Last updated: April 2026
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Quick Answer
- ConnectWise, founded in 1982, has received 25 awards in 2024 for its RMM product, including the 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 Gala Award in the 'Preferred vendor' category.
- ConnectWise RMM offers three plans: Essential, Pro, and Premium, with the Essential plan suitable for most small and medium-sized businesses.
- Kaseya VSA is another established RMM solution, with customer reviews available from 2026.
- Both platforms aim to help IT professionals automate tasks and provide consolidated data reporting.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) often look for robust Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) and Professional Services Automation (PSA) solutions. While the market offers many choices, ConnectWise and Kaseya stand out as established players. ConnectWise, for example, was founded in 1982, making it one of the most experienced companies in the industry. Its RMM product recently won the 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 Gala Award in the 'Preferred vendor' category, alongside 25 other awards in 2024 across various categories. These awards highlight its reputation and effectiveness in the IT professional space. Both ConnectWise RMM and Kaseya VSA provide essential tools for IT teams to automate tasks, monitor systems, and manage alerts, helping consolidate diverse data into meaningful reports.
What is ConnectWise RMM?
ConnectWise RMM is a comprehensive solution designed to help IT teams automate various tasks and manage their operations efficiently. It offers services like scripting and Network Operations Center (NOC) support to streamline IT processes. The platform provides a cross-platform dashboard that collects diverse data points and unifies them into understandable reports. This allows IT professionals to gain insights quickly. Intelligent monitoring and alert management are core features, making ConnectWise RMM a strong choice for a well-rounded RMM solution.
ConnectWise has a long history in the IT industry. The company was founded in 1982, establishing it as one of the most experienced players in the market today. Over the years, ConnectWise has continuously improved its products to assist IT professionals globally. Its RMM product recently earned the 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 Gala Award in the ‘Preferred vendor’ category. This is not its only recognition; ConnectWise also secured 25 other awards in 2024 across different categories, showcasing its reliability and widespread effectiveness.
Core Capabilities of ConnectWise RMM
ConnectWise RMM is built to automate and simplify IT management. One of its key strengths is its ability to handle automated patch management. This ensures that operating systems and third-party applications are kept up-to-date, reducing security vulnerabilities and improving system stability. The platform also incorporates AI scripting, which further enhances automation capabilities, allowing IT teams to set up complex routines and workflows with less manual effort.
For monitoring, ConnectWise RMM offers intelligent monitoring features that keep an eye on various system parameters. When issues arise, its alert management system notifies IT staff promptly, enabling quick responses to potential problems. Integrated remote access and reporting software are also part of the package, providing tools for remote troubleshooting and detailed performance analysis. These features contribute to a unified user experience, especially when using multiple ConnectWise products, thanks to its informative dashboards and consistent user interfaces.
Security and Support
ConnectWise RMM is known for its excellent security policies. This focus on security helps protect sensitive IT environments and data managed by MSPs. The platform’s comprehensive approach to security is a critical factor for businesses relying on external IT support.
However, it is important to note some limitations regarding customer support. On the entry-level plan, ConnectWise does not offer customer support on weekends. This could be a consideration for MSPs that require round-the-clock assistance for critical issues. While the on-demand pricing structure provides flexibility, it is not customizable, which might impact budget planning for some organizations. Despite these points, its overall value for money, especially with its extensive feature set, makes it a sought-after RMM solution.
ConnectWise RMM offers excellent value for money for teams of all sizes. From automated patch management to AI scripting, there’s a lot you can do with ConnectWise. Plus, its informative dashboards, coupled with unified UIs, make it an easy-to-navigate tool, even if you use multiple ConnectWise products. This ease of use, combined with powerful automation, makes it a robust option for managing IT infrastructure.
How do ConnectWise RMM Plans and Pricing Work?
ConnectWise RMM structures its offerings into three distinct plans: Essential, Pro, and Premium. These plans are designed to cater to a range of business sizes and operational needs, from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and MSPs to larger enterprises requiring more advanced functionalities. Understanding the features included in each plan is crucial for selecting the right fit for an organization’s specific requirements.
