Are you wondering if ConnectWise RMM is right for your business? This article will cover key business-focused pros and cons related to CW RMM, including a detailed ConnectWise RMM vs automate comparison. This article may help you navigate this decision for such a critical business tool for managed service providers (MSPs).
The Difference Between CW RMM and Automate
ConnectWise currently supports these two RMM products that, at their core, perform the same functions but have largely different approaches. The key difference between the two products seems to be that CW RMM has more of the ‘done for you’ approach compared to ConnectWise Automate’s ‘customize anything’ approach.
ConnectWise RMM Pros
ConnectWise RMM is a powerful tool for MSPs looking to streamline their operations and scale quickly. Below are some of its key benefits:
NOC integration built in
One of the biggest advantages of ConnectWise RMM is its integrated Network Operations Center (NOC). The NOC provides remote monitoring and management services, reducing the need for MSPs to hire additional Level 1 and Level 2 technicians. This feature can significantly help MSPs struggling to retain skilled technicians, as they can rely on the NOC to handle non-client-facing tasks and routine maintenance.
Process oriented “done for you” automation
ConnectWise RMM is designed to automate key processes with minimal manual intervention. This makes the platform easy to scale, as it handles routine tasks and maintenance without needing extensive customization. The reliability of the built-in automation, powered by the NOC, ensures consistency across client environments, allowing you to focus on strategic growth rather than micromanaging daily tasks.
Ease of use and scalability
ConnectWise RMM is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for MSPs to set up and manage their clients’ infrastructure. The simplified interface means your team can get up to speed quickly without needing deep technical expertise. Additionally, the platform is highly scalable, allowing you to expand your business without complexity. As you add more clients, devices, and monitoring tiers, ConnectWise RMM grows with you, helping you manage everything from a single dashboard with minimal additional effort.
ConnectWise RMM Cons
While ConnectWise RMM (CW RMM) offers significant advantages, particularly for MSPs looking for a streamlined and scalable solution, there are some drawbacks that you should consider. Here are some of the main challenges:
Limited Customization Options
The negatives of a very process-oriented approach are that it’s not very customizable. ConnectWise has been working diligently to add more features to CW RMM that will allow for more customization but that takes them further away from their ‘done for you’ plan for the product. If you find this a challenge ConnectWise Consulting can help with optimizing the platform to your needs.
Limited Access to data and Reporting
If your MSP wants access to data for auditing, you may find yourself disappointed with the reporting capabilities. While it offers basic reporting capabilities, the platform’s data insights are not as deep or comprehensive as those found in other RMM tools, such as ConnectWise Automate. You might find it difficult to generate granular reports or access detailed metrics on client environments, which could be a barrier for MSPs looking to optimize performance or deliver highly detailed reports to clients.
Lack of training materials
Right now, if you would like to train your team on the product there is very little training material provided by ConnectWise. CW RMM is easier to use than some other RMMs, but if you want to do any customization you might be on your own for a while. The documentation that does exist can be a bit frustrating because CW RMM is just a different version of ConnectWise Command, which is just a different version of Continuum. We find that the documentation can be quite confusing and doesn’t always line up.
Costly as you scale
While ConnectWise RMM is relatively affordable for smaller operations, the costs can quickly add up as your MSP scales. As you add more devices, clients, or monitoring tiers, the costs associated with CW RMM can increase significantly. There are different monitoring tiers for the environment which will directly impact the cost right up front. Adding on the NOC services per site can also get expensive. These costs can be recouped from partners, but with how price-conscious SMBs tend to be this could price you out of your market.
Is CW RMM right for me?
As we wrap up this ConnectWise RMM vs Automate comparison, it’s clear that while both tools offer unique advantages, the right choice will depend on your business needs. If you’re an MSP that needs to scale up fast, does not need a lot of customization, and prefers that done-for-you approach then CW RMM might be right for you. If you’re an MSP that requires a lot of customization, wants access to their data, or prefers to build and enhance their internal resources, then CW RMM may not be right for you. Keep an eye on ProVal’s blog and YouTube channel for new content related to CW RMM so you can see for yourself if CW RMM is the right tool for your business.
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