According to Pew Research, 76 percent of Americans in teleworkable jobs chose to work fully remote or hybrid in 2023. That has driven the need for business owners to implement the appropriate tools for managing employees and their network security remotely. One of the critical tools for this purpose is remote monitoring and management (RMM) software.
RMM software allows organizations to streamline device management practices and enhance operational efficiency. As more RMM tools emerge, existing platforms evolve to cater to changing circumstances. Understanding the factors influencing RMM software adoption is crucial for making informed investment decisions. This blog will consider five key trends shaping RMM software adoption in 2024.
What is remote monitoring and management?
Remote monitoring and management (RMM) is the technology for remotely observing and maintaining IT infrastructure and smart devices. System administrators use RMM software to monitor operating systems, CPUs, and networks in real time. That is critical for ensuring an organization uses its resources efficiently and minimizes downtime.
Traditionally, administrators used RMM software to monitor and configure physical hardware resources on-premises in data centers. Modern RMM solutions allow administrators to monitor both on-premises and cloud infrastructure, as well as manage smart devices remotely. RMM software improves efficiency and optimizes operational costs.
In other words, RMM software does two things. One is to gather data from remote networks and endpoints to evaluate their health. The other is to carry out IT management tasks on them remotely and without disruption. Because the workforce of many companies may be in disparate locations, RMM tools have become increasingly crucial for internal IT departments.
While organizations can certainly implement RMM software in-house, the most common users are managed services providers (MSPs). These vendors manage and support their clients’ IT infrastructure in various locations. As such, they require an efficient way to carry out these tasks remotely.
Key Functions of RMM Software
Various RMM software may offer different features. However, they all allow IT professionals to perform three key functions.
Real-time remote monitoring
The benefits of RMM solutions are myriad. They can track the health and performance of single systems and entire networks 24/7. They can alert IT pros to potential issues before they become disruptive problems and automate workflows to deal with them. RMM software can also generate reports that provide transparency into network activity, asset inventory, compliance, and the direct value of IT support.
Remote maintenance and remediation
RMM software empowers technicians to carry out various tasks remotely, such as deploying software, managing updates, and running scripts without being physically present at the end user’s location. That allows technicians to troubleshoot devices and resolve issues without causing any inconvenience to the end user.
RMM software significantly simplifies the device management process and enables technicians to deliver prompt and efficient support to their clients.
Routine IT automation and management
RMM software creates the ability to streamline workflows and automate everyday IT tasks, such as installing patches and responding to tickets. IT professionals also use RMMs to deploy and actively manage backup solutions and third-party endpoint security solutions. With all that functionality, it’s unsurprising that over half of MSPs consider their RMM their most critical application.
Key Trends in RMM Software
The RMM software market is experiencing considerable growth due to the increased application of cloud-based technologies and the complexity of IT infrastructure. The rising demand for remote monitoring and management solutions and the trend of businesses outsourcing to MSPs is also driving the sector.
The RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) software landscape constantly evolves; 2024 is no exception. Here are five key trends that are shaping RMM software adoption this year:
Focus on cybersecurity
Cybersecurity continues to reshape the MSP landscape, with 34 percent expecting over 20 percent year-on-year growth in their cybersecurity revenue. Nearly two-thirds foresee growth of over 10 percent in 2024. The proliferation of co-managed and co-partnering models will amplify the value of RMM solutions as industry stakeholders work together to bolster cybersecurity practices.
RMM software is the nerve center of IT operations. It enables businesses to monitor, manage, and support their network infrastructure and endpoints remotely. As such, MSPs and organizations focus on RMM software with robust security features. That includes features like patch management, intrusion detection, and endpoint protection.
Integration with AI and Automation
Developers are increasingly integrating advanced technologies into RMM software. These include artificial intelligence (AI), enabling intelligent monitoring, automation of routine tasks, and predictive analytics.
AI plays a growing role in RMM software by automating tasks and identifying potential problems before they occur. That allows users and MSPs to be more efficient and proactive in service delivery.
In fact, automation features like auto-remediation of tickets in RMMs are the top picks for 64 percent of executives and 54 percent of technicians. AI integration into existing and future tools will likely transform data centers, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and cybersecurity.
Cloud-based RMM
The market is also witness to the emergence of cloud based RMM solutions, which offer flexibility, scalability, and ease of deployment. Cloud-based RMM software allows end users to remotely manage IT systems from any location, making it suitable for remote work. The trend will likely continue in 2024 as MSPs seek ways to improve their agility and flexibility.
RMM for “connected products”
RMM isn’t just for IT assets anymore. Today, more and more remote devices are being used by businesses to serve customers efficiently using technology. Self-checkout and parking kiosks, digital signs, smart lockers, security systems, point-of-sale systems, and other connected products are becoming critical endpoint technology solutions used by businesses.
Unlike traditional RMM for IT devices, remote monitoring and management for connected products must be more flexible. This is because connected products require unique combinations of software, hardware, peripherals, and even OS in order to achieve some business purpose. RMM for connected products must adapt to and interface with these unique product configurations. They must be able to surface data from every facet of the connected device, including software, hardware, peripherals, network and power conditions, and other environmental aspects too. RMM for connected products, which is sometimes referred to as “remote device management,” makes it possible to manage endpoint devices as extensions of the business, ensuring customers and other users of these unattended devices achieve their objectives.
Consolidation in the RMM market
In the RMM sector, companies are expected to experience high demand in 2024 from other vendors and private equity firms. The RMM market is expected to see further consolidation in 2024 as larger vendors acquire smaller players. That could lead to a more competitive landscape, benefiting MSPs by reducing costs and increasing innovation.
Changing Needs Are Driving RMM Trends
The landscape of RMM software is rapidly evolving, driven by the need for enhanced cybersecurity and the demand for comprehensive solutions for complex modern IT infrastructure. The evolution also includes increased integration of AI and automation for proactive management.
As businesses and MSPs navigate these trends in 2024, the focus will be on RMM software equipped with features and capabilities that address these needs. Knowing these trends is crucial in ensuring efficient, secure, and resilient operations in an increasingly remote work environment.