The Essential plan serves as the entry-level option. It includes a foundational set of features that are sufficient for many small and medium-sized businesses and MSPs. This plan provides automated OS and third-party patching, which is vital for maintaining system security and stability. It also incorporates AI scripting, enabling automation of routine tasks and workflows. Intelligent monitoring is another key component, offering continuous oversight of IT environments. Additionally, the Essential plan supports several third-party integrations, allowing it to connect with other essential tools in an MSP’s tech stack. For many organizations, the features provided in this plan offer a solid foundation for effective remote monitoring and management.
Upgrading to the Pro plan unlocks additional capabilities that enhance monitoring and management. Businesses that require more in-depth oversight will find value in the advanced intelligent monitoring features available with the Pro plan. This includes more sophisticated analytics and deeper insights into system performance. Network monitoring is also added, providing comprehensive visibility into network health and traffic. Furthermore, the Pro plan introduces backup monitoring, which is critical for ensuring data integrity and quick recovery in case of system failures. These added features make the Pro plan suitable for businesses with more complex IT environments or those seeking a higher level of oversight and data protection.
While the research mentions a Premium plan, specific details about its features are not provided. However, it is logical to assume that the Premium plan builds upon the Pro plan, offering the most comprehensive set of features and services for organizations with the most demanding IT management needs. The pricing for ConnectWise RMM is described as on-demand, which means costs are likely based on usage or the number of endpoints managed. However, the research also notes that this on-demand pricing isn’t customizable, which could be a factor for businesses looking for highly tailored pricing models. This fixed structure might mean less flexibility for negotiating specific terms, but it often provides clear, predictable costs based on the chosen plan and scale of deployment.
ConnectWise provides excellent value for money across its plans, catering to teams of all sizes. Its comprehensive feature set, from automated patch management to AI scripting, makes it a powerful tool for MSPs. The informative dashboards and unified user interfaces further simplify navigation, even when multiple ConnectWise products are in use. This consistent user experience helps reduce the learning curve and improve operational efficiency for IT professionals. For those considering ConnectWise Automate, customer reviews are available from 2026, offering insights into its performance and user satisfaction. ConnectWise Automate Customer Reviews 2026 can provide further context for decision-makers.
What are the core features of ConnectWise RMM?
ConnectWise RMM is packed with features designed to help IT teams automate tasks, monitor systems, and manage their environments efficiently. At its heart, the solution focuses on streamlining operations and providing clear insights into IT infrastructure. These core features contribute to its reputation as a well-rounded and effective RMM tool for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and internal IT departments alike.
One of the most significant features is automated patch management. This capability ensures that operating systems and third-party applications are automatically updated to their latest versions. Keeping software current is crucial for security, as patches often address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. It also helps maintain system stability and performance, reducing the likelihood of compatibility issues or software bugs. By automating this process, IT staff can save considerable time and effort that would otherwise be spent manually applying updates across numerous endpoints. This automation is a cornerstone of efficient IT operations, especially for managing a large number of client devices.
Another powerful feature is AI scripting. This allows IT professionals to create and deploy automated scripts that perform various tasks without manual intervention. AI scripting can be used for routine maintenance, troubleshooting common issues, deploying software, or configuring system settings. The intelligence behind these scripts can adapt to different scenarios, making automation more robust and reliable. This capability significantly reduces the workload on IT staff, freeing them up to focus on more complex strategic initiatives rather than repetitive operational tasks. The ability to automate through scripting is a hallmark of modern RMM solutions, and ConnectWise RMM leverages it effectively to enhance productivity.
ConnectWise RMM also features informative dashboards and unified user interfaces (UIs). These dashboards consolidate diverse data from various monitored systems into a single, easy-to-understand view. This allows IT teams to quickly assess the health and performance of their entire IT environment. The unified UIs are particularly beneficial for users who utilize multiple ConnectWise products. A consistent interface across different tools reduces the learning curve and improves overall usability. This means that even if an MSP uses ConnectWise RMM alongside other ConnectWise solutions, the navigation and user experience remain familiar, making it easier to manage different aspects of their IT services from a single ecosystem. This integration and consistent design are crucial for operational efficiency.
