Product

RMM vs. MDM: Key Differences for IT Management

Discover the key differences between RMM vs MDM, and get guidance on choosing the right IT management solution for your needs.

Level

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

RMM vs. MDM: Key Differences for IT Management

Managing and maintaining several devices and networks are some of the challenges many businesses face today.

With this, two solutions were developed: Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) and Mobile Device Management (MDM). 

Both play an important role in the business industry, but they have different purposes and functionalities.

In this article, we will help you determine which tool your business needs. We will explore their key differences and explain how to choose the right IT solution for your management needs.

What Is Mobile Device Management?

MDM is an IT software solution that allows IT administrators to monitor, configure, and secure devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops in a business organization. 

Mobile Device Management ensures that all business devices are compliant with the policy and security requirements of the company.

Key Features of MDM

MDM has several important features that help maintain a secure and efficient IT environment.

One notable feature is device enrollment, which simplifies the registration of new devices into the company network and ensures a smooth onboarding experience.

MDM also allows IT teams to manage, configure, and update devices remotely. It gives them control over which applications can be installed and used on business devices.

Moreover, MDM secures devices by preventing unauthorized access and use of potentially harmful software. It also includes features such as remote wipe, encryption, and two-factor authentication to protect sensitive data.

Lastly, it ensures that all devices comply with company policies and regulatory requirements. This maintains the integrity and security of the business network.

Benefits of MDM

Using MDM for your IT needs has several benefits.

First, it improves your business's security and minimizes the risk of data breaches by implementing strong security policies. It also has a remote wipe feature in case of lost or stolen devices. 

MDM also improves productivity by streamlining and allowing the use of apps and configurations. This capability reduces downtime and increases efficiency. 

MDM software even has a centralized device management system that enables IT administrators to access and configure mobile devices remotely. 

This simplified management saves time and resources while maintaining control over different business devices. 

What Is Remote Monitoring and Management?

Remote Monitoring and Management tools allow managed service providers (MSPs) and IT teams to remotely monitor and maintain computers, systems, and networks.

RMM software can improve organizational security and efficiency by reducing the need for on-site support.

Man using laptop

Remote Management Features

RMM has several important features that help maintain a secure IT infrastructure. Its real-time monitoring capability ensures that all endpoint devices and networks are updated.

It also has automatic patch management, maintenance, and backups to prevent potential issues and ensure that all systems work at their maximum. 

Moreover, RMM allows IT teams to manage devices remotely. This capability enables them to monitor and troubleshoot devices efficiently. 

It also sends instant alerts to administrators in case of issues so they can respond immediately and prevent further problems from arising. 

Finally, it gives detailed reports and analytics about system performance, network health, and security. 

These insights help IT leaders allocate resources more effectively and make better organizational decisions.

Benefits of RMM

Remote Monitoring and Management have several benefits for IT operations. They proactively manage networks and resolve issues before they interrupt processes and impact users. 

It can also save time and resources because it can perform tasks remotely and automatically. This reduces on-site visits and operational expenses. 

Lastly, RMM solutions regularly update and maintain IT systems to ensure they are at their optimal performance. 

Man using phone and laptop at work

Similarities Between RMM and MDM Software Solutions

Below, we'll compare the similarities between RMM and MDM software solutions.

Overlapping Features

Here are the features shared by RMM and MDM:

Device management: They both give IT administrators access to manage and monitor devices remotely and immediately.

Security measures: They ensure the security of devices and data protection through remote wipe and encryption.

Monitoring capabilities: They have system monitoring features to track the performance of devices and ensure compliance.

Use Cases

RMM and MDM are beneficial in situations where remote management and security are important:

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): They help monitor and manage personal devices used by employees at work.

Remote workforce: They allow businesses to support and supervise employees working remotely.

Integrated Solutions

Several IT management solutions have both RMM and MDM capabilities to offer more extensive device and network management.

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM): It manages all endpoints from a central platform by integrating the features of RMM and MDM.

All-in-one IT management suites: It provides holistic IT management by offering complete IT management tools, such as RMM, MDM, and more.

Man and woman looking at phone with a laptop on the table

Differences Between RMM and MDM Software Solutions

RMM and MDM have different purposes and functionalities. Identifying these differences is important so you can choose the right tool that meets your organization's IT management needs.

Purpose and Focus

RMM solutions ensure maximum performance and help avoid issues by consistently monitoring and managing IT infrastructures such as servers, workstations, and networks.

They proactively troubleshoot IT systems to reduce downtime and improve efficiency and productivity.

Typically, RMM tools are used by managed service providers and organizations with complex IT environments. They help IT teams manage several endpoint devices within a network infrastructure.

