How does Remote Monitoring and Management work?

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) in IT works by utilising specialised software tools and technologies to monitor, manage, and support IT infrastructure and systems remotely.

Typical Ways RMM Operates

Agent Deployment: An RMM solution usually requires the installation of a lightweight software agent on each device or server that needs to be monitored and managed. The agent acts as a communication bridge between the device and the RMM platform.

Monitoring Configuration: Once the agent is installed, the RMM platform allows administrators or managed service providers to configure monitoring settings based on specific requirements. This includes selecting the metrics to monitor, setting thresholds for alerts, and defining monitoring intervals.

Real-time Monitoring: The agent continuously collects data about the monitored devices or servers, such as CPU usage, memory utilisation, network traffic, disk space, and application performance. This data is sent to the RMM platform in real-time.

Alerting and Notifications: The RMM platform analyses the collected data and compares it against predefined thresholds. If any metric exceeds or falls below the thresholds, an alert or notification is generated. This alert is sent to Fusion via email, SMS, or typcially the RMM dashboard monitored by our Service and Operations teams.

Remote Control and Support: RMM solutions often provide remote access capabilities, allowing administrators or service providers to connect to the monitored devices or servers for troubleshooting and support. This remote control network management functionality enables them to perform tasks such as software installations, configuration changes, and resolving technical issues without physical presence at the location.

Automated Maintenance and Patch Management: RMM includes features for automated maintenance tasks and patch management. This involves deploying software updates, patches, security fixes, and configuration changes across the IT infrastructure. Scheduled or automated maintenance tasks ensure that systems are up to date, secure, and optimised for performance.

Reporting and Analytics: RMM platforms provide reporting and analytics capabilities to provide insights into the performance, health, and usage of the IT infrastructure. These reports help administrators or service providers assess system performance, identify trends, track key metrics, and support decision-making.

Security and Compliance: RMM solutions include security features such as antivirus and anti-malware monitoring, intrusion detection, vulnerability scanning, and compliance checks. These key features can help maintain the security posture of the IT environment and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

By implementing Remote Monitoring and Management, organisations benefit from proactive monitoring, timely issue resolution, optimised system performance, enhanced security, and streamlined IT management processes.

What types of IT assets can be monitored and managed remotely?

Remote Monitoring and Management software (RMM) allows for the monitoring and management of various IT assets remotely.

Types of Assets Monitored and Managed by RMM

Servers: RMM software can monitor and manage physical servers and virtual machines (VMs). It provides insights into server health, performance, resource utilisation, storage capacity, and services running on the servers. RMM tools can also perform tasks such as deploying patches, updating firmware, and managing server configurations.

Network Devices: RMM enables monitoring and management of network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points. It provides visibility into network traffic, bandwidth usage, connectivity status, and security events. RMM tools can configure network devices, update firmware, and implement security policies remotely.

Workstations: RMM solutions can monitor and manage individual workstations, including desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices. They provide insights into system performance, software installations, security status, and user activity. RMM tools can remotely install software, troubleshoot issues, perform system maintenance, and enforce security policies.

Endpoints: RMM allows monitoring and management of endpoints, which include devices like desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It provides visibility into endpoint health, security status, software updates, and user behavior. RMM tools can remotely install security patches, enforce policies, and perform security scans on endpoints.

Applications and Services: RMM can monitor and manage various software applications and services deployed within an organisation. It can track application performance, availability, and usage. RMM tools can manage application settings, update software versions, and ensure applications and operating systems are functioning correctly.

Storage Systems: RMM enables monitoring and remote management of storage systems such as network-attached storage (NAS) and storage area network (SAN) devices. It provides insights into storage capacity, performance, and data availability. RMM tools can remotely manage storage configurations, allocate storage resources, and monitor data backup processes.

Virtualization Platforms: RMM solutions can monitor and manage virtualization platforms like VMware or Microsoft Hyper-V. They provide visibility into virtual machine performance, resource utilisation, and virtual network configurations. RMM tools can deploy virtual machines, manage VM settings, and monitor virtual machine migrations.

Printers and Peripherals: RMM can monitor and manage printers, scanners, and other peripheral devices. It provides insights into device status, ink or toner levels, and error messages. RMM tools can remotely troubleshoot device issues, configure settings, and perform maintenance tasks.

Security Systems: RMM enables monitoring and management of security systems such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and antivirus software. It provides visibility into security events, threat alerts, and policy compliance. RMM tools can remotely update security definitions, configure security policies, and respond to security incidents.

Cloud Services: RMM can monitor and manage cloud-based services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). It provides visibility into cloud resource utilisation, performance, and security. RMM tools can manage cloud instances, configure access controls, and monitor cloud service availability.

These are just some examples of the IT assets that can be monitored and managed remotely using RMM. The specific capabilities may vary depending on central location of the RMM solution and the vendor’s offerings.

How does RMM assist with IT asset inventory and lifecycle management ?

Remote, Monitoring and Management software (RMM) assists with IT asset inventory and lifecycle management by providing visibility, control, and automation throughout the lifecycle of IT assets.

IT Asset Inventory and Lifecycle Management

Asset Discovery and Inventory: RMM tools can automatically discover and inventory IT assets across the network. They provide a centralised view of hardware and software assets, including details such as device specifications, configurations, installed applications, and license information. This helps organisations maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of their IT assets.

Asset Tracking and Monitoring: RMM platforms allow for real-time tracking and monitoring of IT assets. They provide insights into asset utilisation, performance, and availability. Monitoring features help identify underutilised assets, track asset health, and ensure optimal performance.

Asset Management Automation: RMM solutions automate asset management tasks to streamline processes and improve efficiency. They can automate tasks such as software deployments, patch management, license tracking, and firmware updates. This automation saves time and resources, reduces manual errors, and ensures consistent asset management practices.

Software License Management: RMM assists in tracking and managing software licenses. It can monitor software installations, license compliance, and expiration dates. RMM tools provide visibility into license usage and help organizations optimize license utilisation, avoid compliance issues, and prevent unnecessary costs associated with over- or under-licensing.

End-of-Life and Replacement Planning: RMM facilitates end-of-life and replacement planning for IT assets. It can track asset age, warranty information, and performance metrics to identify assets that are approaching the end of their lifecycle. This enables organizations to plan for timely asset replacements, ensuring the availability of reliable and up-to-date technology.

Asset Security and Compliance: RMM platforms contribute to asset security and compliance efforts. They help ensure that assets are protected with security updates, patches, and configurations. RMM tools can monitor assets for compliance with security policies, industry regulations, and organizational standards.

Reporting and Analytics: RMM solutions offer reporting and analytics capabilities to provide insights into asset utilisation, performance trends, and cost optimisation opportunities. Reports can include information on asset lifecycle status, maintenance history, software license utilisation, and other asset-related metrics. These reports support informed decision-making and facilitate IT asset planning.

By leveraging RMM for IT asset inventory and lifecycle management, organisations can improve asset visibility, optimize resource allocation, reduce costs, ensure compliance, and enhance overall IT infrastructure efficiency. RMM streamlines asset management processes, automates routine tasks, and provides organisations with the necessary insights to make informed decisions regarding their IT assets.