RMM vs MDM for MSPs

Overview of RMM and MDM

For enterprise IT teams, managing complex assets and devices is a constant challenge. Two solutions address this challenge, but in different ways. Both of these technologies have much in common, but they are each designed to serve different use cases.

Definition of RMM

Remote monitoring and management (RMM) is a platform that helps managed service providers (MSPs) manage IT systems for their clients. This reduces the need for on-site technical expertise, enabling MSPs to provide service and support from independent locations.

Definition of MDM

Mobile device management (MDM) provides centralized control over endpoint devices like laptops and mobile phones. It grants visibility and control over how these devices are used. Admins use MDM platforms to enforce security policies, manage configurations, and control device access remotely.

Importance of RMM and MDM in IT Management

Both tools share some important features for enterprise IT leaders with complex endpoint inventories. These overlapping features reflect some of the most important parts of enterprise IT management:

• Management. Both solutions allow IT administrators to manage user devices remotely. They can change device configurations and deploy software patches without physical access.
• Security. Devices that contain sensitive data should not fall into the wrong hands. IT security leaders can use RMM and MDM solutions to remotely encrypt data. They can even remotely delete sensitive data and format devices.
• Monitoring. Both RMM and MDM allow admins to monitor device performance and ensure compliance. However, not all solutions monitor the same things.

Key Features of RMM

RMM is designed for service providers managing IT assets and infrastructure for multiple clients. RMM solutions typically focus on system performance monitoring and routine maintenance. Here are some of the distinguishing features that RMM solutions may share:

Remote Monitoring Capabilities

MSPs use RMM solutions to monitor system performance across multiple organizations. They monitor device status, network health, and similar key metrics.

Remote Alerting and Remediation Capabilities

RMM Solutions help to trigger alerts when misconfigurations or other issues drag down performance. They help resolve the errors immediately before they impact operational efficiency and IT security risks. 

Automated Maintenance Tasks

Routine maintenance tasks like software updates and file cleanups take time away from higher-value activities. RMM platforms help service providers automate these tasks. This allows the team to manage talent and IT resources more effectively.

Patch Management and Updates

RMM solutions help IT teams manage and install security updates. This ensures every device on the network is protected against the latest threats. They also log and report patch management activities so IT can track them easily.

Network Security Monitoring

Without RMM, monitoring network security across multiple organizations is difficult and time-consuming. Each organization may use different technologies and assets. RMM lets service providers group those organizations together and monitor them more efficiently.

Key Features of MDM

MDM helps IT administrators secure desktops and mobile devices and automate the management of complex device fleets. The goal is to establish an environment where devices are secured and managed throughout their lifecycle, from initial enrollment to ultimate decommissioning. 

Device Enrollment and Configuration

Enrolling and configuring new desktops and mobile devices can be a time-consuming and painstaking process. This is especially true when different manufacturers and operating systems are involved. MDM allows organizations to automate this process according to strict policies and review the results. Some MDM vendors also provide zero-touch enrollment to make it even easier for IT admins to distribute devices to their employees or end users. 

Security Policy Enforcement

IT leaders need to make sure users adhere to security policies. MDM platforms prevent users from engaging in unauthorized activities. Many include security monitoring and alerts for unusual device behavior.

MDM Models

Companies can choose to implement MDM models like bring your own device (BYOD) that allows employees to choose and bring their own devices for work. Or corporate own device (COD) whereby the company will issue a device for employees to do their work only. The right model will depend on the company’s needs.

App Management and Distribution

Every employee relies on a set of applications to carry out their daily tasks. MDM simplifies the way IT admins manage and distribute these apps. It ensures end users always use the latest, most secure corporate approved app versions and protects against shadow IT risks.

Remote Wipe and Lock Capabilities

Rapidly responding to security breaches dramatically reduces overall risk. MDM platforms give security teams access to mobile devices that are lost or stolen. Encrypting or wiping a compromised device helps isolate the security incident and prevent data breaches.

RMM vs. MDM: Detailed Comparison

The main difference between RMM and MDM lies in their scope and security capabilities. RMMs are generally designed for multi-tenant environments, while most MDMs serve individual organizations.

However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. RMMs and MDMs can complement one another in a multi-tenant context. Before we explore that, let’s take a closer look at how these technologies differ from one another.

Core Functionalities and Differences

Here is a head-to-head comparison of some of the most important features each technology shares. Keep in mind that not all vendors offer the same features.

Use Cases and Scenarios for RMM

RMM allows IT support teams to cover multiple networks and their assets through a single platform. This makes it valuable for MSPs that rely on a strong service offering. An MSP IT team needs to be able to assess network health and change device configurations across multiple organizations.

