatible with different platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This versatility allows IT teams to manage diverse environments from a single solution. 

For businesses, this means you can simplify operations and improve operational efficiency.

Similarly, Datto supports Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Additionally, it runs on browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. 

However, users first need to install the Datto RMM Agent before they can use Datto on their desktops. This adds an unnecessary step, leading to extra work for IT teams.

Final Verdict

Both Atera and Datto offer powerful RMM solutions with several features designed to meet the needs of IT teams.

Compared to Datto RMM, Atera stands out for its cost-effective pricing and efficient RMM functionality. It is ideal for smaller businesses and MSPs.

Datto, with its robust data protection and scalability, is well-suited for larger enterprises with more complex IT requirements.

Ultimately, the choice between Atera and Datto will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the size of your IT infrastructure.

Atera vs. Datto vs. Level

If you're still not convinced about using either Atera or Datto, you can consider another option, Level.

Level offers a comprehensive suite of features to help you monitor and manage systems remotely. It simplifies peer-to-peer connections, so you don't have to bother with manual remote connections.

RMM Level

Thanks to its cloud-based RMM solution, Level is easily accessible on your desktop or mobile browser. There's no need to install software or physical servers. You can say hello to a more productive team.

Plus, Level features a customizable control panel that you can tailor to your business needs. Automation tools and API-driven actions allow you to complete tasks across devices in no time.

Most importantly, Level knows how important your account and data are. That's why they designed a safe, secure, and private platform for remote device management. 

You don't have to worry about security loopholes. This means that you can focus on other critical tasks.

Simplify Your IT Management with Level

Level allows you to take advantage of modernized remote access, enhanced automation, and a suite of tools to elevate your service capabilities. 

Whether you're looking to improve efficiency, strengthen security, or expand your service offerings, Level provides the technology to make it happen.

Book a demo or try the all-in-one platform, Level, free for 14 days right now!

FAQs About Atera vs. Datto

Can Atera or Datto support multiple operating systems?

Yes, both RMM solutions are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux OS. However, Datto requires you to install their software, Datto RMM Agent, before you can run the tool on different operating systems.

How do Atera and Datto compare in terms of security features?

When it comes to security, Datto RMM has the upper hand because of its built-in ransomware detection feature, automated patch management, and instant password reset functionality. 

That said, Atera can also secure accounts and devices by deploying patches, updating systems, and logging every action. These features reduce the risk of security breaches.

Are there any hidden costs associated with Atera or Datto?

Atera's pricing model is transparent, and you can access it on its website. On the other hand, Datto's pricing is hidden from users and only available upon request.

Level: Simplify IT Management

At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.

Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.