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An In-Depth Guide to RMM Software: Benefits and More

We’ll discuss what is RMM software, its definition and benefits to key features and considerations when choosing one.

Level

Monday, September 30, 2024

An In-Depth Guide to RMM Software: Benefits and More

Managing IT systems across multiple locations can quickly become overwhelming, especially when networks expand and devices multiply.

RMM software steps in to simplify the process of remote monitoring and management of your IT.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about RMM software—from its definition and benefits to key features and considerations when choosing one.

What Is RMM Software?

Remote monitoring and management (RMM) software allows businesses to remotely monitor and manage devices, networks, and systems.

These include every company endpoint, such as laptops, servers, and other IT assets.

RMM solutions centralize device control and simplify the oversight of IT infrastructure. Instead of manually checking each system, these tools give you real-time insights into your IT operations from a single dashboard.

Level remote monitoring software

What is the Purpose of RMM Software

The main purpose of RMM software is to give you control over your IT systems and client networks, no matter where they are.

Without RMM, managing multiple devices and networks becomes chaotic. You may face unexpected downtime and security risks, which may require you to fix issues manually on-site.

RMM software allows you to monitor everything from a central dashboard. It helps IT professionals spot and handle problems remotely without being physically present.

RMM solutions can also automate routine tasks and secure systems. This ensures that IT operations run efficiently and securely.

Who Uses Remote Monitoring and Management Software?

RMM software is primarily used by managed service providers (MSPs) and IT departments across different industries and company sizes.

A managed service provider relies on RMM tools to manage client networks remotely. These IT management solutions keep things running smoothly without constant on-site visits.

In-house IT teams also benefit from using an RMM platform, especially in businesses with multiple locations or a remote workforce.

For enterprise-level organizations, RMM is essential for maintaining network security and performance across an extensive IT environment.

Meanwhile, RMM software for small businesses can improve operational efficiency with limited resources.

group of people using computer

Key Features of RMM Software

Now that you know who uses RMM software, it's time to learn the key features that make it such a valuable tool for businesses.

Real-Time Device and Network Monitoring

Real-time monitoring is one of the core features of RMM software. It gives you the ability to keep an eye on your entire IT environment 24/7, regardless of the location of the device and IT team.

It also provides instant alerts when something goes wrong, whether it’s a device failure, network outage, or performance issue.

This allows you to act immediately instead of waiting for problems to escalate. It keeps downtime to a minimum and ensures your systems stay reliable.

Remote Access and Troubleshooting

RMM software helps your IT team offer secure remote access and control devices from afar.

This feature is a huge time-saver because you don’t need to send someone on-site to address a problem. Your IT department can perform diagnostics, deploy fixes, or even reboot systems from a remote dashboard.

RMM services drastically reduce response times and costs, especially for businesses managing countless devices spread across different locations.

Automated Tools

RMM software lets you automate repetitive tasks like software updates, security patches, and system backups. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of human error.

Automation tools allow your IT team to focus on strategic initiatives instead of getting bogged down in everyday tasks.

Patch Management

Patch management is another key feature of remote monitoring software.

It can automatically deploy patches across your entire network without disrupting daily operations. This ensures all devices are running the latest versions and software updates.

RMM patch management software can prevent security breaches and protect sensitive company data.

IT Asset Management

RMM software helps you track all your IT assets, from hardware to software licenses. It gives you a complete view of what’s in use, what’s outdated, and what needs attention.

This level of visibility is crucial for managing inventory, budgeting, and ensuring compliance.

Security Features

RMM solutions are also equipped with security features to protect your systems. These include malware detection, firewall management, and antivirus integration.

It can even detect and notify you of unusual behavior or unauthorized access attempts. This allows you to respond immediately, preventing further damage to your IT infrastructure.

Scripting Capabilities

Some RMM platforms offer scripting capabilities to automate complex tasks that go beyond the built-in automation tools. They can deploy software, run diagnostics, or perform batch operations across multiple devices.

This feature gives you greater control and flexibility over your IT assets.

