Remote monitoring and management (RMM) software allows IT teams to remotely oversee, control, and maintain systems, networks, and devices to ensure continuous performance and security. By eliminating the need for on-site access, RMM tools provide centralized visibility and control, enabling IT professionals to manage distributed environments efficiently.
This type of software is widely used by internal IT departments and managed service providers (MSP), particularly in organizations with remote employees or multiple office locations. Its ability to monitor a broad array of endpoints from a single dashboard makes it a vital solution for supporting dispersed IT infrastructures.
RMM software supports key strategic objectives such as improving operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and addressing issues proactively. Real-time alerts and automated remediation capabilities allow IT teams to act before problems escalate, contributing to business continuity and scalability. RMM helps maintain consistent performance without constant manual intervention.
Often, RMM platforms integrate directly with  help desk software and service desk software. This kind of integration allows performance data, alerts, and asset details to automatically feed into ticketing tools, helping IT teams respond to issues faster and more accurately.While help desks are focused on supporting users and resolving issues, RMM tools work in the background, constantly monitoring systems and handling routine maintenance. When paired together, they form a well-rounded IT operations setup. RMM tools often catch and even fix problems before anyone notices them, while the help desk handles communication and tracks the progress of each issue. The result is a more responsive, proactive, and data-driven approach to IT service management.
To qualify for inclusion in the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) category, a product must:
 
Monitor IT assets such as endpoints, servers, mobile devices, and applications
Provide basic network visibility, such as endpoint connectivity and uptime checks
Discover and track IT-related issues through automated alerting and thresholds
Provide secure remote access and control of endpoints, allowing administrators to perform diagnostics, maintenance, and user support tasks without physical presence
Support the automation of recurring IT maintenance tasks, such as deploying scripts, managing services, or executing batch operations, across multiple endpoints
Support patch management for OS and application updates
Provide asset inventory and configuration management
Generate real-time alerts and notifications
Offer centralized dashboards and reporting tools