In 2024, as businesses become increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure, Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software has proven indispensable for IT teams and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). RMM software solutions offer proactive monitoring, automation, security, and support, ensuring business continuity and efficiency. Whether you’re a small business, a mid-sized company, or a large enterprise, selecting the right RMM tool can streamline operations, protect sensitive data, and reduce downtime.
Here, we review the best RMM software options available in 2024 to help businesses of all sizes stay competitive, secure, and efficient. We’ll cover each tool’s core features, pricing, and ideal use cases to guide your decision-making.
1. NinjaOne
NinjaOne stands out as an intuitive, powerful RMM tool that combines automation, patch management, and remote control features. This solution is known for its ease of use and flexibility, making it ideal for small and mid-sized businesses looking to scale their IT management capabilities.
- Key Features:
- Automated Patch Management: Schedule and automate patches to keep systems secure.
- Remote Access: Seamlessly connect to endpoints, troubleshoot issues, and provide support.
- IT Asset Management: Track all devices and software in real-time for better visibility.
- Customizable Alerts: Receive notifications for potential issues, enabling proactive maintenance.
- Ideal For: Small to mid-sized businesses needing a user-friendly, feature-rich RMM solution with flexible scaling options.
- Pricing: NinjaOne offers a subscription-based pricing model tailored to the number of endpoints. Pricing information is available upon request.
2. ConnectWise Automate
ConnectWise Automate is a powerful RMM platform tailored to MSPs and IT service providers. With extensive automation capabilities, it enables teams to manage large numbers of endpoints efficiently, making it ideal for businesses seeking advanced automation and customizable workflows.
-
Key Features:
- Extensive Automation: Automate routine IT tasks to reduce manual workload.
- Remote Access and Control: Quickly connect to and troubleshoot devices remotely.
- Scripting Engine: Create custom scripts to automate complex tasks and improve response time.
- Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Access detailed reports on performance and system health.
-
Ideal For: MSPs and larger businesses with complex IT environments requiring high customization and automation.
-
Pricing: ConnectWise Automate offers scalable pricing options based on the number of users and endpoints. Contact their sales team for details.
3. Atera
Atera is an all-in-one RMM and Professional Services Automation (PSA) tool that’s particularly popular among MSPs and small businesses. Known for its simplicity and predictable, per-technician pricing model, Atera is designed to help companies manage IT services cost-effectively.
- Key Features:
- Unlimited Devices Per Technician: Manage multiple devices without incurring extra charges.
- Built-in Helpdesk and Ticketing: Centralize support requests and manage incidents efficiently.
- Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: Receive instant notifications for potential issues.
- Remote Access and Scripting: Provide remote support and automate tasks using custom scripts.
- Ideal For: Small businesses and MSPs looking for a cost-effective solution with PSA capabilities.
- Pricing: Atera charges per technician, with all features included. Plans start at a flat rate, making it budget-friendly for smaller IT teams.
4. SolarWinds RMM
SolarWinds RMM is a comprehensive, cloud-based RMM solution that’s particularly suited to businesses prioritizing security and scalability. It provides extensive monitoring, asset tracking, and patch management capabilities, with a strong focus on cybersecurity.
-
Key Features:
- Multi-Layered Security: Built-in antivirus, malware protection, and automated patching to secure devices.
- Network Monitoring: Monitor networks for performance, uptime, and potential issues.
- Automated Maintenance: Schedule maintenance tasks to ensure system performance remains optimal.
- Backup and Recovery: Create secure backups and recover data if needed.
-
Ideal For: Medium to large enterprises focused on security and reliable monitoring for numerous endpoints.
-
Pricing: SolarWinds offers a subscription-based pricing model, with plans based on the number of devices.
5. Kaseya VSA
Kaseya VSA is a robust RMM platform designed for MSPs and enterprises needing comprehensive IT management capabilities. It combines automation, remote monitoring, and endpoint management, providing a holistic approach to IT management.
- Key Features:
- Unified IT Management: Manage endpoints, networks, and cloud environments from one platform.
- Self-Healing Automation: Proactively resolve issues using self-healing workflows.
- Remote Control and Support: Offer quick, efficient remote support to employees and clients.
- Patch Management and Compliance: Ensure devices are updated and compliant with industry regulations.
- Ideal For: Enterprises and MSPs seeking an integrated IT management platform with high scalability and flexibility.
