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What is RMM software?

In this article, we will thoroughly address RMM Software (Remote Monitoring and Management Software) and its essential role for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). We will explain the core functions of RMM, from remote monitoring to efficient management of client devices, highlighting its key advantages such as reducing labor costs and improving productivity. We will analyze the strategic integration of RMM and PSA (Professional Services Automation) to empower MSP workflows and offer a vision of the future, supported by promising statistics. We conclude by highlighting the continued importance of RMM in the technology landscape and encouraging MSPs to consider its implementation to optimize efficiency and success in the delivery of managed services.

Content:

What is RMM software?

In the past, all businesses, regardless of size, used on-premise IT infrastructures. When a problem arose, they contacted their service provider and a technical team went to the offices to solve it. However, the landscape changed completely with the development of Cloud technology. The possibility of accessing data and computing resources from anywhere was gradually reducing the dependence on centralized IT infrastructures. The definitive leap occurred with the arrival of remote work and hybrid work. Organizations that go for a flexible working framework have their systems distributed in widely diverse locations, often outside the traditional corporate network.

On the other hand, each department within the company has specific technological needs that are quickly adapting to market changes. Managing all these applications manually would be very complex, expensive and could lead to human errors that put security at risk.

It is clear that to address these challenges new tools had to emerge such as the RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) software that allows companies to maintain effective control of all their IT assets, even in distributed environments.

How does RMM software contribute to the digital transformation of companies?

As we just mentioned, RMM software has become a key piece to ensure the transition to decentralized and dynamic infrastructure environments, without neglecting the essential aspects.

Thanks to this technology, IT professionals can remotely monitor and manage a company’s entire infrastructure monitor the performance of IoT devices connected to the network in real time, identify possible threats or anomalous activities and apply corrective measures.

Although remote management tools emerged in the 1990s, they initially had limited features and were difficult to implement.

The first RMMs offered basic supervision and were installed on each computer individually. The central system then analyzed the data and created reports or alerts on critical events.

Instead, today’s RMM software takes a more holistic approach and enables unified and comprehensive management of the company’s technology infrastructure by retrieving information from the whole IT environment rather than from each device in isolation. In addition, it supports on-premise and cloud installations.

Finally, another key contribution of RMM tools for digitization is to switch from a reactive maintenance model to a preventive maintenance model. Remote access solutions allow technical teams to proactively monitor software processes, operating systems, and network threads, and address potential issues before they become critical situations.

A key tool for MSPs

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a company that provides management and technology support services to other companies, from server administration, to network configuration, to cloud asset management.

As organizations grow, they store more data, and cyber threats are also on the rise. Many SMEs decide to hire the services of an MSP provider to take charge of their infrastructures, especially if they do not have an internal IT department that optimizes the security and performance of their systems.

MSPs use different technologies to distribute their services and one of the most important is RMM software, which allows them to proactively monitor their customers’ networks and equipment and solve any issues remotely without having to go to the offices in person.

According to data from the Transparency Market Research portal, the market for this type of software has not stopped growing in recent years and this growth is expected to remain constant at least until 2030, driven by the demand for MSPs.

How do RMM tools for remote monitoring work?

RMM tools work thanks to an agent that is installed on the company’s workstations, servers and devices. Once installed, it runs in the background and gathers information about the performance and security of systems.

The RMM agent continuously monitors network activity (CPU usage, memory, disk space, etc.) and if it detects any anomalies, it automatically generates a ticket with detailed information about the problem and sends it to the MSP provider. Tickets are organized in a panel according to their priority and their status can be changed once they have been solved or escalated to a higher level in the most complex cases.

In addition, RMM tools create periodic reports on the overall health of systems. These reports can be analyzed by technical teams to reinforce network stability.

How does RMM software help improve the operational efficiency of MSPs?

RMM software has a number of practical utilities that MSPs can leverage to raise the quality of their services:

  • Remote monitoring and management

    It monitors equipment performance in real time and allows to solve problems remotely without having to go physically to the place where the incident took place. This saves time and costs associated with transportation.

    Another advantage of implementing RMM tools is the possibility of hiring the best professionals regardless of their location and covering different time zones offering 24/7 support.

  • Full visibility of IT infrastructure

    Thanks to RMM software, technical teams can keep track of all their customers’ IT assets from a single dashboard. For example, they can make an inventory of all devices and cloud services that are active, or check in a single dashboard view the tickets that are open and those that are pending resolution.