On the other hand, MDM ensures that mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops align with the business organization's policies and standards. It also secures sensitive data and ensures proper use.

Businesses that use several mobile devices or have a BYOD policy typically use MDM.

Management Capabilities

RMM solution regularly maintains the health and performance of IT systems. It monitors the entire IT environment and initiates alerts to prevent further issues.

Aside from that, it automatically and regularly performs maintenance tasks, including software updates, patch management, and backups. This reduces manual intervention and saves time and energy.

Finally, RMM allows IT teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues remotely. It also performs network security, endpoint protection, and threat detection.

Meanwhile, MDM functionalities allow IT teams to monitor and configure mobile devices and deploy apps remotely. They also ensure that these devices comply with business policies and standards.

It also has features like remote wipe, encryption, and password policies to secure data and other sensitive information. It manages and maintains the security and integrity of an organization's mobile device network. This prohibits possible data breaches and unauthorized access to devices.

Scalability and Flexibility

Remote Monitoring and Management is suitable for expanding and growing businesses. 

It can manage thousands of devices and endpoints, adapt to different IT infrastructures, and support a wide range of operating systems.

On the other hand, MDM's scalability focuses on managing mobile devices. It is also suited for mid-sized to large businesses with various mobile operating systems and device types.

RMM vs. MDM: How to Choose the Right Solution?

Choosing the best IT solution needs a careful evaluation of your business needs. Here's a guide to help you choose between RMM and MDM software.

Assess Organizational Needs

Begin your evaluation by assessing the needs of your business. The easiest way to do this is to identify the types of devices you use.

For example, if your business mainly uses servers, desktops, and network devices, remote monitoring and management is the better choice because of its extensive features. 

However, if your focus is on managing several mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, then mobile device management is the appropriate IT solution.

Next, consider the complexity of your IT environment. RMM software is ideal for businesses with extensive IT infrastructures because of its advanced capabilities for managing countless devices. 

Meanwhile, MDM solutions may be best for medium to large organizations that rely on mobile devices.

Lastly, assess your security requirements. MDM is the best choice if your priority is protecting mobile data and ensuring device compliance. On the other hand, RMM is more suitable if you want to focus on network and endpoint security.

Evaluate Features

Another factor to consider is the features of each solution that can meet the demands of your business.

If you need tools for monitoring and managing systems, getting real-time performance insights, troubleshooting remotely, and viewing detailed analytics on system health, RMM software is the best option.

It also automates routine tasks such as software updates, backups, and patch management.

However, you need an MDM solution if your business aims to simplify device registration and configuration management.

It provides extensive app management, secures sensitive information, and controls the software of business mobile devices. 

Finally, it ensures that devices are compliant with the standards of company policies and regulatory requirements.

Consider Budget

Cost and vendor reputation are other important factors to consider when selecting an IT management tool.

You must evaluate the initial and ongoing costs of using RMM or MDM. This includes the software licenses, setup fees, subscriptions, and other maintenance expenses. 

Then, analyze the possible return on investment. You can check how the software can improve performance efficiency, reduce downtime, and protect all business data, which can lead to cost savings down the line.

Check Vendor Reputation

Aside from your budget, you must also consider the vendor's reputation and the support they give to their customers.

You can conduct thorough research and read reviews to gain insights into their track record and reliability in providing support.

You should select vendors that can give exceptional customer support, 24/7 assistance, and training on how to use the software.

Lastly, check if the RMM or MDM solution is flexible. It should adapt to the growing needs of your business and future technological advancements.

Automate Remote Monitoring and Management with Level

Level remote monitoring and management software

If you want to choose RMM for your IT management needs, consider using Level.

This modern RMM solution can save MSPs and IT teams hundreds of hours by automating routine tasks, from patch management to system checks and backup.

Level also provides an intuitive platform that works on different browsers. It's easy to deploy and configure without requiring extensive training.

Level's RMM platform even has built-in secure remote access, powerful scripting capabilities, and an IT asset inventory you can access anytime, anywhere. 

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 vs. MDM

What are the main differences between RMM and MDM?

RMM and MDM have different focus and target devices. RMM monitors IT infrastructures like networks and servers. On the other hand, RMM manages mobile devices.

Can RMM and MDM be used together?

Yes, some businesses use Unified Endpoint Management solutions, which combine RMM and MDM functionalities for a more comprehensive monitoring and management solution.

Which industries benefit the most from RMM and MDM software solutions?

Healthcare, educational, finance, and corporate industries use RMM and MDM to monitor, manage, and protect their devices.

How do I decide which solution is best for my company?

To choose between RMM and MDM, you must evaluate your business needs and budget.

You should also compare the features of each IT solution, research vendor reputation, consider customer support, and verify the software's adaptability to future advancements and business growth. 

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.