- Pricing: Custom pricing is available based on business size and requirements. Contact Kaseya for details.
6. Datto RMM
Datto RMM is another strong option for MSPs, particularly those focusing on backup and disaster recovery. Datto integrates well with other Datto products, allowing MSPs to provide seamless, end-to-end IT solutions for clients.
-
Key Features:
- Automated Monitoring and Remediation: Proactively identify and resolve issues across endpoints.
- Integrated Backup and Recovery: Protect data and ensure business continuity with integrated backup solutions.
- Scripting and Automation: Use built-in scripts or customize scripts for unique IT tasks.
- Mobile App: Manage endpoints from mobile devices, providing flexibility for on-the-go management.
-
Ideal For: MSPs seeking an RMM solution that integrates backup and disaster recovery for a complete managed service offering.
-
Pricing: Contact Datto for custom pricing based on endpoints and required services.
7. ManageEngine RMM Central
ManageEngine RMM Central is a unified platform for IT management and monitoring, designed for businesses of all sizes. Known for its rich features and affordability, it’s suitable for companies that want an all-in-one solution without needing a separate PSA.
-
Key Features:
- Device Monitoring and Asset Management: Track, monitor, and manage IT assets easily.
- Patch Management: Ensure devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Automated IT Task Management: Automate repetitive tasks to improve efficiency.
- Remote Control and Troubleshooting: Resolve issues remotely with secure access.
-
Ideal For: Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an affordable, feature-rich RMM solution with robust IT management tools.
-
Pricing: ManageEngine offers a range of pricing plans, making it accessible for businesses with varying budgets.
8. N-able RMM (formerly SolarWinds MSP)
N-able RMM is a versatile RMM platform designed with a focus on MSPs. It provides features like automated monitoring, network management, and security, empowering MSPs to deliver reliable IT services to clients.
-
Key Features:
- Network and Device Monitoring: Monitor network devices, endpoints, and performance metrics.
- Endpoint Protection and Backup: Built-in endpoint security and backup for comprehensive data protection.
- Customizable Scripting: Create and deploy scripts for automation and problem resolution.
- Reporting and Insights: Generate detailed reports to improve decision-making and communicate with clients.
-
Ideal For: MSPs needing a comprehensive, MSP-focused RMM solution with security and monitoring capabilities.
-
Pricing: N-able offers flexible, scalable pricing based on business needs. Contact N-able for a quote.
Choosing the Best RMM Solution for Your Business
When selecting the right RMM software for your business, consider factors such as business size, IT infrastructure complexity, budget, and specific needs (e.g., cybersecurity, automation, scalability). Small businesses and MSPs may benefit from Atera’s budget-friendly per-technician model, while enterprises with complex networks might find Kaseya VSA or SolarWinds RMM more suitable due to their comprehensive feature sets.
The best RMM software in 2024 combines user-friendly interfaces with robust security, flexibility, and automation capabilities. By choosing the right RMM solution, your business can streamline IT management, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall productivity.
How to Evaluate the Best RMM Software for Your Business Needs
Choosing the best RMM software for your business requires a comprehensive evaluation of each platform’s features, scalability, support, and compatibility with your existing IT environment. Here are some key criteria to keep in mind:
-
Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is crucial, especially for IT teams with varying experience levels. Look for an RMM solution that simplifies complex tasks, offers customizable dashboards, and provides an intuitive layout. Easy-to-navigate RMM platforms reduce training time, speed up onboarding, and help IT staff troubleshoot issues more efficiently.
-
Automation and Customization Options: Automation capabilities help IT teams reduce manual workload by scheduling repetitive tasks like patch management, backups, and software updates. Customization is also essential, allowing businesses to adapt workflows, alerts, and reporting to meet specific operational needs.
-
Scalability: As your business grows, your RMM solution should be able to scale with you. Platforms like Kaseya VSA and SolarWinds RMM, known for their scalability, are ideal for companies with growth in mind. Scalability ensures that you can add devices, users, or modules as needed without undergoing disruptive changes to your IT infrastructure.
-
Security Features: A top-tier RMM tool should offer security features such as antivirus protection, encryption, endpoint detection, and response (EDR), and real-time alerts. Security-focused RMM solutions, like Datto RMM and N-able RMM, provide robust protection against cyber threats, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining compliance.
-
Integration with Third-Party Tools: Your RMM platform should integrate seamlessly with other tools in your IT ecosystem, such as helpdesk software, CRM systems, and security applications. Integration capabilities streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and enhance team collaboration, as seen in platforms like ManageEngine RMM Central and NinjaOne.