  • Automating repetitive tasks

    RMM tools create automated workflows for routine tasks such as: installing/ uninstalling software, transferring files, running scripts, managing patches and updates, or backing up. This reduces the workload of IT teams and minimizes the risk of human error.

  • Increased security

    RMM agents send alerts in real time if a critical event takes place. That way, network administrators can very quickly identify security threats or problems that affect computer performance.

    Proactive monitoring is critical for MSP providers to ensure a stable and secure IT environment for their customers. In addition, it reduces the costs associated with equipment repair and data recovery.

  • Reduce downtime

    The installation of new programs, updates and corrective measures runs in the background without interfering with user activity. This makes compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) easier by solving problems as soon as possible without any prolonged service interruptions.

What aspects should MSPs consider when choosing RMM software?

It is important to choose a stable, safe and easily scalable solution that meets customer needs. In addition, the chosen RMM software is ideally integrated easily with other tools for more efficient and complete management.

Let’s look at some basic requirements!

  • Easy implementation

    RMM tools should be intuitive to reduce commissioning time and costs.

  • Flexibility

    As companies grow, so does their IT infrastructure. For MSPs, a higher volume of customers means increased monitoring capacity. That’s why it’s important to choose a tool that’s flexible and scalable. That way, it will be possible to add new devices and users without technical limitations.

  • Stability

    It verifies that RMM software is stable. Some solutions provide remote access through third-party software and this can affect connection performance as each tool has its own features and data transfer speed. Therefore, it is best to select a platform that offers integrated remote access to optimize responsiveness and avoid interruptions.

  • Device compatibility

    The tool should be prepared to monitor the activity of a wide variety of devices and computer systems that support SNMP protocols. This includes, but is not limited to, servers, routers, switches, printers, IP cameras, etc.

  • Seamless integration with PSA tools

    The integration of RMM and PSA improves the workflow of MSPs.

    PSA tools automate and manage tasks related to the provision of professional services such as invoicing, ticket management, time registration, etc.

    For example, issues detected during remote monitoring can automatically generate tickets in the PSA system for technicians to review the device’s incident history and keep track.

    Time spent applying corrective action can also be automatically recorded by PSAs, allowing for more accurate billing.

  • Security

    Make sure that the RMM software you plan to purchase is properly licensed and meets security standards. It should provide features such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication, system access via VPN, or blocking inactive accounts.

  • Support

    Finally, before deciding on an RMM solution, check that the vendor offers good post-implementation support. Check the references and opinions of other customers to know the quality of the service and make sure that you are making a good investment.

Conclusion

SMBs are increasingly digitized and rely on a wide variety of software to run their day-to-day operations. As enterprises migrate their infrastructures to the cloud, MSP providers need remote access solutions to end-to-end management of their customers’ assets.

There are different RMM tools that allow you to monitor the performance of your systems in real time and perform support and maintenance actions. One of the most complete ones is Pandora FMS Command Center, a specific version of the Pandora FMS platform for monitoring MSP and which has been designed to work in IT environments with a high volume of devices. It is a secure and scalable solution that helps managed service providers reduce workload and expand their customer base.

In addition, it has a specific training plan for IT teams to get the most out of all the advanced features of the software.

Many companies that work with Pandora FMS Command Center have already managed to reduce their operating costs between 40% and 70% thanks to task automation and reduced incidents.

It’s time to increase your business productivity and offer your customers exceptional service. Contact our sales team to request a quote or answer your questions about our tool.

I studied Philology, but life circumstances led me to work in the Marketing sector as a content writer. I am passionate about the world of blogging and the opportunity to learn that comes with each new project. I invite you to follow my posts on the Pandora FMS blog to discover the technological trends that are transforming the business world.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About PandoraFMS
Pandora FMS is a flexible monitoring system, capable of monitoring devices, infrastructures, applications, services and business processes.
Of course, one of the things that Pandora FMS can control is the hard disks of your computers.

Keepit Partner Network: Growing partnerships to the next level

Leading the way with vendor-independent data protection

When I started in Keepit in July 2023, I knew that I was joining a very special company. Not only does the company have a great product, but it also has a great partner ecosystem and the two are key to having an impact on the market.

At the heart of data protection specialist Keepit’s success lies indeed a resilient and purpose-built cloud infrastructure — and also many long-lasting partner relationships.