Beyond these technical capabilities, ConnectWise RMM also offers dedicated NOC services. A Network Operations Center (NOC) provides continuous monitoring and management of IT infrastructure. These services can include proactive issue detection, alert handling, and resolution, often on a 24/7 basis. Having dedicated NOC services means that an MSP or IT department can offload some of the constant monitoring responsibilities to ConnectWise, ensuring that critical alerts are addressed promptly, even outside of normal business hours. This adds an extra layer of support and reliability, which is particularly valuable for businesses where uptime and continuous service are paramount.
The combination of automated patch management, AI scripting, intuitive dashboards, and dedicated NOC services makes ConnectWise RMM a comprehensive solution. It is designed to help IT teams operate more efficiently, reduce manual workloads, and maintain a high level of service availability and security for their clients. The strong set of features makes ConnectWise RMM a sought-after tool, providing excellent value for money for teams of all sizes. TechRadar's review highlights that it is "undoubtedly a good choice if you’re looking for a well-rounded RMM solution," noting its dedicated NOC services and award-winning software. ConnectWise RMM review on TechRadar further explains these benefits.
What about ConnectWise Automate?
ConnectWise Automate is another significant product within the ConnectWise suite, specifically designed for remote monitoring and management (RMM). While ConnectWise RMM is a newer offering that integrates various functionalities, ConnectWise Automate has a longer history as a robust RMM platform. It focuses heavily on automation, enabling IT service providers to manage and monitor client systems with minimal human intervention. This includes tasks such as deploying software, running scripts, monitoring system health, and managing security updates across a wide array of endpoints.
The primary purpose of ConnectWise Automate is to enhance operational efficiency for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and internal IT departments. It provides tools to discover and manage devices on a network, automate routine maintenance tasks, and proactively address potential issues before they escalate. For instance, it can automatically detect and resolve common problems, apply necessary patches, and ensure that systems are compliant with security policies. This level of automation is crucial for MSPs handling a large number of clients and endpoints, as it allows them to scale their services without a proportional increase in manual labor. The platform is known for its deep scripting capabilities, which allow for highly customized automation workflows tailored to specific client needs or recurring IT challenges.
ConnectWise Automate integrates with other ConnectWise products, such as ConnectWise Manage (for Professional Services Automation, or PSA) and ConnectWise Control (for remote access). This integration creates a more unified ecosystem, allowing data to flow seamlessly between different tools. For example, an alert generated in Automate can automatically create a service ticket in Manage, streamlining the entire service delivery process from detection to resolution. This interconnectedness is a key advantage, providing a single pane of glass for managing various aspects of an IT service business. The ability to connect these different functions helps MSPs improve their response times, enhance customer satisfaction, and optimize their internal processes.
While the research provides less detail on specific features of Automate compared to ConnectWise RMM, it emphasizes its role in remote monitoring and management. Users looking for detailed feedback on its performance and capabilities can refer to customer reviews. Customer reviews for ConnectWise Automate are available from 2026, offering insights into user experiences, pros, and cons from those who have actively used the software. These reviews can provide valuable perspectives on its usability, effectiveness, and how it performs in real-world scenarios. For those interested in comparing the two, understanding the distinction between ConnectWise RMM and Automate is important; RMM is often presented as a more modern, unified approach, while Automate is the established, powerful automation engine.
The continuous evolution of ConnectWise's product line, including both RMM and Automate, reflects its commitment to supporting IT professionals. The company's long history, dating back to 1982, and its numerous awards in 2024, including the Channel Futures MSP 501 Gala Award, underscore its reliability and effectiveness in the industry. These accolades speak volumes about the reputation and continuous improvement of ConnectWise's offerings, including its RMM and automation tools.
What is Kaseya VSA?
Kaseya VSA is a prominent Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) solution widely used by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and internal IT departments. VSA, which stands for Virtual System Administrator, provides a comprehensive set of tools designed to manage and monitor IT endpoints remotely. Its core purpose is to automate IT tasks, streamline operations, and ensure the health and security of client systems from a centralized console. This makes it an essential tool for organizations that need to efficiently manage a distributed IT infrastructure.
