MSP Monitoring Apps Overview 2024

In our experience working as documentation specialists to support companies in North America, we see the vital role that alerting and notification software plays in ensuring the smooth functioning of business operations. 

Real-time monitoring applications provide businesses with insights into their systems, helping to detect and resolve issues before they become major problems. In this article, I will provide an overview of IT support companies and their use of performance monitoring applications, their key features, types, and implementation best practices.

Monitoring tools are software tools that enable I.T support companies to monitor and manage the IT systems of their clients. With these apps, companies can remotely monitor and manage networks, servers, workstations, and other devices. Monitoring utilities provide businesses with a range of benefits, including improved system uptime, faster issue resolution, and better security.

Documentation tools are an essential part of managing monitoring utilities due to their complex nature. Documentation provides I.T support companies with a detailed overview of the IT systems they are managing, including network topology, hardware and software inventories, and configuration details. With this information, organizations can quickly diagnose and resolve issues, improving the overall efficiency of their operations.

In the following sections, I will discuss the key features of monitoring utilities, the different types of network monitoring software, and implementation best practices. I will also give an overview of popular IT monitoring app providers and factors to consider when choosing a monitoring app provider. 

TOP TIP: When looking to purchase monitoring software agents (such as Kaseya etc) never settle on the first price given. There is huge competition in this segment now and there are some hungry up and comers who arguably provide a better product than some of the larger RMM Vendors out there.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of system monitoring applications and their importance for businesses in the USA and beyond.

Key Features of IT Monitoring Applications

Performance monitoring applications offer a range of key features that enable I.T support companies to manage and monitor their clients' IT systems effectively. These features include alerting and notifications, performance monitoring, security monitoring, inventory tracking, and reporting and analytics.

Alerting and notifications are critical and enable IT support companies to stay informed about issues as they arise. With these features, support companies can set up alerts and notifications for various events, such as system downtime or security breaches, and receive real-time updates. 

This enables companies to respond quickly to issues and ensure the smooth functioning of their clients' IT systems.

Performance monitoring is another essential feature & small part of the overall umbrella of alerting software. This feature allows I.T support companies to monitor the performance of various IT systems, including servers, workstations, and networks. Support companies can track CPU usage, disk space, memory utilization, and other metrics to detect and resolve issues that could impact system performance.

Security monitoring is also critical for I.T support companies, especially given the increasing number of cyber threats facing businesses today. Monitoring systems offer advanced security features that enable I.T support companies to detect and respond to security breaches quickly. These features include intrusion detection, firewall monitoring, and vulnerability assessments.

Inventory tracking is yet another feature used as part of a monitoring application. With this feature, I.T support companies can maintain an accurate inventory of hardware and software assets, including licenses and warranties. I.T support companies can use this information to manage asset lifecycle, ensure compliance, and optimize software usage.

Finally, reporting and analytics features enable I.T support companies to track and analyze system performance over time. These features allow I.T support companies to generate detailed reports and visualizations that provide insights into IT system health and usage trends. I.T support companies can use this information to make data-driven decisions about IT system management and optimization.

Types of Monitoring Systems

Performance monitoring applications come in various types, including agent-based monitoring, agentless monitoring, and hybrid monitoring.

Agent-based monitoring 

Involves deploying monitoring agents on devices and systems. These agents collect data on system performance and transmit it to the monitoring app for analysis. Agent-based monitoring is suitable for managing systems that are always online and connected to the network.

Agentless monitoring

Does not require agents to be installed on devices and systems. Instead, it relies on protocols such as SNMP and WMI to collect data on system performance. Agentless monitoring is suitable for managing systems that are not always online or connected to the network. Most agent based applications (Kaseya, Connectwise & Atera for example) have an agentless component in the form of SNMP.

Hybrid monitoring 

Combines agent-based and agentless monitoring approaches. With this approach, I.T support companies can leverage the benefits of both types of monitoring to manage a variety of IT systems effectively.

Nearly all applications used by I.T support companies fit into this category. In most cases, workstation agents will be deployed on every desktop and even mobile devices (Agent Based) These agents will report back either directly to the application or in some cases will report back to a server agent on their network segment.

It is common for servers to have a collector installed that collects all of the SNMP traffic from their local network and feed it through to the application (Agentless/Hybrid)

Open Source Real Time Monitoring Applications

TOP TIP: Open source monitoring applications exist and could be a viable option although they do tend to work for either side of the experience spectrum. If you are just starting your own IT services company and lack the cash to invest then open source tools can be a great help. Sometimes it is good to start with a limited set of remote tools so that when the time is right and you can afford commercial grade monitoring software then you will appreciate the benefits they bring. 

Alternatively, at the other end of the scale, you may have dedicated in-house expertise that is able to get the most out of open source solutions.

For the majority of us though, time is money & it is cheaper to purchase off the shelf monitoring management software than it is to hire experts or learn it ourselves.