The company’s platform, exclusively owned and operated independently from other cloud vendors, signifies a revolutionary shift in data protection strategies. Serving as the ultimate safeguard against potential data loss resulting from security incidents or unforeseen events, Keepit ensures that its partners empower clients to maintain control over their critical SaaS data.

And it’s not just a few workloads that we cover: Keepit’s unique easy-to-use platform ensures business-critical SaaS data from multiple SaaS applications, like Microsoft 365, Entra ID (Azure AD), Salesforce (and others) is kept immutable, accessible, and compliant with even the strictest of requirements. Learn more about Keepit’s security and compliance.

Keepit’s impressive scaling secures $40 million from HSBC Innovation Banking

On Jan. 9, 2024, Keepit announced that HSBC Innovation Banking has provided Keepit with a $40 million refinancing package together with The Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (IEFO). The fresh capital is earmarked to sustain the impressive growth trajectory and substantial expansion strategy of Keepit.

Keepit CEO and co-founder, Morten Felsvang, shares that the funding “is an infusion of confidence in our capabilities on all levels. And it means that we can continue our growth strategy at full throttle.”

Partners prove invaluable to Keepit’s growth and success

The Keepit Partner Network (KPN) highlights the company’s dedication to its channel ecosystem. Tailored for resellers, managed service providers, and distributors, this program elevates partner engagement with its tiered structure, ensuring customized support for diverse partner needs.

KPN is designed to propel partners toward unparalleled success within data protection together with Keepit. The recognition of Keepit with its addition as a scaler in the Canalys “Global Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery Leadership Matrix 2023” report underscores the program’s rapid growth and our outstanding performance. 

 

And in support of that commitment to growth, we’re setting our sights on crossing over into the coveted Canalys “Champions” category on our impressive journey by adopting a partner-only model. 

 

Keepit’s Partner Network emerges not just as a program but as a strategic cooperation for the future. Partners get the chance to be a hero for customers by offering them award-winning, next-level SaaS data protection that’s transparent in cost and incredibly easy to set up, onboard, and use. 

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Keepit
At Keepit, we believe in a digital future where all software is delivered as a service. Keepit’s mission is to protect data in the cloud Keepit is a software company specializing in Cloud-to-Cloud data backup and recovery. Deriving from +20 year experience in building best-in-class data protection and hosting services, Keepit is pioneering the way to secure and protect cloud data at scale.

Meet The Team – Finding your tribe through mentorship and remote work with Senior Software Engineer, Peter Ashford

We sat down for a chat with Peter Ashford, one of our Senior Software Engineers and remote team members, who has been with the company since July 2022. This piece has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

How did your passion for tech start?

When I was a kid, computers seemed like these really serious business things. It always tickled my imagination that people would subvert computers to make trivial things like games. That really appealed to me. One of my childhood goals was to create games, and I did eventually work in the gaming industry for a few years; I worked with some truly excellent people and I had a lot of fun but I also came to realise that it’s a difficult industry to have a long career in.

What attracted you to work here at Comet?

I told the recruiter I was working with that I was looking to find my tribe – people who were interested in technology and motivated and excited about software engineering.

I have definitely found the right place. I couldn’t be happier with the kind of people that I’m working with, not just the software developers, but the whole company exceeded my expectations for working together collaboratively.

What is your favorite thing about working at Comet?

The people are the greatest thing about working at Comet. I genuinely like everybody that I work with. And there’s nobody here I don’t feel comfortable talking to and asking a question.

That’s a big deal because we’re working on a complex product. So having an environment where everybody feels comfortable and free to ask questions is a big deal. Comet is an extremely collegial kind of place to work. Everyone is genuinely interested in helping everybody else out.

You are one of the full time remote team members, how do you keep connected with the team?

I live in Dunedin, so I’m one of a handful of remote team members at Comet. I knew that being remote full time was going to be a different kind of challenge. But Comet has been really proactive with that right from the outset.

We have events like CometCon, our company-wide conference, where twice a year everyone is flown in for a week to ensure we get some face to face time as an entire team.

The other thing that Comet does, which is really cool, is that we have a virtual coffee break over Slack where we just get together and chat on a video call. All of our team meetings happen over Slack as well, so our normal way of working effectively works for people who work remotely.

Inevitably there’s always going to be the occasional discussions you miss out on because you’re not in the office, but there’s lots of opportunities to catch up with people outside of physically having to be in the office. So it works out pretty well.