The primary functionalities of Kaseya VSA include remote control, patch management, software deployment, and monitoring. With remote control capabilities, IT professionals can securely access and troubleshoot client devices from any location, resolving issues quickly without needing to be physically present. This is crucial for providing rapid support and minimizing downtime. Patch management within Kaseya VSA automates the process of identifying, downloading, and applying operating system and third-party application updates. This ensures that all managed endpoints are kept secure and up-to-date, protecting against known vulnerabilities and maintaining compliance standards.
Software deployment is another key strength of Kaseya VSA. It allows IT teams to efficiently deploy new applications or updates across multiple endpoints simultaneously. This feature is particularly valuable for onboarding new clients, rolling out new software to an entire organization, or ensuring that all users have the necessary tools to perform their work. The automation of software deployment reduces manual effort and ensures consistency across the IT environment. Furthermore, Kaseya VSA offers robust monitoring capabilities, enabling IT staff to track the performance and status of servers, workstations, and other network devices. It can detect issues proactively, generate alerts, and provide detailed reports on system health and resource utilization.
Kaseya VSA also integrates with other Kaseya products, forming a broader IT management ecosystem. This includes integration with IT Complete, Kaseya's suite of IT management solutions, which can encompass areas like backup and disaster recovery, security, and professional services automation (PSA). This integration allows for a more unified approach to IT management, where different functions can communicate and share data, improving overall operational efficiency and reducing the complexity of managing disparate tools. For example, alerts from VSA can trigger actions in a PSA system, streamlining incident management from detection to resolution.
For organizations considering Kaseya VSA, customer reviews are a valuable resource. Customer reviews for Kaseya VSA are available from 2026, providing insights into the experiences of actual users. These reviews often detail the software's strengths, weaknesses, ease of use, and customer support, helping prospective buyers make informed decisions. Such feedback is crucial for understanding how the product performs in real-world scenarios and whether it aligns with specific business needs. Research.com also provides a comprehensive review of Kaseya VSA for 2026, covering its pricing, features, pros, cons, and ratings. Kaseya VSA Review 2026 on Research.com is a useful resource for detailed information.
Kaseya VSA’s focus on automation, remote management, and comprehensive monitoring positions it as a strong contender in the RMM market. Its capabilities help MSPs and IT departments deliver efficient and reliable IT services, ensuring that client systems are secure, up-to-date, and performing optimally.
How do ConnectWise and Kaseya compare in the market?
ConnectWise and Kaseya stand as two of the most prominent and established players in the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) and Professional Services Automation (PSA) markets. Both companies offer comprehensive suites of tools designed to help Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and internal IT departments efficiently manage and monitor their IT environments. While they share the common goal of streamlining IT operations, they each bring distinct histories, product philosophies, and market approaches.
ConnectWise has a long and storied history in the IT industry, having been founded in 1982. This makes it one of the most experienced players in the market. Over the decades, ConnectWise has continually evolved its product offerings, introducing and improving solutions that serve IT professionals worldwide. Its longevity speaks to its adaptability and consistent ability to meet the changing demands of the IT service landscape. ConnectWise’s RMM product, for example, has garnered significant recognition, including the 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 Gala Award in the ‘Preferred vendor’ category. This award, along with 25 other awards in 2024 across various categories, underscores ConnectWise’s strong reputation, reliability, and effectiveness within the industry. These accolades highlight its commitment to providing high-quality, impactful solutions for its users.
Kaseya, while also a long-standing and significant player, has grown substantially through strategic acquisitions, building a broad portfolio of IT management solutions. Kaseya VSA is its flagship RMM product, known for its robust capabilities in remote control, patch management, and automation. Both ConnectWise and Kaseya offer powerful RMM solutions that aim to help IT professionals automate tasks through scripting, provide intelligent monitoring and alert management, and consolidate diverse data into meaningful reports. They both emphasize the importance of automated patch management and efficient remote access to ensure system health and security.
In terms of product offerings, ConnectWise provides solutions like ConnectWise RMM and ConnectWise Automate for monitoring and management, alongside other products for PSA (ConnectWise Manage), remote control (ConnectWise Control), and cybersecurity. Kaseya offers VSA for RMM, alongside a suite of products under its IT Complete platform, which includes solutions for backup, security, PSA, and compliance. Both companies aim to provide a unified platform where MSPs can manage various aspects of their business from a single vendor, often through integrations between their different tools.
