Even as businesses continue to invest in improving their technology infrastructure, they face the ever-present threat of IT failure known as downtime, any time that vital systems become unresponsive. Collectively, these periods of network inactivity cost businesses an estimated 127 million person-hours every year in lost productivity. NetworkWorld cites research firm Gartner placing the value of just one hour of downtime at a staggering $42,000.
In a business environment where organizations focus on minimizing costs wherever possible, the ability to proactively respond to these incidents is invaluable. Which is why your business needs remote monitoring and management (RMM).
What Is Remote Monitoring and Management and How Is It Used?
RMM uses specialized software applications as a tool to remotely monitor and manage computers and network-connected devices from one centralized location. It allows managed services providers (MSPs), firms that handle out-sourced IT-related tasks, to connect to and support client systems remotely. This provides clients with a much faster incident response time while saving a lot of money.
MSP administrators deploy these tools using virtual agents assigned to client IT systems. This technology allows MSPs to connect to client-side networks and receive real-time data about the activities taking place on the networks’ hardware and software. Among other things, these virtual agents will send notifications to MSPs when software updates or abnormal system activities take place.
The RMM system creates support tickets automatically so that staff at the MSP can handle the issues quickly using the virtual agent. This can include routine maintenance such as operating system updates or installing appropriate patches on client machines.
The Benefits of RMM
Proactive Problem Resolution
System failure can be expensive in terms of money as cited earlier, but it can also pose “reputational risk”, that problem involving negative customer perception and reaction to your business. Through the ticketing system built into RMM applications, MSPs can be proactive and mitigate the disruptions that often lead to customer-facing IT problems. They can identify issues that might lead to system failures down the road and find ways to resolve them in advance.
RMMs also provide MSPs with the ability to automate maintenance activities such as applying key patches and updates to the software. This not only saves you a tremendous amount of time, but also allows you or your internal IT staff to focus on more critical tasks. These automated functions will reduce the level of investment needed for recruiting, hiring, and training new IT personnel.
If you do not have an internal IT staff, having your computers and networks monitored by a professional outside company can help protect your business from hackers.
Increased Security
Recent high profile data breaches highlight the importance of safeguarding sensitive customer information. RMM allows MSPs to monitor confidential data around the clock.
Managed antivirus solutions also play a key part in the RMM suite of applications. These software applications can apply updates in real-time, responding to newly emerging threats, and protecting systems against infiltration from malware.
Increased Productivity and Quality
Because of the remote monitoring capabilities of RMM, MSPs can proactively resolve common issues such as low disk space or high CPU usage that often result in system downtime. Addressing potential issues before they become a problem means your employees can perform their duties without disruption. And because the 24/7 maintenance activities will also improve system performance, you can maintain a high level of quality service for customers. It is a competitive advantage.
An Extended Team of Expert Technicians
For most small businesses, the cost of retaining an IT department and associated infrastructure is prohibitive. With RMM capabilities, your business can reap the benefits brought on by an experienced, responsive team of IT professionals, armed with the latest technology and excellent troubleshooting skills, at a fraction of what those internal resources would cost.
Real-Time Backup Capabilities
If your systems do crash, RMM prevents data loss with the cloud backup functionality of the software. MSPs can monitor data changes and backup everything from individual files to entire servers. Keeping the business running, even after a disastrous event, is a big benefit of the MSPs RMM system.
A Complete Solution for Your IT Management
Symposit can help your business enhance network security, keep your systems updated with the latest patches, increase productivity, and save thousands of dollars in IT investment (just like we do for many clients already). We’ve partnered with leading software vendors to develop a comprehensive solution for your business. Contact us now to find out how you can get these benefits today!