Tell us more about CometCon and what you enjoy about it.

CometCon is a fantastic initiative. They’re awesome and I hugely value them for two reasons:

One, sitting down and getting a chance to hash through issues or hear talks about how things work on the technical side is really valuable. Comet is a big and complex piece of software, so it’s always great to learn more about how things work and have cross functional training in different areas of the product to disseminate knowledge throughout the team.

But also for me, because I’m working remotely, that chance to catch up with everybody and just have a bit of fun and focus on those sort of human relationships. I can’t overstate how much I value that in terms of having time to catch up and chat to people in other departments.

What do you think of Christchurch?

I’m super enthusiastic about the Riverside Market, it’s a fantastic jewel in the crown for the city. There are a lot of eateries with different options, I’ve made a habit of eating there every time I travel to Christchurch for CometCon. I also love seeing the Southern Alps in the distance on a clear day, it gives you an emotional boost to see the mountains from the office windows.

What keeps you passionate about moving forward in the field and what keeps you inspired within the industry?

I really like the fact that I can learn new skills. I really value that. It’s important for people who want to stay in the industry to keep learning. That’s been great for me because I’ve picked up Golang programming, which I didn’t know at all before working at Comet. I really like coding and making stuff and learning new ways to make stuff, that’s where it gets to be fun. That’s the joy of software engineering.

You’ve also had the opportunity to mentor one of the junior developers, what has that experience entailed?

During my interview process, we discussed various ways I could contribute to the team and the idea of mentorship came up. I absolutely love working with people and talking about code, so mentoring a junior dev is an awesome fit for me.

Each person approaches problem solving differently. It’s cool to see what someone else comes up with. I love the whole process of imparting knowledge and discussing various ways to solve a problem.

When Rhane (Junior Developer) came on board last year, I was paired up to mentor her. At Comet we have a pathway for junior developers to join our Support Team. They work on dev tickets between support tickets. With guidance from other team members, they graduate into a full developer after a year. It’s been a fantastic initiative.

What are some of your other hobbies?

I’m very much a family man. I’ve got a bunch of kids. We are currently doing tons of work in our garden. Because I’m working at home, I’m quite careful about making sure that I take breaks. So it’s really nice to have a space in my backyard to wander around my garden and see what’s growing and how it changes over the years. It has become quite a nice little zen environment to spend some time sitting in the sun, listening to birds.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Comet
We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to developing reliable and secure backup solutions for MSP’s, Businesses and IT professionals. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we understand the importance of having a reliable backup solution in place to protect your valuable data. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive suite of backup solutions that are easy to use, scalable and highly secure.

Creating a perfect storm using social engineering: a talk with Christopher Hadnagy

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, understanding the intricacies of social engineering is crucial.

Christopher Hadnagy, a renowned expert in the field, sheds light on the complexities and nuances of social engineering in an enlightening interview. His insights dive deep into the psychological roots of cyber-attacks, offering a unique perspective on how cybercriminals exploit emotions and trust.

This article breaks down key insights from the interview, giving valuable knowledge to professionals and the general public. It serves as a guide to comprehend the current state of cyber threats and prepares us for the emerging challenges in the digital world.

The interview’s highlights

  • Expert vulnerability to attacks. No one is immune, as Hadnagy’s personal encounter with a phishing scam proves the universal vulnerability to cyber-attacks.

  • Social engineering tactics. Primary social engineering methods evolve with the advent of new technologies and methods like QR code phishing and online chat scams.

  • Emotional exploitation in decision-making. ‘Amygdala hijacking,’ where intense emotions can overshadow logical thought, is a technique to elicit quick, emotion-driven decisions from victims.

  • Manipulating trust through oxytocin. It’s difficult to protect against the manipulation of trust, as oxytocin, a natural facilitator of human bonding, can be exploited by malicious actors.

  • Nonverbal cues and deception detection. To dispel nonverbal cues of deception, focus on the mismatch between words and body language and trust one’s intuition.

  • Industry-specific vulnerabilities. Heightened susceptibility of certain sectors like healthcare, banking, and utilities to social engineering, with specific challenges faced in effectively training staff in these areas.

  • Future trends and AI in cyber-attacks. AI in cyber-attacks will get more sophisticated, making it necessary for advanced defensive strategies.

