Remote Monitoring in the Cloud

The alternative is to turn to cloud-based RMM technology. Just as growing numbers of organisations have embraced the pay as you go model for software applications, VARs and MSPs can now consider the benefits of a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) approach to RMM.

With all the core functionality of the RMM solution located in the cloud, the process of implementation is fundamentally simplified. VARs need only to load agents onto the customer’s hardware and communications equipment, a process which takes seconds, and then follow a simple installation routine, which includes default monitoring suggestions. As a result, VARs can be up and running with RMM within minutes: there is no time consuming configuration to undertake, no training necessary and, since the cloud-based system automatically updates itself, there is no need to schedule housekeeping tasks such as software patches and upgrades.

Clear Pricing
The new generation of simple user interfaces requires minimal training, ensuring even a junior administrator can undertake the first level of troubleshooting, further reducing both upfront and ongoing costs for VARs. Furthermore, the cloud computing model also overcomes the complexity of traditional pricing which, according to the survey, is perceived as complex by 42 percent of respondents.

It also completely removes a problem cited by 53 percent of the survey respondents, of paying for areas of the system that are not used. Indeed, under the traditional on-premise RMM licensing, it is apparent that many VARs actually have a significant investment in unused licenses. Furthermore, VARs are paying an additional 10 percent to 20 percent in support costs for on-premise RMM solutions. Following the “pay-as-you–go” cloud approach enables VARs and MSPs to acquire only the licenses required on a month by month basis, at a fixed cost which includes support, enabling a flexible scale-up/scale-down model in line with business and customer requirements.

This flexible model allows VARs to offer a raft of different service options to customers, options which can be expanded and enhanced as required, enabling managed services contracts to reflect customer needs. VARs can also offer tailored, in-depth reporting solutions based on the in depth monitoring information to support customer organisations looking at how best to develop the IT infrastructure both during the recession and, critically, as markets begin to emerge back into growth.

Service Value
VARs and MSPs have been attempting to leverage RMM solutions to attain a key differential in a challenging, competitive and price sensitive marketplace. Yet far too many have been deterred by the high cost of entry and extended time-frame to get up and running. A cloud-based approach to RMM now enables resellers to rapidly achieve a new level of service that delivers better uptime to customers, as well as lower cost of service and greater employee productivity.

For the reseller, cloud-based RMM is not only enabling far more efficient and effective use of resources, but is also delivering the in-depth information required to build a stronger customer relationship and support effective and relevant cross and up selling. Critically, this differential is being achieved without extensive upfront or ongoing investment in resources, training or staff, enabling the rapid ROI that is essential in the current market.