When considering market presence, both companies have extensive customer bases and strong brand recognition within the MSP community. ConnectWise’s long history and consistent innovation have built a loyal following. Its focus on unified UIs and integrated dashboards, even across multiple products, aims to simplify the user experience and enhance operational efficiency. Kaseya, through its comprehensive IT Complete vision, also strives to offer an all-encompassing solution that addresses nearly every aspect of an MSP's operational needs.
Customer feedback plays a critical role in how these companies are perceived. While the research highlights ConnectWise RMM’s recent awards and its strong value for money for teams of all sizes, it also notes that entry-level plans might lack weekend customer support and that pricing isn't customizable. For Kaseya VSA, customer reviews are available from 2026, offering insights into user experiences. Reviews and comparative analyses, such as those found on Gartner Peer Insights, often provide detailed comparisons of features, ease of use, support, and overall value. For instance, Gartner Peer Insights provides comparisons like Kaseya vs. Persistent 2026, which can offer perspectives on Kaseya’s standing relative to other vendors in the endpoint management tools market. Kaseya vs Persistent 2026 | Gartner Peer Insights is a useful resource for this type of comparison.
Ultimately, both ConnectWise and Kaseya are formidable contenders, each with strengths that appeal to different segments of the MSP and IT professional market. Their continuous development and comprehensive offerings underscore their commitment to supporting IT professionals in managing and monitoring systems efficiently. If you're picking a full operating stack rather than just a PSA, our Best MSP Stack 2026: ConnectWise vs Datto vs N-able Reviewed walks through how these vendors line up on RMM, PSA, and backup together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between ConnectWise RMM and ConnectWise Automate?
ConnectWise Automate is an established, powerful remote monitoring and management platform known for its deep automation capabilities and scripting. ConnectWise RMM is a newer, more integrated offering designed to provide a well-rounded RMM solution with features like automated OS and third-party patching, AI scripting, and intelligent monitoring. While both serve RMM functions, ConnectWise RMM often represents a more modern, unified approach within the ConnectWise ecosystem, with Automate being the robust engine for complex automation.
Does ConnectWise RMM offer good value for money?
Yes, ConnectWise RMM offers excellent value for money for teams of all sizes. It provides a comprehensive set of features, including automated patch management and AI scripting, which significantly enhance efficiency. Its informative dashboards and unified user interfaces make the tool easy to navigate, even when using multiple ConnectWise products. The value is further supported by the fact that ConnectWise RMM won the 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 Gala Award in the 'Preferred vendor' category.
What kind of customer support does ConnectWise RMM provide?
ConnectWise RMM offers dedicated NOC (Network Operations Center) services and generally has excellent security policies. However, it is important to note that on the entry-level Essential plan, customer support is not available on weekends. This might be a consideration for businesses requiring 24/7 support for critical issues. For higher-tier plans, support options likely expand, but specific details are not provided in the entry-level plan description.
What are the pricing plans available for ConnectWise RMM?
ConnectWise RMM offers three distinct pricing plans: Essential, Pro, and Premium. The Essential plan is designed for most small and medium-sized businesses and MSPs, providing core features like automated patching and intelligent monitoring. The Pro plan adds advanced features such as network monitoring and backup monitoring. While pricing is on-demand, it is noted that it is not customizable, meaning there may be less flexibility in tailoring costs to specific, unique needs.
How does ConnectWise RMM handle security?
ConnectWise RMM implements excellent security policies as a core part of its offering. This commitment to security helps protect the IT environments managed by MSPs and internal IT teams. The platform's features like automated OS and third-party patching are crucial for maintaining system security by addressing vulnerabilities promptly. These measures are designed to safeguard sensitive data and infrastructure from potential threats.
Sources
- https://www.techradar.com/pro/connectwise-rmm-review
- https://hr.mcleanco.com/software-reviews/products/connectwise-automate?c_id=269
- https://research.com/software/reviews/kaseya-vsa
- https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/endpoint-management-tools/compare/kaseya-vs-persistent
Related Reading
- ConnectWise vs Kaseya RMM Comparison
- ConnectWise Automate RMM Review
- Datto Autotask vs ConnectWise Manage
- Kaseya VSA Review 2026
- Atera RMM Review
— The MSP Directory Team