Why MSPs Should Use Remote Monitoring and Management ToolsJuly 17, 2017

MSPs (Managed Service Providers) which deliver IT network, application and system management services cannot survive on their own. Chiefly because their clients are many and usually spread across the geographical area. Therefore if these MSPs wish to function efficiently, they cannot do so without the help of remote monitoring software — also known as remote monitoring and management tool.

What Does Remote Monitoring Software or Remote Monitoring Management Tool Do?

Remote Monitoring Management (RMM for short) tool helps these MSPs become more efficient in servicing their clients by providing them with remoting capabilities. So, essentially, an MSP using an RMM tool can, instead of going to the client's site to fix an IT infrastructure related issue, can do the same from a remote location. That is, can fix the issue remotely.

How Does Remote Monitoring Software Work?

Remote Monitoring Softwares install an agent on the client's workstations and other such endpoints. These agents then feed information about the device health and status back to the MSP. This gives MSPs a headstart when it comes to solving client device related issues (as RMMs constantly monitor these devices and provide feedback) and thus allows them to behave proactively and prevent issues before they actually occur.

Benefits of Using Remote Monitoring Software:

To put it in a few words, MSPs need RMM tools. There is so much to handle for them that they simply cannot survive without having one. Therefore let's take a look at some of the benefits these RMM(s) (Remote Monitoring and Management) offer for MSPs (Managed Service Providers).

1. Increased Efficiency: With remote monitoring software, your client-handling process would be more streamlined and automated. This means you'll be able to handle "many clients at a time" than you did previously. Which in turn implies more clients for you. And the more your ability to handle clients, the more will be your business.
2. 24/7 Monitoring Capabilities: Your client's IT infrastructure will be under surveillance 24/7 and you'll be informed about the slightest change done to any device within the network. Although you may not be able to address every issue just because you have a 24/7 surveillance system in place, at least your chances of being proactive and minimizing these issues will improve.
3. Reduced Travel Costs: With an RMM tool, your client visits will reduce greatly thereby reducing your travel costs, as you'll be able to fix more issues remotely and therefore quickly (using RMM tool) from your location without having to move an inch. Probably the most important benefit of implementing these tools.
4. Ease of Administration: At the minimum, when using RMM for your MSP, you'll be able to automate routine IT tasks, monitor IP-enabled devices, remotely manage and control devices and provide detailed performance reporting. That's a lot! Therefore 'ease of administrative tasks' is guaranteed when you employ the right RMM tool.
5. Helpdesk Integration: Some RMM tools come with an integrated helpdesk offering. Such tools can prove very beneficial. Because this eliminates the need for MSPs like you to have an in-house helpdesk for addressing your client's needs. And the more work MSPs can offload to trustable parties like RMM tools, the more efficient they can become in servicing their clients.

Remote Monitoring and Management Must-Haves:

When MSPs select an RMM tool, they should look for the basic requirements like:

• 24/7 Network Monitoring Capability
• Proactive Behaviour in recognizing and fixing issues
• Scalability for handling large IT infrastructures
• Extensive Reporting Capability
• Disaster Prevention

The above list is not an exhaustive one. In fact, no one out there can claim there is an all-inclusive or exhaustive list when it comes to listing the requirements for selecting an RMM. Because every MSP has its own requirements which need to be met. And the RMM tool which might suit one may not suit another.

But one thing which is settled is that "an experienced, partnership-oriented RMM vendor" will cover every aspect of an MSP's business, guiding them every step of the way to run their practice more efficiently and profitably. So when selecting an RMM tool, MSPs should select wisely.