RMM vs MDM solution, which one is the best for you?. Managing business devices has become increasingly complicated as companies juggle a mix of personal and corporate-owned devices not to mention the operating systems cocktail party (android, windows, macos, ios, linux etc). With the rise of remote work, employees are increasingly accessing corporate systems from their personal devices, creating new security and management challenges. While this has significantly improved business productivity, IT admins and managed service providers (MSPs) must now keep track of a variety of endpoint devices.
So, what tools can help you navigate this complex landscape, and how do you know which one is right for your organization? RMM and MDM software offer various tools and functionalities to ensure their endpoint devices remain secure and protect business data.
Deciding between them comes down to understanding your organization’s priorities, whether it’s managing mobile devices, ensuring remote IT support, or maintaining control over a diverse device ecosystem.
What is Mobile Device Management
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the process of securing and managing mobile devices—smartphones, tablets, and laptops—within your organization. The primary goal of MDM is to ensure that devices accessing corporate data are secure and compliant. Key features include device provisioning, security policy enforcement, remote wiping, device tracking and app management. MDM is a powerful tool for businesses that handle sensitive information or support a mobile workforce.Organizations can also explore Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions. UEM provides a unified approach to managing all endpoints, including mobile devices, desktops, and IoT devices, through a single platform. EMM focuses specifically on managing mobile devices, applications, and content, offering tools for secure access, app deployment, and data protection tailored to mobile work environments.
Learn more about MDM vs EMM vs UEM
Common uses of MDM and how key capabilities are applied:
- Device Security: Implement security features like password protection and encryption to protect valuable data.
- Application Management: Distribute, update, or restrict specific applications on employee devices.
- Compliance Monitoring: Monitor devices to ensure they meet company and regulatory standards.
- Remote Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot technical issues on employee devices without having to be there in person.
- Data Protection: Remotely wipe lost or stolen devices to prevent unauthorized access.
- Asset Inventory: Maintain a centralized inventory of all IT assets to track their ownership, usage, system performance and status.
- Device Location: Use GPS and location tracking to pinpoint device locations for recovery or monitoring purposes.
What is Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) is designed for IT teams to monitor, maintain, and support devices and systems from a distance. Its primary goal is to ensure uptime, proactively address issues, and streamline IT management for businesses. Key features include performance monitoring, remote access, automated maintenance, and patch management. RMM is a powerful tool for IT efficiency and proactive problem-solving.
Common uses of RMM and its key applications:
- System Monitoring: Monitor device health, performance, and resource usage in real-time.
- Proactive Maintenance: Automate updates, patches, and fixes to minimize downtime.
- Remote Support: Troubleshoot technical issues on devices without having to be there in person.
- Threat Detection: Identify and address vulnerabilities or security concerns quickly.
- IT Inventory Management: Maintain a comprehensive inventory of all connected devices and software.
- There are differente device management solutions to explore: Learn more about UEM vs EMM vs MDM
Types of RMM software
RMM software is available in many different flavors, each designed to meet the unique needs of different businesses. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, the right RMM solution can help streamline IT management, boost efficiency, and improve security. Understanding the different types of RMM software can help you find a tool that meets your organization's specific needs.
Types of RMM software with examples of use:
- Cloud-Based RMM: Suitable for businesses with remote or distributed teams, allowing IT personnel to monitor devices without being on-site.
- On-Premises RMM: Suitable for organizations with strict data control needs, such as those managing sensitive customer information.
- All-in-One RMM Tools: Suitable for managed service providers (MSPs) that require integrated tools for monitoring, ticketing, and automation.
- Specialized RMM: Suitable for niche industries, such as healthcare, to meet compliance needs like HIPAA or educational systems requiring centralized IT support.
RMM vs MDM: What sets them apart?
Although both RMM and MDM are designed to simplify device management, they serve different purposes. MDM is focused on mobile devices, ensuring their security and compliance, while RMM is focused on the entire IT environment, including servers and desktops, to ensure optimal performance.
Let’s explore their key difference:
Choosing between RMM vs MDM
Selecting the right management software depends on your organization’s goals and the devices you need to manage. Both RMM and MDM offer unique benefits, so understanding your operational needs, device environment, use cases and security priorities is essential for making an informed decision.
Assess organizational needs
Start by evaluating your current IT environment. Consider the types of devices in use, how they access corporate systems, bring your own devices capabilities and the specific operations challenges your IT staff faces. Are mobile devices your primary concern, or do you require a broader oversight of your IT infrastructure?
Learn more about how to set up a device management strategy
Evaluate features needs
Identify the features most critical to your IT operation success. Do you need tools for remote support, performance monitoring, cybersecurity or app management? Ensure the solution aligns with your operational requirements, supports your existing workflows, and offers scalability for future growth.
Consider budget needs
Consider your budget and determine how much you can afford to spend on device management tools. While MDM is often more cost-effective pricing offer, RMM may be worth the investment by providing comprehensive IT infrastructure management. Weigh the cost against the value it brings to your operations.
Vendor Reputation needs
Choose a provider with a strong reputation for reliability and customer support. Research reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge their performance. A reputable vendor should offer robust solutions, consistent updates, and responsive support to effectively meet your organization’s needs.
Learn more about the top 10 MDM solutions
IT Staff Bandwidth
Consider the capacity of your IT staff when deciding between RMM and MDM. If your team is stretched thin, an RMM solution with automation for device enrollment, onboarding/offboarding workflows and remote troubleshooting can reduce their workload but it would cost you more. On the other hand, MDM may be more manageable and budget friendly for smaller teams focusing primarily on mobile devices. Choose a tool that complements your team's ability to implement and maintain a streamline operations.
Conclusion
In today's hybrid workplace, choosing the right device management solution is crucial for maintaining security and productivity. Whether you opt for RMM or MDM depends on your unique needs - from device types and security requirements to team size and budget constraints.
For organizations seeking a simple yet powerful solution to manage their device fleet, Prey offers an intuitive MDM platform that doesn't break the bank. With enterprise-grade security features, real-time tracking, and cross-platform support, Prey helps IT teams protect and manage devices effectively without the complexity of larger systems.
Ready to see how Prey can streamline your device management? Start a 14-day free trial or book a personalized demo to explore our features firsthand.