 

Best Practices for IT Monitoring Applications

When implementing IT application performance management systems, it is important to follow certain best practices to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the system. Here are some tips for implementing and using some of the popular monitoring systems:

SolarWinds RMM

SolarWinds RMM is a comprehensive IT real-time monitoring application that offers a wide range of features for managing IT infrastructure. Here are some best practices for implementing and using this app:

• Set up policies: Establish policies for devices to ensure that they are being monitored correctly and that alerts are being generated in the event of an issue.
• Set up automated tasks: Use the app's automated task feature to save time and reduce errors. This feature allows you to automate routine maintenance tasks, such as disk cleanup or patching.
• Monitor performance: Use the app's performance monitoring feature to track system performance and identify potential issues before they become critical.
• Review reports: Regularly review the reports generated by the app to gain insights into your network's health and identify areas that need attention.

ConnectWise Automate

ConnectWise Automate is another popular real-time monitoring application that offers powerful features for managing IT infrastructure. Here are some best practices for using this app:

• Use the dashboard: The app's dashboard provides a centralized location for monitoring all devices and systems. Use it to quickly identify any issues and take action.
• Set up alerts: Use the app's alerting feature to receive notifications of potential issues, such as system outages or failed backups.
• Automate tasks: Use the app's scripting and automation capabilities to save time and reduce errors. Automate routine tasks, such as software updates or security scans.
• Use remote access: The app's remote access feature allows you to troubleshoot issues and perform maintenance tasks without having to be physically present at the device.

Atera

Atera is a cloud-based IT health monitoring tool that offers a range of features for managing IT infrastructure. Here are some best practices for using this app:

• Set up policies: Use the app's policy feature to apply monitoring and management settings across multiple devices. This can save time and ensure consistency.
• Use the dashboard: The app's dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of your network's health. Use it to quickly identify any issues and take action.
• Set up alerts: Use the app's alerting feature to receive notifications of potential issues, such as system outages or low disk space.
• Review reports: The app's reporting feature provides insights into your network's health and performance. Review these reports regularly to identify areas that need attention.

I.T Services Provider Documentation

Effective documentation is critical to the success of any tech support company when implementing system monitoring applications. Here are some tips for creating and maintaining documentation tools:

• Establish standards: Define documentation standards, such as naming conventions and document structure, to ensure consistency across all documentation.
• Keep it up-to-date: Ensure that documentation is kept up-to-date to reflect any changes in your network infrastructure or network monitoring software implementation.
• Store it centrally: Use a centralized location, such as a document management system, to store and manage all documents. This makes it easy to find and share document tools as needed.

Following these best practices and using effective documentation techniques can help ensure the successful implementation and operation of IT infrastructure monitoring. Our results have shown that taking the time to properly implement and use these apps can lead to improved network performance, increased efficiency, and reduced downtime.

Conclusion

Performance monitoring applications are an important component of managed IT services. Working with U.S organizations, we have seen the benefits that these apps can provide. From real-time monitoring and alerts to automation and centralized management, these tools can help I.T support companies proactively manage their clients' IT environments and prevent downtime.

By evaluating the different infrastructure monitoring applications available, we can see that each has its strengths and weaknesses. While some may excel in certain areas such as remote access or network discovery, others may offer more robust automation capabilities or integrations with third-party tools. It is essential for I.T support companies to carefully consider their needs and goals before selecting a monitoring app to ensure that it aligns with their business model and provides the functionality they require.

TOP TIP: Especially if you have been running a monitoring utility for a while, do not assume anything when changing over to another. There are several features now forgotten due to the passing of time that we had assumed were universal among all remote monitoring tools. We then spent hours attempting to set up this standard feature only to find out it was not so standard.
Now that the market has become a lot more mature, this may not be such an issue but it is worth trialing any replacement if at all possible prior to making a decision.

In my experience, effective implementation and best practices are crucial for maximizing the benefits of real-time monitoring applications. Proper training and effective setup of documentation tools can help ensure that all team members understand how to use the app and leverage its full capabilities. Additionally, regularly reviewing and analyzing performance data can help identify areas for improvement and optimization.

It is important to note the role that documentation tools play in the successful use of alerting and notification software. Clear and concise document tools can help ensure that all team members are on the same page and following best practices when using these tools. It can also serve as a valuable reference for troubleshooting and problem resolution.

Overall, network monitoring software is a powerful tool for I.T support companies looking to provide proactive and efficient IT services to their clients. By carefully evaluating different options, implementing best practices, and leveraging documentation tools, I.T support companies can maximize the benefits of these tools and deliver high-quality IT services to their clients.

While this article has provided a comprehensive overview of performance monitoring applications, there are other network monitoring based articles listed under this one that will delve deeper into specific aspects of the topic. 

These articles will provide more detailed information on the various monitoring software topics relevant to I.T service providers, their features and functionalities, and their implementation and best practices.

As a company that specializes in document strategies for I.T service companies, we understand the importance of keeping up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies in the industry. 

That's why we offer our services to I.T support companies who need help with their documenting tools, including creating policies and procedures, documenting their infrastructure, and providing training manuals for their staff.

If you have any questions about IT monitoring systems or need assistance with your IT support company documentation, feel free to click the "Get In Touch" button to the left and contact us. Our team of experts will be happy to assist you.