Key insight #1: social engineering is getting at you at the right time and context, not an intelligence issue.

NordLayer: How can even experts in social engineering become victims of cyber-attacks?

Christopher Hadnagy: Despite being an expert, the story of falling victim to a phishing attack stresses the human element in cybersecurity.

Social engineering targets our emotional responses, not our intelligence or lack of it. If an attacker aligns their approach with something personal and emotionally significant—and times it perfectly—anyone can fall victim.

Quote 1My experience with the Amazon phishing attack is a classic example. I’ve placed an order on Amazon and was about to rush through the door for the airport with luggage in my hands. This was the time when the phishing email dropped into my inbox, saying something went wrong with the payment card.

The combination of being rushed, emotionally charged, and the contextually relevant pretext made me susceptible at that moment.

Key insight #2: phishing attacks are the most common reason behind breaches, and they evolve constantly.

NordLayer: What are the most common social engineering tricks used to gain access?

Christopher Hadnagy: The landscape of social engineering is diverse and continually evolving.

The primary categories include phishing emails. Everyone’s heard about them, but they are still the number one threat when it comes to breaches.

Then there’s voice phishing (vishing) and SMS phishing (smishing). Smishing became prolific after major telecommunications providers in the U.S. were breached, and all phone numbers were out there. Hence, I receive 10-12 weird text messages every day.

Impersonation is becoming a growing problem as there are two different attack types. One can be someone coming into your business as your employee or colleague. Another one is social media impersonation, also known as catphishing. We see many people making fake LinkedIn accounts and believing there’s someone they’re not.

Technological advancements have emerged in new methods like QR code phishing (wishing) and online chat phishing, especially prominent in the support chats category.

These attacks exploit the increasing amount of personal information available due to data breaches, creating more opportunities for targeted and convincing scams.

Key insight #3: a blackout of logical thinking for one minute can result in thousands of dollars lost.

NordLayer: Could you explain how threat actors use the science behind emotions like fear or urgency?

Christopher Hadnagy: Dr. Daniel Goldman coined the concept of ‘amygdala hijacking,’ where intense emotional responses overshadow our logical thinking, which is a critical tool in a social engineer’s arsenal.

Research subjects were shown something scary or sad and then asked to do math problems. They saw that the frontal cortex went completely dark, and the amygdala in the center of the limbic system was all lit up.

This neurological response diverts all processing power from the frontal cortex to the amygdala during high-stress situations, hindering critical thinking.

NordLayer: How do we make decisions that we normally wouldn’t make when these emotions are involved?

Christopher Hadnagy: Attackers exploit this by creating scenarios that evoke strong emotions like fear, anger, or urgency, leading to hasty decisions made without logical reasoning.

It only takes 30 to 60 seconds, and our brains return to normal once we’re done with the emotion. This is why scam emails never say, ‘click this link tomorrow’ because, between now and tomorrow, we will have time to think and be in the right state of emotion.

Instead, they create urgency. Giving you no time to think critically creates a perfect storm for a social engineering attack.

Key insight #4: as humans, we are trustful by nature, and safe words can save us from scams and paranoia.

NordLayer: Your TED talk mentioned oxytocin and its role in trust. How do social engineers exploit this aspect of human biology, and what can we do to protect against such manipulation?

Christopher Hadnagy: Oxytocin, known as the ‘moral molecule’, plays a vital role in building trust, a mechanism frequently exploited by social engineers. Without it, we would die off as a human race because this love hormone is a part of how we are as humans and not just a bunch of paranoid hermits.

It’s about striking a balance between being cautious and maintaining the natural human tendency to trust.

While it’s challenging to safeguard against this manipulation without becoming overly distrustful, awareness and simple protective measures like establishing a family password can be effective. Then they—your child or grandparents—don’t have to know anything about neuroscience or cybersecurity, but remember one code name and use it once necessary.

Key insight #5: a combination of nonverbal signs or simply trusting your gut can help you avoid becoming a cyber-attack victim.

NordLayer: In your book, ‘Unmasking the Social Engineer,’ you emphasize the importance of nonverbal communication in detecting social engineering attempts. What are some key indicators that someone might be attempting to manipulate or deceive us?

Christopher Hadnagy: Deception detection through nonverbal cues is complex.

There’s no definitive set of nonverbal indicators of deception Instead, we look for inconsistency between someone’s words and body language.