Woman using computer at night

What Are the Benefits of Using an RMM Platform?

Implementing an RMM platform can transform the way your IT team manages devices, networks, and systems. Below are the benefits of using one:

Centralized IT Management

RMM software allows you to manage servers, workstations, or mobile devices from a single dashboard.

This centralized control simplifies decision-making and helps you stay on top of potential issues. It eliminates the need to switch between multiple tools or interfaces.

It also lets you oversee your entire infrastructure more effectively, saving both time and resources.

Increased Efficiency Through Automation

RMM software automates routine tasks like updates, backups, and patch management. This cuts down on manual work and reduces the risk of errors.

Automation increases your IT team's efficiency and ensures consistency across your network.

Enhanced Security

An RMM tool continuously checks the security health of client systems, which spot potential security threats early. This proactive support wards off attacks before they happen. 

Furthermore, it can assist in maintaining compliance with various industry-specific security regulations. In turn, it can strengthen your organization's overall security framework.

Improved Service Delivery

RMM software lets IT teams improve service delivery.

Planning and execution of maintenance tasks don't disrupt client operations.

Thus, scheduled maintenance tasks run efficiently, which can improve client satisfaction and organize teams better.

Proactive Issue Detection and Resolution

RMM platforms send alert messages to IT teams. They offer quick solutions that help stop issues before they escalate.

These predictive alerts can help strategize proactive measures that improve system stability and prevent future issues.

Cost Savings

By automating tasks and resolving issues remotely, RMM software saves your business money.

It reduces the need for on-site visits, which can reduce costly travel and labor costs. It can also identify and fix issues early to help avoid expensive downtime.

man working on laptop

Criteria for Choosing the Best RMM Tool

If you want to maximize the benefits of RMM software, you must choose the right tool. Below are important considerations when looking for the best RMM platform:

Ease of Deployment and Configuration

Simplicity matters when choosing an RMM tool. You want a software solution that is easy to deploy and configure, even for a busy IT team.

Some RMM platforms have complex setups that take too much time to implement. Others, while easy to deploy, come jam-packed with features that are difficult to use.

You should look for RMM software with straightforward installation and setup processes. It should also have a user-friendly interface that requires little to no training.

A smooth deployment allows your team to start using the software quickly, which minimizes disruptions. It lets you see immediate benefits without the headache of a complicated rollout.

Remote Monitoring and Management Features

The core of any RMM tool is its remote monitoring and management capabilities.

You need robust features that allow you to oversee all devices and networks remotely. Check if the platform offers real-time monitoring, remote troubleshooting, patch management, and automated alerts.

These features let you catch issues early and resolve them from a distance without requiring in-person visits.

Customization Options

Not every IT team operates the same way, so flexibility is key when choosing a software solution.

The best RMM tools let you customize dashboards, alerts, and reports to fit your specific needs.

Look for a platform that offers flexibility in how you set up notifications, what data you monitor, and how you report on system performance.

You can also consider scheduling features, which allow you to choose when and how often you deploy software updates and patches.

This customization ensures that the RMM tool adapts to your business processes, not the other way around.

Vendor Support

Even the best RMM solution can face issues, such as bugs or system slowdowns. When these problems arise, you need fast, reliable help from your software provider.

This is why it's important to check the level of support offered by the vendor. Do they offer 24/7 availability? Can you reach them through live chat, email, phone, or all of the mentioned?

You must also consider other resources, such as documentation and live webinars. These help you quickly resolve common issues or maximize the software's features.

Read customer reviews that highlight the responsiveness of each vendor's customer support teams. Those who can provide reliable support will save you time and stress down the road.

Integration Capabilities

You must choose RMM software that works well with the other tools your IT team relies on. These include ticketing systems, professional services automation (PSA) software, and IT documentation tools, among others.

Check if the software provides out-of-the-box integrations, meaning it can seamlessly connect to other tools without complex configuration.

Having API support is also important. It allows you to retrieve and share data with two or more systems.

