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.
Additional Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software Features
Endpoint security — Some RMM solutions will include endpoint protection capabilities to improve security across all company devices. While not a universal feature, an RMM software including this feature would be particularly helpful for small and mid-size businesses who might not need a separate, more robust endpoint production product.
Data backup — Not as common a feature, some RMM software include the capability to back up and/or recover lost data in the event of device failure. This feature is specifically less common because of how much storage space would potentially be needed to back up a large number of devices. But, for specifically smaller companies, the storage space dilemma may not be as great an issue.
Other Features of Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) Software: Asset Tracking, ITIL Policy Compliance, Service Management, Workflow Management
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.