Your body and your brain are constantly looking for nonverbal signs. We do it all the time, unwillingly looking for little things like a head tilt or a nod—nonverbal signs to evaluate our trust in that person. Virtually via email or a phone call, it’s much harder to put someone to a nonverbal test, so look for the smallest signs and inconsistencies in speech.

Quote 5

Understanding nonverbal communication can alert us to discrepancies in a person’s intent versus their verbal communication. Moreover, trusting our intuition or ‘gut feeling’ when something feels off can be a reliable guide, especially in situations that make us feel uneasy or unsafe.

Key insight #6: the intense nature of some industries requires a full attention span to do their jobs well instead of being concerned about breaches.

NordLayer: From your experience, which industries are currently most vulnerable to social engineering attacks, and why are they particularly targeted?

Christopher Hadnagy: The medical field, banking, and utilities are particularly susceptible to social engineering attacks. The healthcare industry, for instance, struggles with cybersecurity training, often choosing inappropriate times or methods, leaving staff unprepared for social engineering tactics.

Quote 6

The integral nature of these industries, involving high-stress environments and sensitive information, makes them prime targets.

The medical field is probably one of the biggest threats out there. Doctors and nurses are doing a hard job attending to saving our lives or dealing with sicknesses—there’s no time to do cybersecurity training while a bunch of documentation and patients take all your attention.

Key insight #7: AI is to create sophisticated attacks and to be used to prevent them.

NordLayer: Looking ahead to 2024, what major trends do you foresee in the evolution of social engineering tactics, and how should organizations prepare?

Christopher Hadnagy: The future of social engineering is increasingly intertwined with advanced technologies like AI.

The use of AI in attacks is becoming more sophisticated, making them harder to detect and counteract. AI will likely be used in phishing emails, voice cloning for scams, and deepfakes.

The increasing brazenness and callousness of attackers, targeting even the most vulnerable, is a disturbing trend.

However, there’s hope for increased education on social engineering and the development of AI-based defensive tools. It’s crucial for organizations to invest in both technology and training to stay ahead in this evolving threat landscape.

Thank you.

Christopher Hadnagy, CEO & the founder and CEO of Social-Engineer. Chris has over 16 years of experience as a practitioner and researcher in the security field. His education and awareness efforts have helped expose social engineering as a top threat to security today. 

Chris established the world’s first social engineering penetration testing framework and the first hands-on social engineering training course and certification, Advanced Practical Social Engineering, attended by law enforcement, military, and private sector professionals.

Chris is also the best-selling author of three books: Social Engineering: The Art of Human Hacking, Unmasking the Social Engineer: The Human Element of Security, and Phishing Dark Waters: The Offensive and Defensive Sides of Malicious Emails.

How NordLayer can help

Awareness is the first step in preventing cyber-attacks. Training, education, and constant reminders significantly help organizations minimize the risks. However, being human is in our nature. Additional tools like NordLayer as a threat prevention measure can help automate some processes to save time, maintain our focus, and create additional barriers for malicious attackers to stumble upon.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

VMware Horizon alternative: Parallels RAS

The acquisition of VMware by Broadcom has stirred up a significant amount of uncertainty within the tech community.

This uncertainty primarily stems from Broadcom’s historical approach to acquisitions, which has often led to negative outcomes for the acquired businesses. And now they have potentially done the same with VMware.

Recently, it was announced that Broadcom plans to sell VMware’s EUC division to the highest bidder. Now the wait begins to discover who that would be and what the future holds for VMware partners and customers.

Ready to start your future now? Get a full-featured free trial of Parallels RAS and discover a simple, secure VMware alternative.

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Moreover, VMware leadership has also sent termination notices to VMware partners that are making below $500K in annual VMware revenue. This will have significant impact on VMware customers, reducing the support received by partners and the channel alike.

In light of these concerns, it’s imperative for current VMware partners and users to consider developing migration plans and evaluating other virtualization solutions. This period of uncertainty might, in fact, serve as an opportune moment for such considerations.

Often in IT, there’s a tendency to adhere to the adage, “if it’s not broken, why fix it?”

This mindset can be limiting, as it discourages making even minor adjustments to an established environment for fear of causing significant disruptions. This approach can hinder the ability to optimize costs or improve efficiency. In many cases, costs may be increasing, but within a somewhat tolerable or expected range — for example, an 8% increase annually.

