Datto is the world’s leading provider of cloud-based software and security solutions. It has a customer base of around 17000 MSPs globally. Almost 2 months ago, there was news of Kaseya acquiring Datto for a whopping $6.2 billion which left some grumpy faces in the MSP Community.  

The company was previously known as Autotask. Its RMM Platform is Datto RMM whereas the PSA Tool is still named Autotask. You can use Datto RMM and its physical products for remote monitoring and management, business continuity, disaster recovery, and increased efficiency.  But, all that aside, why should you use Datto RMM?

Why use Datto RMM? 

Datto RMM is a remote monitoring and management tool which provides a variety of features within it such as Antivirus Integration and Management, Asset and Device Management, Backup Management, Patch Management, Customizable Alerting, Configuration, Customer Support, User Management, SLA adherence tracking etc. 

What is a PSA solution? How does the PSA Tool from Datto stand out? 

PSA Tools or Platforms are the ones that help centralize steps and procedures that streamline the entire process of business management. It’s a one-stop shop that gives an overview of the platform that centralizes operations too.

When compared to its counterparts, there are some features that Autotask contains that others don’t. An extensive list of features like Billing, Contract Management, Customer Auto-Communication, Customer Configuration Sync, Customer Self-Help tools within the PSA, the option to differentiate external tickets from the internal tickets, Single Sign-On, Workflow generation, Ticket Prioritization and much more. 

Datto RMM PSA Integration 

Seamless integration can take place between both the RMM and PSA tools of Datto since their parent company is the same. 

How important is it for an RMM and a PSA Tool to integrate well? 

Just imagine, would an Apple device integrate as seamlessly with a Windows Device as an iOS device? No right? But when it comes to integrating it or pairing it with another Apple device or a Mac, it’ll be seamless. 

The same goes for an RMM-PSA combination. It is much easier to integrate two tools/software from the same vendor than tools from different vendors.  

This is an advantage when it comes to Datto as the same vendor has an RMM Tool and a PSA Tool as well.  

The RMM and the PSA both play an important role in helping run the MSP business with efficiency. If both the tools are integrated well, they can provide real-time data and alerts. This can help in triaging the tickets faster and provide a quick resolution to issues. When the integration has proved to be seamless, you’ll notice that not only does employee productivity increase but problems get resolved quickly too. 

There’s a unique feature of Datto RMM is its BCDR Tool –  

BCDR and the importance of a Business Continuity Plan 

Aren’t we all familiar with the term – Prevention is better than cure? 

Datto RMM has a BCDR in place called Datto SIRIS. BCDR stands for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. Datto SIRIS is a BCDR solution which keeps a backup of your data at all times locally and also a copy on the cloud. It is a tool which aids in Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. 

Cyberthreats and attacks are inevitable. New and innovative methods of hacking, attacking and cyber threats will keep emerging. You and your customers are well aware of it but that also instils a fear factor since your data could be at risk and can be misused or you can lose access to it. One way that you can assure your customers that “all has been taken care of” is by having a Business Continuity Plan in place. 

What is a Business Continuity Plan and why have one? 

Business Continuity is nothing but ensuring that even during times of such instances, you have backups at all times and there’ll be minimum downtime in getting things back to normal. In short, the negative impact will be minimal during unplanned events.

Companies usually have a disaster recovery plan in place but do they have a Business Continuity Plan in place? 

The disaster Recovery Plan has data restoration procedures in place.

Whereas a Business Continuity Plan takes into account and has a plan of action for every aspect which may get affected such as resources, operations, assets, time etc. What all these aspects should do in case of an emergency which could hamper business continuity. Contact details of key engineers, their substitutes, whom to contact in case of emergencies etc. 

A well-thought-out Business Continuity Plan aids a company’s ability to resume operations with minimal disruption. If you’re in the MSP business, ensuring minimum damage and downtime for your clients during unanticipated events can dramatically raise the standard in their minds. When your stakeholders can clearly see how well you handled the setback, your reputation is only bound to enhance. 

Verdict: 

Most RMMs have similar functionalities. So the tool that you chose should rely on various other factors that go hand-in-hand with your needs and requirements. Go for Datto if you are aiming at BCDR and are looking forward to having a seamless RMM PSA Integration. But now that Datto will soon fall under the umbrella of Kaseya, the MSP Community doesn’t appear to be thrilled. 

An acquisition should not only prove beneficial for the two parties but for its customers as well. As far as BCDR goes, we think Datto’s SIRIS helps in successfully implementing it. 

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