Learn More About Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) Software
What is Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software?
Remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools allow businesses to remotely manage devices like servers, desktops, mobile devices, and other hardware. They utilize locally installed agents (an actor program to take action for a different solution) to deploy patches, install new applications, and monitor device performance. If an agent detects a potential issue, it will generate a ticket automatically and notify the organization’s IT team for troubleshooting and resolution. Some RMM solutions empower businesses to enact device-specific security measures as well.
Key Benefits of Remote Monitoring and Management Software
- Give awareness of and visibility over all business hardware from a distance
- Monitor and maintain devices remotely
- Highlight potential issues and troubleshoot before a problem occurs
Why Use Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software?
Hardware and devices—especially mobile devices and IoT—are increasingly integral to daily business functions. As the pool of devices and hardware grows, it can be difficult to track, manage, and secure these devices. RMM software can help companies deal with the creeping expansion of devices. RMM solutions are also a “one-stop shop" of sorts, in that they allow registration, monitoring, alerting, management, and general ecosystem insights.
Who Uses Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software?
RMM software is often used by managed service providers (MSPs), who would generally not be on site with a business while providing a managed service—in this case, monitoring and managing a company’s devices. But RMM software is not exclusively used by MSPs. Regardless of business type, IT admins who cover asset administration are the most typical RMM users. Device or asset security admins may utilize these solutions as well. Tickets generated by RMM solutions are sent to IT support teams for resolution.
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software Features
The following are common features among RMM solutions:
Device compatibility — By nature of the product, RMM software needs to be compatible with a large pool of devices; however, some products may only have compatibility with certain pools of devices.
Device detection — If a new business device is added to the network, RMM solutions can detect that device and either flag it for an agent install or install the agent automatically.
Device management — Once a device is registered in the RMM solution and has an agent installed, devices can be configured, patched, updated with new software, and more without needing to bring those devices directly to IT.
Monitoring — RMM solutions let businesses monitor their device performance, allowing them to potentially catch issues—device slowness, questionable new programs, etc.—early or provide insights into why new issues occurred.
Ticket generation — When the RMM agent detects a possible issue, a ticket is automatically generated and filed for IT teams to troubleshoot.
Reporting and data visualization — RMM tools generally include dashboard capabilities for single-pane-of-glass visibility into the overall performance of business devices. Many tools will also allow custom dashboards and reporting so that businesses can specifically focus on whatever metrics they deem most important. This feature helps businesses generate data-driven insights and use that analysis to make plans for their hardware.
Solution integration — To maximize an RMM solution’s effectiveness, it needs to integrate with other IT-oriented solutions. These could be more in-depth monitoring, security, backup, and more.
Remote access — RMM solutions enable users to remotely access devices in the event that certain installations, patches, etc. require a more hands-on approach without a technician being physically present.
What is the best RMM software for small businesses?
When IT support is limited but device sprawl is growing, small businesses rely on RMM tools that reduce manual workloads and keep systems running smoothly without breaking the budget. Platforms that emphasize simplicity, automation, and low operational overhead tend to win high marks on G2. Here are the best options:
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NinjaOne: Offers a modern, intuitive interface with remote access, patching, and alerting features designed for lean IT teams, ranked as a category leader for small businesses.
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Datto RMM: Provides powerful remote monitoring, policy-based automation, and secure endpoint control backed by Datto’s disaster recovery infrastructure, suited for MSPs and SMBs.
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TeamViewer: Combines remote control and monitoring in one platform, with add-ons for asset tracking, patching, and backup. It is ideal for small teams managing hybrid environments.
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Atera: Delivers an all-in-one RMM + PSA solution with unlimited device monitoring per technician, automation templates, and a transparent pricing model that’s highly SMB-friendly.
Potential Issues with Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software
Compatibility — Purchasing an RMM solution that’s incompatible with some of the devices needing to be monitored is self-defeating. Verify that the RMM solution you’re scoping out would be compatible with all necessary devices and endpoints.
Visibility loss — Losing visibility over a device(s)—or perhaps missing a device entirely—could set your business back, potentially without noticing. With security threats constantly evolving, a device behind the rest could be a dangerous vulnerability. Businesses should, with some regularity, try to work against this issue by verifying that the RMM solution’s recognized devices list matches the live asset list from an asset management solution.
