What Is Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)?

RMM technology allows for IT and managed service providers to remotely monitor client endpoints and manage PC tasks.1 2

Remote Monitoring and Management Basics:

  • A robust remote monitoring and management (RMM) strategy will boost IT reliability and efficiency for businesses of all sizes.

  • A hardware platform with RMM features can allow IT teams to manage devices out of band, increasing flexibility, saving time, and boosting employee productivity.

  • With devices built on Intel vPro®, IT administrators can securely manage devices outside the corporate firewall via the cloud using Intel® Endpoint Management Assistant (Intel® EMA).

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Intel vPro® Enterprise for Windows OS enables out-of-band remote management via the cloud. IT administrators can see and manage Intel vPro®-based devices, regardless of their location, as long as devices are connected to a known Wi-Fi network or hotspot. This helps increase security, reduce maintenance costs, and provide easy access for troubleshooting systems.

Remote monitoring and management (RMM) is also known as remote IT management. These technologies are designed to help IT administrators and managed service providers (MSPs) remotely monitor PCs and other devices. Remote monitoring includes proactive maintenance to improve overall IT reliability and productivity. With nearly two-thirds (67%) of employees working either fully or partially remotely3, having a remote management strategy is key for organizations of all sizes.

What Is RMM Technology Used For?

RMM is used to aid with enterprise mobility, enabling a wide range of remote IT functions. These include:

  • PC setup and configuration
  • Remote access
  • Remote recovery and backup
  • Patch management
  • Managed antivirus protection
  • Data-breach risk intelligence

Benefits of RMM

Remote management provides a host of benefits to make an IT administrator’s job easier. An effective RMM strategy will enable client devices to be brought into service, maintained, and properly secured, all without ever being physically proximal to IT staff—the definition of enterprise mobility.

Immediate access to devices increases uptime and client satisfaction. IT administrators can also take care of routine maintenance tasks during users’ downtime, keeping interruptions to a minimum. Not needing to spend time in the field with endpoint devices increases IT efficiency and eliminates most travel time. MSPs can benefit from greater efficiency as well with the ability to operate from a central location.

Remote monitoring helps enhance IT security by providing automated checks on devices on a routine schedule. This eliminates the need for users to manage their own security updates.

With the proliferation of PC-based devices that don’t involve a user—for example, digital signage, kiosks, and vending machines—RMM is a valuable way to ensure devices stay up and running. IT administrators can make updates or repairs without having to deploy a service technician.

Hardware-based RMM capabilities, like those available on Intel vPro® Enterprise for Windows OS, go beyond the limitations of software.

Combining RMM Hardware and Software Solutions

You can find RMM software products from a variety of providers. Many include an integrated interface for managing assets across networks. Creating a robust RMM strategy should include evaluating which software can best meet your organization’s needs. Enterprise organizations will be able to take advantage of best-of-breed software, while other businesses may prefer to use a managed service provider (MSP) to recommend an RMM solution based on their needs.

One challenge with software-only RMM strategies is that software can be managed only when the device is powered on. When the operating system (OS) cannot respond, the types of problems that can be fixed remotely are significantly reduced.

Hardware-based RMM capabilities, like those available as part of Intel vPro® Enterprise for Windows OS, can resolve those challenges. RMM hardware takes remote management capabilities beyond the limitations of software.

In particular, out-of-band management allows IT administrators to access a device regardless of its power state. Take, for example, a digital sign mounted in a difficult-to-reach place—like a flight status display in an airport. An IT administrator can remotely power on the digital sign, boot the OS, and repair any issues.

Intel vPro® Enterprise

Intel vPro® Enterprise for Windows OS is a business-class platform for PCs and PC-based devices. It includes integrated, hardware-based features and technologies for performance, manageability, security, and stability. The platform is optimized for managed IT environments, but it can deliver value to businesses of any size.

As one of its key components, Intel vPro® Enterprise offers powerful capabilities for remote monitoring and remote management. These features help reduce device management costs and minimize user distractions, IT support calls, and work interruptions.

Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT)

Available exclusively on Intel vPro® Enterprise for Windows OS, Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT) allows IT administrators to remotely manage and repair PCs even when the device is powered off or the OS is unresponsive. It uses an out-of-band connection that operates independently of the OS and provides persistent connectivity. Administrators can repair corrupted drivers, application software, or the OS for a nonresponsive system.

With remote keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) over IP control, IT administrators can navigate the PC as if they were sitting in front of it. This is especially useful for devices where no user is present.

Cloud-Based Software Console

Intel® Endpoint Management Assistant (Intel® EMA) gives IT administrators secure, cloud-based device management via Intel® AMT. With Intel® EMA, devices can be more securely managed via the cloud even when outside the corporate firewall.

Getting Started

With new PCs powered by Intel vPro® Enterprise for Windows OS, you can save on deskside support, cut PC maintenance, improve user experiences, and reduce downtime with remote manageability of devices, whether on-premises or in the cloud. To get started, look for business laptops and business desktop devices built on Intel vPro® or ask your MSP for device options.

Remote Management with Intel® Active Management Technology

As part of Intel vPro® Enterprise for Windows OS, Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT) offers a suite of remote monitoring and management (RMM) and mobile device management (MDM) technologies. A Forrester Consulting study found that more improved device security and management with Intel vPro® Enterprise for Windows OS can result in cost savings of USD 1.3 million over three years, while automatic remote patch deployment through Intel® AMT can result in risk-adjusted cost savings of USD 81,000 over three years.4

Explore the Intel vPro® platform

Product and Performance Information

1

All versions of the Intel vPro® platform require an eligible Intel processor, a supported operating system, Intel® LAN and/or WLAN silicon, firmware enhancements, and other hardware and software necessary to deliver the manageability use cases, security features, system performance, and stability that define the platform. See intel.com/performance-vpro for details.

2

Performance varies by use, configuration and other factors. Learn more at www.Intel.com/PerformanceIndex. No product or component can be absolutely secure. Your costs and results may vary. Intel technologies may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. Intel does not control or audit third-party data. You should consult other sources to evaluate accuracy. © Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

3Gallup Poll, October 2021 https://news.gallup.com/poll/355907/remote-work-persisting-trending-permanent.aspx.
4

The Total Economic Impact™ of the Intel vPro® platform, a study commissioned by Intel and conducted by Forrester Consulting (December 2018). Savings that other organizations will receive will vary based on a variety of factors, including size and baseline level of security, manageability, and productivity before the business switched to the Intel vPro® platform. Consult other sources and use information specific to your organization to determine benefits for your organization. Read the full study at intel.com/vProPlatformTEI. Your costs and results may vary.