However, the situation with VMware and Broadcom provides a compelling reason for Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and leading IT managers to start seriously evaluating alternative IT environment solutions.

For VMware users, this scenario presents a unique catalyst for change. While there is undoubtedly a substantial amount of work involved in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluation and product testing to ensure new solutions align with business needs, this could lead to significant adjustments in the costs, time, and resources associated with existing IT deployments.

Such a strategic pivot could ultimately prove beneficial, offering an avenue to reassess and possibly enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of IT environments in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. We believe that Parallels offers a fantastic alternative to VMWare Horizon.

Parallels RAS —A flexible and refined app and desktop delivery solution

Parallels® RAS is an all-in-one virtual application and desktop delivery solution that enables organizations of all sizes to work securely from anywhere, on any device. Deploy on-premises, hybrid, or public cloud and integrate with existing technologies like Azure virtual desktop.

With Parallels RAS, organizations can adapt and scale to changing business needs.

Maximize flexibilityElevate user experienceSimplicity redefinedSecurity at its coreCost-efficient TCO
Deploy core components where they fit best, from hybrid to cloud environments. Adapt workloads for efficiency and performance.Parallels RAS offers remote collaboration and flexibility on any device, streamlining your team’s workflow.Easy-to-use, single-console digital workspace. Straightforward management and deployment for everyone.Built-in, comprehensive security with Parallels RAS. Trust in our secure, compliant solution for any setup.All-in-one solution with quick setup and 24/7 support. Reduces costs with simple licensing and free training.

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How does Parallels RAS compare to VMware Horizon?

Many VMware Horizon customers will want to be sure that their new solution will fit their needs and to mitigate any impact on business continuity. The best way to do this is to try the solution and test it for yourself. But before you do all that, let’s look at how Parallels RAS compares to VMware Horizon.

Flexibility — Hybrid by design

For numerous businesses, constraints in resource deployment options often prove to be counterproductive. Having the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions, client demands, and technological advancements is crucial for sustained growth and competitiveness. Being boxed into a specific mode of operation or a limited set of tools can hinder innovation and responsiveness.

VMware Horizon licensing options are diverse and complex, offering licenses that are specific to applications-only or limited to on-premises desktops-only. This can be a significant hurdle for organizations that need to alter their delivery methods mid-subscription or desire the flexibility to choose their resource delivery locations.

VMware’s Universal Licensing does offer customers the flexibility to navigate between on-premises and cloud environments, however, this expanded capability comes at a higher price point compared to more basic licensing options.

Alternatively, Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) has been meticulously designed to be flexible and provide seamless integration across various IT environments.

It can support on-premises, hybrid, and full public cloud infrastructures, including cloud technologies like Azure Virtual Desktop, all from a single console. This adaptability makes Parallels RAS an ideal solution for organizations looking to maintain agility in their IT operations.

With a single subscription model, Parallels RAS encompasses the entire hybrid use case, offering comprehensive coverage without the need for multiple separate licenses.

This approach simplifies the licensing process, making it more cost-effective and manageable for businesses. Parallels RAS allows organizations to shift between on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments as their needs evolve, without incurring additional licensing costs or facing compatibility issues.

A simplified, enhanced user experience

Parallels RAS enhances the user experience in various ways for both IT managers and users.

Parallels RAS effectively elevates the Azure Virtual Desktop experience through its native integration — something VMware Horizon lacks. VMware’s approach of replacing the AVD Control Plane with its own delays the incorporation of Microsoft’s AVD updates. Parallels RAS’s direct integration with the AVD Control Plane enables it to leverage Microsoft’s advancements swiftly and efficiently in AVD.

Parallels RAS also excels in customization. Businesses can infuse their brand identity into the Parallels Client with customizable Themes.

These Themes allow organizations to white label the user experience and use their brand colors, titles, icons, language, and other configurations to create a personalized experience in the Parallels Web Client or Windows Client. IT Administrators can even set up dedicated URLs for different departments or customers, along with specific security features like MFA and SSO and override global settings.

In contrast, VMware’s customization capabilities are limited to basic elements like logos, text, links, and client background.

Attention to detail is a hallmark of the Parallels RAS solution. For instance, the Parallels Client on Windows aids users in password changes, offering guidance and the option to redirect password change prompts to an external Identity Provider (IDP), rather than just the Active Directory domain. This user-centric feature is not present in VMware’s offerings.