By selecting an RMM tool with extensive integration capabilities, you can reduce manual work and achieve smoother workflows for your IT department.

Pricing and Licensing Model

Budget is another important consideration when selecting new software.

RMM tools often come with different pricing models, such as subscription-based, per device, or per technician.

You should choose a model that fits your company’s size and usage. Some tools may offer more flexibility in scaling up or down as your needs change.

You must also understand what features are included in the pricing so you aren’t surprised by hidden costs.

Weigh the pricing against the features to find the right balance for your budget and IT needs.

man using a laptop at work

Best Practices When Using RMM Software

Here are tips and practices to better handle your RMM software:

Automate Routine Maintenance and Updates

RMM software comes with robust automation capabilities.

You should take advantage of this feature by automating routine maintenance and device monitoring tasks.

For example, you can set up automated processes for software updates, virus scans, and backups.

This minimizes downtime and keeps your systems secure without manual intervention. It also allows IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance.

Establish Backup and Disaster Recovery Procedures

While RMM software offers automation and real-time monitoring, you also need to have reliable backup and recovery plans in place.

You can use reliable backup solutions for critical systems and data to ensure business continuity in case of system failure or a cyber attack.

Consider automating disaster recovery plans to restore systems quickly when problems arise. Don't forget to test these procedures regularly to ensure they work as expected.

Enforce Security Policies

You can use RMM software to improve your company's security policies.

For example, you can set up alerts for suspicious activities to lessen vulnerabilities. 

You can also implement strict password management, multi-factor authentication, and data encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

Consistent application of these security measures through RMM can serve as a strong deterrent against potential cyber threats.

Customize Alerts

While alerts can help your team spot potential issues, having too many can lead to alert fatigue.

Customize your RMM software to send notifications for the most critical events and avoid unnecessary alerts. You can prioritize system failures, security breaches, and performance issues that require immediate attention.

You can also set up thresholds for monitoring performance metrics to ensure that only meaningful alerts reach your IT team. This reduces distractions and allows your staff to focus on solving real problems.

Integrate RMM Software with Other IT Management Tools

To simplify workflows, you must integrate your RMM tool with other IT management software, such as ticketing systems, PSA tools, or security platforms.

Doing so ensures that all your tools work together seamlessly. This reduces the need for manual data entry and improves overall efficiency.

If your RMM software supports APIs, use them to customize integrations according to your needs.

Provide Ongoing Training

Finally, make sure your IT team is fully trained on how to use your RMM software. Well-trained staff can respond faster, troubleshoot better, and manage IT infrastructure more efficiently.

You should provide regular training sessions, especially after software updates or new feature releases. Keeping your team updated on the latest capabilities will ensure they’re using the tool to its fullest potential.

It also promotes a culture of continuous learning so that everyone stays informed about new features and best practices.

Transform Your IT Operations with Level

Level remote management software

Level is transforming the way MSPs and IT teams handle their remote monitoring and management tasks.

With an emphasis on simplicity, proficiency, and security, Level saves your business countless hours through its streamlined, powerful features.

Level's RMM platform allows you to take advantage of modernized remote access, enhanced automation, and a suite of tools that will 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 Level free for 14 days right now!

FAQs About RMM Software

What is RMM software?

RMM stands for remote monitoring and management. The software lets IT professionals monitor and manage networks, computers, and devices remotely.

How do RMM tools detect security issues?

RMM tools can identify security issues like malware or unauthorized access. They use monitoring agents to send alerts when they detect potential threats.

Who can benefit from RMM software?

Managed service providers and IT teams benefit from using RMM software. Businesses of all sizes also use it to simplify IT remote management.

What should I consider when choosing RMM software?

When selecting RMM software, consider its user-friendliness, features, compatibility with other tools, customer support, and pricing.

What is the difference between RMM and MDM?

RMM focuses on managing and monitoring IT infrastructure remotely. Meanwhile, mobile device management (MDM) allows IT professionals to access, control, and secure mobile devices.

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.