{"id":114764,"date":"2024-08-14T09:12:05","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T13:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/?p=114764"},"modified":"2024-08-22T09:22:31","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T13:22:31","slug":"rmm-vs-mdm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/blog\/rmm-vs-mdm","title":{"rendered":"RMM vs MDM for MSPs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remote monitoring and management (RMM)<\/a> is a platform that helps managed service providers (MSPs)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mobile device management (MDM)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n MSPs use RMM solutions to monitor system performance across multiple organizations. They monitor device status, network health, and similar key metrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main difference between RMM and MDM lies in their scope and security capabilities. RMMs are generally designed for multi-tenant environments<\/a>, while most MDMs serve individual organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. RMMs and MDMs can complement one another in a multi-tenant context<\/a>. Before we explore that, let\u2019s take a closer look at how these technologies differ from one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDefinition of MDM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Importance of RMM and MDM in IT Management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Key Features of RMM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remote Monitoring Capabilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remote Alerting and Remediation Capabilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Automated Maintenance Tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Patch Management and Updates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Network Security Monitoring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Features of MDM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Device Enrollment and Configuration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Security Policy Enforcement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MDM Models<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
App Management and Distribution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remote Wipe and Lock Capabilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
RMM vs. MDM: Detailed Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Core Functionalities and Differences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n