RMM For Internal IT Teams

Choosing the right RMM for internal IT: key features to consider

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, internal IT teams play a critical role in maintaining the efficiency and security of an organization's IT infrastructure. Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools have become indispensable in empowering IT professionals to streamline operations, enhance security, and proactively manage IT assets. With a plethora of RMM solutions available in the market, selecting the right one for your organization can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore the essential features to consider when choosing an RMM for internal IT, ensuring that it meets the specific needs and challenges faced by your business. 

All-in-one solution with integrations

 Efficiency and ease of use are vital in an RMM tool. Look for an all-in-one solution that integrates various IT management tasks into a single platform and supports Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. An all-in-one RMM streamlines operations by eliminating the need to switch between different tools for different tasks, reducing complexity, and increasing productivity. 

Cohesive integrations are critical in RMM software as they enable seamless connections with other essential IT tools and services. Integrations with antivirus software, encryption tools, IT documentation systems, vaults, and more enhance the overall functionality and security of the RMM platform.

For example, integrating with antivirus software allows for centralized management and monitoring of endpoint security, ensuring that all devices are protected against viruses, ransomware, and other malicious attacks. IT teams can receive real-time alerts on potential threats and quickly respond to security incidents, bolstering the organization's cybersecurity defenses. Integration with encryption tools ensures that sensitive data on devices remains protected, adding an extra layer of security and airtight endpoint protection. 

Furthermore, integration with IT documentation systems simplifies knowledge management, making it easier for IT teams to access critical information about network configurations, assets, and policies. Integrations with vaults or secure password managers add an additional layer of protection to access credentials and sensitive information, making sure that sensitive data is stored securely and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Asset management

Asset management is essential for effective IT operations. The remote monitoring and management software should offer robust asset management capabilities, allowing IT teams to keep track of hardware and software assets throughout their lifecycle.

Effective asset management enables IT administrators to view hardware configurations, track software installations, and manage license compliance. The RMM tool should allow for configuration management on devices such as servers, firewalls, switches, etc. by supporting a variety of scripting languages. This helps organizations optimize asset utilization, plan for hardware upgrades, and maintain software compliance, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing IT efficiency.

Network monitoring and management

 A robust RMM solution should include comprehensive network monitoring and management capabilities. This feature allows IT teams to monitor the health and performance of network devices, endpoints, and servers in real time.

 Network monitoring enables the proactive detection of network issues, bottlenecks, and potential security threats. IT administrators can gain insights into network traffic, bandwidth utilization, and device statuses, empowering them to optimize network performance and enhance overall IT efficiency.

Comprehensive patch management

 Patch management is a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure IT environment. Look for an RMM tool that offers comprehensive patch management capabilities, allowing you to automate the deployment of updates across the entire network. This includes not only OS patching but also third-party patching for applications like browsers, office suites, and other software.

Efficient patching ensures that all software on endpoints and servers is up to date, minimizing vulnerabilities and reducing the risk of cyberattacks. A robust RMM solution should allow IT teams to manage all patches from a centralized platform, simplifying the process and reducing manual effort. The solution should also allow IT administrators to test the patches before they’re rolled out to ensure patching security, stability, and compliance.

Real-time alerts and troubleshooting

 Proactive monitoring is essential to identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate into major incidents. An effective RMM tool should offer real-time alerting and management, notifying IT teams of critical events as they occur.

Customizable alerts allow IT administrators to define thresholds and triggers, ensuring that they are promptly informed of any anomalies or deviations from normal system behavior. This timely information enables IT teams to take immediate action and minimize downtime.

Platform security and compliance

Security is paramount when selecting an RMM tool. Ensure that the RMM solution adheres to industry standards and regulations, such as SOC 2 compliance, which validates the effectiveness of an organization's internal controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. 

One essential aspect of platform security is the implementation of role-based access controls (RBAC). RBAC allows administrators to define specific roles and assign privileges to different users based on their responsibilities and job functions. This means that employees only have access to the information and functionalities necessary for their job, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

Role-based access controls also enhance compliance efforts by ensuring that sensitive data and critical systems are only accessible to authorized personnel. By limiting access to key individuals, the organization can demonstrate a strong commitment to data protection and compliance with industry regulations.

 A secure RMM platform should also include audit trails and activity logs, which track user actions and changes made to the system. This level of visibility allows administrators to monitor user activity and quickly identify and address any suspicious or potentially harmful behavior.

Automation capabilities

Automation is a game-changer in IT management. The RMM tool should offer extensive automation capabilities, enabling IT teams to automate repetitive manual tasks, scripts, and workflows. With automation, IT professionals can streamline processes, reduce manual errors, and improve overall efficiency. Automation allows them to focus on strategic initiatives and proactive maintenance, driving productivity and ensuring optimal system performance.

Mobile availability

 In today's mobile world, IT administrators need the flexibility to manage IT assets from anywhere. Look for an RMM solution that provides mobile access, enabling IT professionals to monitor and manage endpoints, receive real-time alerts, and resolve issues on-the-go through mobile devices.

 Mobile access empowers IT teams to respond promptly to critical incidents and perform routine tasks, even when they are away from their desks. This level of flexibility enhances productivity and ensures continuous service availability for remote and mobile employees.

Cloud-hosted solution

Opting for a cloud-hosted RMM solution offers several advantages. Cloud-based RMM platforms provide scalability, allowing businesses to easily expand or reduce their IT infrastructure without the need for significant hardware investments.

Additionally, cloud-hosted RMM solutions often come with built-in redundancy and failover capabilities, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime. Cloud-based RMM also reduces the burden on internal IT teams, as software updates and maintenance are handled by the RMM provider.

Data backup and disaster recovery 

Data backup and disaster recovery are critical aspects of IT management. The RMM tool should include robust data backup and recovery features. Regular backups ensure that critical data is safeguarded and can be quickly restored in the event of data loss or system failure.

A reliable RMM solution should offer multiple backup options, including full and incremental backups, and provide flexible scheduling for backup jobs. This ensures that the organization's data is protected at all times and that data recovery is swift and efficient.

Robust reporting and analytics 

To make informed decisions and optimize IT operations, access to detailed and insightful reports is crucial. The RMM solution should provide robust reporting and analytics capabilities, offering insights into system performance, patch compliance, security risks, and more. It should process and visualize multiple metrics from multiple sources on a single dashboard, enabling IT admins to quickly interpret and act on the data.

 Comprehensive reports allow IT teams to identify trends, analyze historical data, and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, customizable reports help tailor the information to suit specific requirements, facilitating effective communication with stakeholders.

Best RMM for internal IT teams

Here’s a list of some of the best RMM solutions out there for internal IT teams: