{"id":94626,"date":"2023-07-31T14:26:36","date_gmt":"2023-07-31T18:26:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/?p=94626"},"modified":"2024-11-14T19:05:12","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T00:05:12","slug":"rmm-for-linux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/blog\/rmm-for-linux","title":{"rendered":"RMM for Linux: A Guide for MSPs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Managed service providers (MSPs) are an indispensable cog in the wheel of corporate profitability, productivity, and security. Of course, that doesn\u2019t mean the job is glamorous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until recently, providers found themselves in a cycle of break, fix, rinse, repeat. MSPs once embarked on long-distance travels to physically resolve problems as they arose. Not only was this an inconvenience to clients, but it also took away from billable hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, MSPs no longer hit the road whenever they receive an \u201cuh-oh\u201d client call. This is, in no small part, thanks to Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools which help MSPs cut costs, improve efficiency, and deliver faster services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post we discuss RMM tools, how useful they are for managing Linux systems, and some best practices for utilizing RMM in Linux systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

RMM is the use of specialized technology to track system health and performance metrics, troubleshoot issues, deploy patches and updates, and perform related tasks from a remote location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how important is RMM for Linux systems? According to a 2023 Stat Counter survey<\/a>, Linux accounts for only about 3% of the world\u2019s desktop operating systems. Surely, this segment is negligible enough to ignore right? Maybe, maybe not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As any MSP can attest to, Linux servers are more commonplace in business environments. This ubiquity amounts to nearly 75% of the global market as indicated in a 2022 Fortune Business Insights report<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"global<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Source:<\/em> Fortune Business Insight<\/em><\/a>s<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Translation: Although they aren\u2019t the most popular desktop OS out there, Linux systems <\/em>are common as server systems. As such, MSPs best options are RMM tools that allow them to effectively manage Linux systems alongside other operating systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Importance of RMM for Linux Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

RMM is essential for Linux systems for the following reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensuring System Stability and Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

RMM tools help MSPs detect bottlenecks that may hinder system performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuously monitoring critical resources such as CPU or memory usage keeps admins informed of when an app begins to display abnormal behavior. This prompts a look into its root cause and subsequent corrective action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proactive Issue Detection and Troubleshooting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

MSPs stay on top of evolving problems through RMM. By setting up customized alerts and notifications, they receive real-time information on system performance and address issues before they become full-blown problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If problems arise, they are better placed to troubleshoot effectively because of the detailed information RMM tools provide. This enables them to make accurate diagnoses and resolve problems faster. Plus, the ability to remotely troubleshoot the machine translates to faster resolution times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enhancing Security and Compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

RMM solutions play a crucial role in enhancing security and compliance thanks to their capabilities. MSPs leverage RMM solutions to manage patch deployments and critical security updates. This mitigates the risk of breaches and ensures systems are up to date with the latest security fixes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reports they generate are also helpful in evidencing security practices and streamlining audits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improving Efficiency and Productivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

RMM tools improve MSPs’ efficiency and productivity and these benefits extend to clients. Because they enable MSPs to remotely oversee their clients\u2019 IT infrastructure, RMM tools save time and effort that would otherwise have been spent manually accessing each client\u2019s systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, the automation capabilities they provide enable MSPs to cut back on manual efforts, schedule tasks, and save time. For clients, this translates to faster resolution times and minimal downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linux RMM Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when utilizing RMM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Choose the Right Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When selecting an RMM tool<\/a>, look out for features such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n