From servers to smartphones, schools and businesses depend on scores of devices. Managing this technology landscape can become complex quickly without the right tools. This is where RMM and MDM software come in handy!
But what’s the difference between RMM and MDM? When should you use one over the other? This article explains both technologies and provides tips on selecting the best solution for your environment.
Table of Contents
The abbreviation “RMM” stands for remote monitoring and management. The name suggests that RMM tools allow for the central supervision of devices from afar.
To be sure, you can see RMM as a command center that manages servers, desktop computers, on-premise infrastructure, networking equipment etc. RMM software enables:
For example, the RMM dashboard may alert if a classroom computer lacks a critical Windows update. Your IT team can then quickly push out the patch remotely without needing to go to the machine.
So in short, RMM focuses on tracking and securing large static devices like servers and desktops.
MDM expands to “mobile device management.” MDM solutions help organizations control and secure smartphones, tablets, laptops, mobile endpoints and newer device types like wearables.
Typical MDM capabilities include:
For example, your IT department can quickly deploy a new classroom app to all student iPads using the MDM. If a device is lost, they can remotely wipe school-related data while preserving personal content.
So in short, MDM is designed explicitly for managing mobile, portable endpoints.
The core difference between RMM and MDM comes down to the device types they handle:
Here is a chart summarizing the core device targets:
RMM Target Devices | MDM Target Devices |
Servers | Smartphones |
Desktop computers | Tablets |
Networking hardware | Laptops |
On-premise infrastructure | Wearables |
While RMM and MDM share some common functionality like remote access, monitoring and administration features, they have some unique capabilities:
RMM Key Features
MDM Key Features
So which solution should you implement for optimal device management? Here are some guidelines:
Pick RMM software if:
Pick MDM software if:
For many large schools and enterprises, using both RMM and MDM together provides the best of both worlds. RMM handles backend infrastructure uptime while MDM secures access from anywhere on mobile devices.
Combining them offers full visibility into the complete technology stack from server racks to tablets and everything in between!
RMM and MDM solve overlapping but distinct device management challenges that organizations face today. RMM streamlines monitoring and administration for on-premise infrastructure. MDM enables securing a dispersed mobile workforce.
Using these solutions together provides centralized visibility and control across the entire technology environment. With robust automation and security spanning servers to smartphones, your IT team can achieve peak efficiency.
Empower your technology stack from edge to core with the combined power of RMM and MDM solutions! Reach out if you need any help assessing your management requirements.
Most RMM platforms focus on servers, desktops and on-premise hardware. For robust mobile device management, a dedicated MDM solution is recommended.
No, MDM is designed explicitly for managing mobile endpoints. For servers, networks and other infrastructure, a full-featured RMM tool is more appropriate.
Leading unified endpoint management platforms provide tight RMM and MDM integration out-of-the-box. This makes managing both infrastructure and mobile transparent.
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