For example, a support technician may use an RMM platform to gain access to a user’s laptop and troubleshoot a problem remotely. Afterwards, the same technician might create an automated script that pushes a configuration change to all users who have the same device.

RMM platforms can also trigger alerts for compatibility issues and maintenance problems before they impact production. For example, your RMM platform may alert the IT team that several hard drives are in danger of hardware failure. That alert could save you from losing a RAID volume and undergoing a costly data recovery process.

Automated scripting support helps reduce the time and effort that goes into configuration changes. With RMM in your tech stack, you can run a script that updates settings on thousands of workstations at once. If a device runs into problems running the script, you can access that device and troubleshoot it directly.

Use Cases and Scenarios for MDM

MDM makes it easier for IT teams to manage and secure endpoint devices. It streamlines the process of onboarding new employees and creating workspace accounts for each one. It also manages the permissions and access controls for newly provisioned accounts, ensuring consistent security across the organization.

For example, an IT administrator may use MDM to automatically provision new employees with the apps and permissions they need to do their work. This reduces the amount of time it takes for a new hire to become productive. It also reduces the threat of accidental misconfigurations leading to security risks.

Deprovisioning devices is another area where MDM shines. Manually deprovisioning devices after employees leave the company is an error-prone process. If those devices—or the accounts they’re associated with—retain sensitive data, they might make a compelling entry point for cybercriminals.

MDM gives MSP administrators the ability to automatically deprovision devices. Employees who take on new roles or depart the company won’t leave security gaps that cybercriminals can exploit. 

Integrating RMM and MDM as an MSP

Combining RMM and MDM can streamline device security and management for MSPs. Each platform offers valuable tools for managing fleet-wide configurations for multiple clients more effectively.

Benefits of Using MDM and RMM Together

Some MSPs combine MDM and RMM into a unified endpoint management (UEM) platform. This provides comprehensive monitoring and management for networks and digital assets across multiple organizations.

RMM allows organizations to:

• Monitor the performance of IT systems and network infrastructure.
• Launch on-device scripts automatically in response to preconfigured alerts.
• Create comprehensive network-wide performance reports.
• Deliver IT support remotely and automate support actions.

MDM allows organizations to:

• Extend security coverage to BYOD devices and protect sensitive data stored on those devices.
• Supervise remote employees and gain visibility into insider risk.
• Automatically provision new devices for employees during the onboarding process.
• Monitor device activity and location to secure them against advanced threats.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Many MSPs invest in RMM solutions in order to optimize their service offering to clients. They start leveraging core RMM functionalities and eventually extend to security and device management features—before hitting the limits of what their platform can do.

From there, they either pay for expensive security add-ons to their existing RMM solution or add MDM to their tech stack. That was the obstacle that Rocco Russo of RR Consulting & MSP faced when using Jamf to manage Apple devices for clients in creative industries.

Russo started using JumpCloud and Jamf at the same time, but found redundant features across both solutions. Eventually, he decided to migrate entirely to JumpCloud and leverage its identity and mobile device management features exclusively.

MSPs may also find themselves using redundant solutions after acquiring cloud-native companies in the space. That was the case for Xceptional, which moved to JumpCloud after acquiring a JumpCloud customer.

For Xceptional, the platform’s cloud-first approach to MDM gives its clients flexibility with on-premises infrastructure. They can now deliver identity and device management services alongside security policy management, patch management, and more.

Choosing the Right Combination for Your Organization

In both the cases described above, JumpCloud provided an optimal mix of RMM and MDM features for MSPs with strict requirements. RMM still forms the backbone of network monitoring and support service, while MDM enhances security and the customer experience.

MSPs have much to gain by offering unified support, management, and security through RMM and MDM. End users enjoy a more reliable experience while executives and stakeholders enjoy better security. Should a data breach occur, the MSP can quickly respond to the incident by wiping data from impacted devices and restoring it from cloud backups.

Using JumpCloud for RMM and MDM

JumpCloud is a fully cloud-native platform that enables enhanced security, support, and management for MSPs.

Managing complex IT environments doesn’t have to be a painstaking experience. JumpCloud allows MSPs to secure remote workplaces and scale mobile device fleets without compromising cybersecurity and good data hygiene. 

MSPs can use JumpCloud to create unique configurations for each clients’ needs. When the client adds new devices to their network, those configurations will automatically apply. Check out JumpCloud for MSPs to learn how JumpCloud can help your MSP save time and secure client devices more effectively.