-
Reporting and Analytics: Effective RMM software offers detailed analytics and reporting features, allowing IT teams to monitor performance, track KPIs, and make data-driven decisions. Look for RMM platforms with customizable reporting options, as these can be valuable for MSPs needing to show clients the value of their services or for internal IT teams looking to optimize system performance.
-
Responsive Support and Updates: Regular software updates and responsive customer support are critical. Choose a provider known for excellent customer service, with multiple support channels and quick response times. Frequent updates are also essential for addressing bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance improvements.
Trends in RMM Software for 2024
As technology continues to evolve, several trends are shaping the future of RMM platforms in 2024:
-
AI and Machine Learning Integration: Many RMM providers are introducing AI and machine learning into their platforms to enhance predictive analytics and automated issue resolution. These capabilities allow IT teams to proactively identify potential issues, such as unusual network behavior or impending hardware failures, and address them before they impact operations. AI-driven automation can also reduce the need for manual intervention, freeing up IT staff for more strategic tasks.
-
Self-Healing and Self-Optimization Capabilities: Self-healing RMM platforms can detect and resolve certain issues automatically. For instance, if a service crashes, the RMM tool can restart it or revert it to the last stable state without human intervention. This emerging technology minimizes downtime and enhances system reliability, benefiting businesses with mission-critical IT environments.
-
Zero-Trust Security Models: As cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated, RMM tools are increasingly integrating zero-trust frameworks, which require verification at every access point to prevent unauthorized access. Features such as multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and network segmentation are becoming standard in security-focused RMM solutions.
-
Focus on Hybrid and Remote Work Environments: With remote and hybrid work here to stay, RMM platforms are evolving to meet the needs of distributed workforces. Modern RMM tools provide remote access, endpoint monitoring, and device management features that allow IT teams to support employees across multiple locations securely and efficiently.
-
All-in-One IT Service Management (ITSM) and RMM Solutions: Many providers are merging RMM and ITSM capabilities into a single platform, offering MSPs and internal IT departments a unified solution for managing support tickets, monitoring devices, automating tasks, and handling IT operations. This trend is helping organizations centralize IT functions, leading to better visibility and improved workflows.
Why Invest in RMM Software in 2024?
In today’s fast-paced digital world, RMM software is a strategic investment for companies looking to stay competitive, secure, and efficient. Here are the key reasons why RMM software is essential for businesses in 2024:
-
Proactive Problem Resolution: RMM solutions enable IT teams to address potential issues before they escalate, reducing downtime and maintaining business continuity. Proactive maintenance also extends the life of IT assets and reduces repair costs.
-
Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Automated tasks, centralized management, and streamlined workflows free up IT staff, allowing them to focus on high-value tasks rather than routine maintenance. This increased productivity is especially beneficial for smaller IT teams supporting larger organizations.
-
Enhanced Security and Compliance: In an era of rising cyber threats and stricter compliance regulations, robust security features in RMM platforms are crucial. RMM solutions with strong security frameworks help businesses protect sensitive data, avoid breaches, and stay compliant with industry standards.
-
Scalability for Growing Businesses: RMM software provides the scalability needed to adapt to business growth. As companies expand, RMM solutions make it easy to add devices, locations, and users, ensuring seamless IT support regardless of the company’s size or complexity.
-
Data-Driven Decision Making: RMM platforms generate valuable data on system performance, asset usage, and resource allocation, enabling businesses to make informed decisions about their IT investments, optimize budgets, and plan for the future.
Conclusion
In 2024, the best RMM software options provide businesses with customizable, secure, and scalable solutions to meet their IT management needs. Each platform offers unique strengths, from ConnectWise Automate’s powerful automation capabilities to Datto RMM’s integrated backup solutions, making it crucial to align an RMM tool’s features with specific business requirements.
Whether your business is seeking enhanced security, simplified IT workflows, or proactive monitoring capabilities, selecting the right RMM platform can improve productivity, minimize risks, and support growth. With innovations like AI-driven automation, self-healing capabilities, and zero-trust security models, today’s RMM software is designed to help businesses thrive in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Investing in the right RMM solution will empower your IT team to work more effectively, manage remote and hybrid environments seamlessly, and ensure that your infrastructure remains secure and resilient in 2024 and beyond.