Moreover, Parallels RAS enhances user experiences through its Session Pre-Launch feature. This function anticipates user needs by starting a session before the user initiates an application, based on their previous habits.

The Session Pre-Launch feature employs client policies for granular configuration, analyzing and recording (via machine learning) when a user typically launches applications on a specific day of the week. By starting a session just minutes before the usual application launch time, it significantly improves the user experience.

In contrast, VMware Horizon’s Session Prelaunch capability is more limited. It is only available for published applications and does not support remote desktops. This restriction means that VMware cannot offer the same level of proactive, user-specific session preparation that Parallels RAS provides.

Total Cost of Ownership: Parallels RAS vs. VMware Horizon

Optimizing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is crucial for many organizations, and Parallels RAS excels in this aspect, offering a more advantageous TCO than VMware Horizon.

Parallels RAS simplifies its licensing with an annual concurrent user fee, contrasting with VMware’s varied and often more expensive licenses. The installation and setup of Parallels RAS are notably quicker and more straightforward than VMware Horizon, eliminating the need for specialized knowledge or additional training, thereby reducing costs.

Moreover, ongoing administration is more streamlined with Parallels RAS, which is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, in contrast to VMware Horizon.

For IT administrators using VMware, tasks like creating and managing users or monitoring operational dashboards, health, and performance analytics require switching between the Admin Web Console and the Help Desk Tool.

Parallels RAS, on the other hand, centralizes all these functions within a single, easy-to-use console. This integration significantly reduces the time spent by IT administrators on these tasks, allowing them to allocate more time to other important duties.

Simplicity is paramount in Parallels RAS

Parallels RAS offers a user-friendly, unified digital workspace, streamlining management and deployment. It features a single admin console for comprehensive access, including one-stop management, end-to-end load balancing, support for multiple hypervisors and cloud environments, image provisioning, autoscaling, and more.

In contrast, VMware presents a more complex and time-consuming approach. VMware Horizon users must use the Horizon Console for managing virtual and published desktops and applications but switch to the Help Desk Tool for operational dashboards, health monitoring, and performance analytics.

License management in Parallels RAS is straightforward, with all licensing is handled by the Connection Brokers, with the primary broker reporting usage to the Parallels Licensing console.

VMware Horizon, on the other hand, manages licensing either through the Horizon Console or, for subscription services, via the Horizon Control Plane, adding layers of complexity. Additionally, other VMware products, like AppVolumes, require management from separate consoles. Parallels RAS also integrates Microsoft FSLogix into its management console. This integration simplifies the management of Office and Profile Containers and other settings directly in the GUI. While FSLogix is supported by VMware Horizon, it lacks console integration, adding complexity for IT administrators.

Security is built into the solution

Security and compliance features are comparably robust in both Parallels RAS and VMware Horizon, which is essential for data protection and workforce security.

Parallels RAS embraces advanced security protocols, supporting the latest TLS 1.3. This protocol offers enhanced security and performance for secure communications. Additionally, Parallels RAS is FIPS 140-2 compliant, meeting the gold standard for cryptographic hardware effectiveness and it is globally recognized for its security assurance.

Moreover, Parallels RAS enhances authentication security with built-in multi-factor authentication (MFA) and smooth integration with third-party MFA providers. This allows for more robust security measures than mere usernames and passwords, incorporating options like Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator, among others.

Parallels RAS also aids IT managers in streamlining user issue troubleshooting, offering easy access to data and reports. This functionality not only simplifies problem-solving but also bolsters post-activity analysis and aids in compliance efforts.

Discover certainty and peace of mind with Parallels RAS!

If you’re contemplating a switch from your current VMware environment, this blog post aims to assure you that there are excellent alternatives available.

Parallels RAS stands out as a great option, offering a match for your business needs while also reducing costs, saving time and effort, and simplifying operations.

To explore switching to Parallels RAS from VMware Horizon further, consider speaking with the Parallels team or experience Parallels RAS first-hand today with a full-featured free trial.

Resources

  • Get your full-featured free trial of Parallels RAS: Link
  • Tech Bytes: Learn more about Parallels RAS: Link
  • Parallels Blogs: Read the latest information on Parallels RAS: Link

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Parallels 
Parallels® is a global leader in cross-platform solutions, enabling businesses and individuals to access and use the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. Parallels helps customers leverage the best technology available, whether it’s Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android or the cloud.

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