Managed service providers (MSPs) proactively deliver on-premises services to client organizations and manage their IT networks. To achieve this, they rely on numerous customized tools designed specifically to manage the complete IT infrastructures of all their clients. MSPs most often rely on remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools to provide services to customers, meet their SLAs on time, and have a good ROI.
There are many RMM tools for MSPs on the market, but they vary in their ability to adapt to evolving market trends and customer networks. It is necessary for MSPs to understand the trends in managing their clients’ networks and to identify suitable RMM software to meet their needs. Here are the major RMM trends that MSPs can expect in 2022.
RMM SaaS
RMM is a combination of monitoring and managing numerous client devices from a single pane. Because most applications now operate under the cloud-based model, it is time for MSPs to shift to RMM SaaS. Cloud-based tools enable organizations to communicate and do business faster than ever before. Most enterprises likely already use cloud-based tools, and MSPs can benefit greatly from cloud-based software designed for their needs. When RMM takes to the cloud, MSPs can realize a range of benefits, including greater efficiency, happier technicians, and satisfied clients.
RMM as a whole package for MSPs
RMM software enables MSPs to transition from managing a single aspect of a client’s IT network to juggling all the IT management tasks for all their customers’ networks. With the RMM tools available on the market, MSPs can manage and monitor almost every device in a client’s network, be it routers, switches, printers, servers, desktops, laptops, mobile devices, or even point-of-sale devices. With responsibilities for MSPs increasing, they are looking for more capabilities in a single package.
The first step towards creating this all-in-one package was the integration of service desks with RMM tools. In 2022, we expect RMM solutions to have built-in ITSM and identity and access management so that an MSP will require only one solution to manage all its customers’ networks comprehensively.
A dynamic shift in customer network structure
2020 saw the emergence of the work-from-home model, and 2021 saw a combination of work-from-home and return-to-office models. Going into 2022, we expect a work-from-anywhere model to emerge. 2021 has shown that with remote employees, productivity can be maintained or even increased, collaboration can continue or improve, and establishing and measuring metrics is possible. Organizations will implement a secure work-from-anywhere model where corporate access can be extended to not only home offices but campuses, retail shops, hotels, hospitals, airports, and more.
With a work-from-anywhere model, employees can easily access their VoIP, unified communications, collaboration, and video applications while enabling cloud and on-premises security and performance from anywhere in the world. Whether a business application is hosted in the cloud or on-premises, appropriate management and security policies must be enforced consistently. MSPs will need to invest in holistic RMM tools that can adapt to this shift. They also need to implement a 360-degree approach to gaining visibility into and control over identities, threats, and endpoints. With a strategic approach to networking and security, MSPs will be able to implement a secure, scalable, and optimized work-from-anywhere model for their customers’ networks.
A pressing need to meet compliance standards
MSPs today are looking to improve security, approach IT problems proactively, and provide better uptime for their network of clients. Thus, they will inevitably need dependable tools to manage remote offices, minimize risks, and handle compliance and security practices. No longer just a part of compliance, legal, or auditing concerns, privacy has become an increasingly influential and defined discipline of its own, affecting almost all aspects of an organization.
As a rapidly growing discipline, privacy should be more integrated throughout every organization. This means that MSPs managing organizations’ IT must adhere to all compliance policies, necessitating RMM tools that are compliant with existing standards, like the GDPR, VPAT, HIPAA, NIST, ISO, and POPIA. This will allow MSPs to build trust and easily expand their customer base.
Security stacks for MSPs
Security is an ever-growing concern that every organization and MSP must always deal with proactively. Cyberattacks no longer impact just the targeted organization; they often have a ripple effect that harms partners, providers, customers, and others along the supply chain. This is one of the rising concerns as we step into 2022, along with data breaches, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. MSPs will need to maintain a strong security layer around each organization’s network and be ever-ready with reactive measures in case security is compromised.
To enhance network security, RMM software now prioritizes built-in security-centric capabilities, including advanced vulnerability management, browser security management, and application and device security. MSPs will be able to further simplify the cybersecurity management of their customers’ networks with fully equipped RMM software.
To balance all their responsibilities and overcome the challenges looming ahead in 2022, MSPs need comprehensive RMM solutions that can cater to all their needs. Whether it’s a cloud-based or on-premises solution, one thing is for sure: the right RMM tool is a must-have for MSPs. RMM software empowers technicians to deliver services, respond to clients’ needs, and ensure that IT and security are up to speed.
One such dynamically evolving tool is ManageEngine RMM Central, which enables MSPs to discover, manage, monitor, and secure their clients’ entire IT infrastructures. This solution unifies network monitoring and endpoint management, providing a holistic view into all managed clients’ networks. RMM Central can accelerate the dependability and growth of MSPs.
Want to learn more about RMM Central? Start exploring the product with a free, 30-day trial.
