Tips for Choosing MSP Monitoring Software
Managed services providers (MSPs) rarely enjoy shopping for remote monitoring and management (RMM) software. And usually, they wind up doing it repeatedly- up to four times in certain cases.
RMM software is the main enabling technology used by managed services, so selecting the right system is crucial to their success. If you’re looking for the best RMM for your needs – and one that lets you avoid costly disruptions that accompany switching systems – here are some helpful tips:
Creating a Strategy
When you talk about shopping for RMM software, haste spurs waste. Create a detailed business plan before you shop. As soon as you’ve identified the services you want to deliver and to which customers, can you easily determine the system that will best satisfy your needs.
Attention to “Minor” Features
Most RMM systems are essentially similar, so when you evaluate different software, never take the lesser but still vital features, such as:
Professional Services Automation (PSA) Integration
PSA products are tools used by MSPs to take care of everyday business operations such as service request ticketing and time reporting.
Reporting
By sharing reports with your clients, you increasing their understanding of the business value you offer.
Scripting
With a robust scripting engine, you can save time and as well as labor since routine maintenance tasks can be executed automatically. In addition, consider that agent-based systems install small monitoring software on your customer’s servers and desktops, while probe-based systems use only one server plus network connections for tracking other devices used by the customer.
Hosted versus Traditional
Most RMM tools may be used as hosted solutions or as old-fashioned on-premise systems. Which one is right for you depends mainly on your start-up capital. With a hosted solution, you don’t need to make huge upfront infrastructure and licensing outlays, and the system is pretty quick to deploy too. Monthly subscription charges, however, do add up easily.
Exploring the Add-Ons
MSP tool vendors usually sell more products besides RMM software. They probably offer security and backup add-ons too, or interfaces that enable integration with other security and backup tools. Compared to integrating multiple solutions, it is less expensive and simpler to use an RMM system with inbuilt security and backup abilities, but this can also be very limiting.
Seeking Opinions from Peers
Don’t rely purely on your own perceptions of RMM systems. Check out local peer groups, for example, to consult MSP veterans.
Test Drive
Finally, don’t buy an RMM system before exhaustively testing it – -and not merely with simulated customers. Go out of your lab environment and test it in real life!Not everything that works in your lab environment will actually work, so get testing in real life!If something works in your lab environment, it won’t necessarily work outside, so always test in real-life. Give it a real-life test.