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6 Best MSP Tools to Optimize Service Delivery

Explore top MSP tools to improve service delivery and get expert tips on choosing the best solutions to improve your MSP business.

Level

Friday, December 6, 2024

6 Best MSP Tools to Optimize Service Delivery

Managed service providers (MSPs) must keep up with the demands of clients while delivering top-notch service. This can be difficult to do without the right set of tools.

Fortunately, different MSP software solutions exist to make things easier for service providers.

They help businesses manage multiple tasks at once, whether monitoring client networks, updating operating systems, or deploying software patches.

Below, we'll discuss the various tools your MSP business can use to improve service delivery. We'll list the best MSP tools under each category and share some tips on choosing the right MSP solution.

6 Different Types of Tools for IT Service Providers

Managed service providers rely on a suite of tools to handle remote access, endpoint monitoring, workflow automation, and other tasks for multiple clients.

Below are the top tools MSPs use to deliver the best IT services:

1. Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software

As the name suggests, remote monitoring and management software helps MSPs manage client systems and networks remotely.

It allows your IT team to track devices, manage updates, and control multiple endpoints without physically visiting the customer's site.

This allows you to respond to threats and issues in real time, which can reduce downtime.

RMM software also has automation tools that handle routine IT tasks for your MSP business. This can improve operational efficiency and free up your team to focus on client relationships.

Some RMM tools integrate with other IT management platforms, such as service desks, mobile device management (MDM) tools, and remote desktop software.

These allow MSPs to handle everything from a centralized dashboard. However, others are stand-alone RMM software that focuses on providing robust remote management capabilities.

employees using computers

Key Features

  • Real-time endpoint management and monitoring from client servers to mobile devices
  • Remote access and control for troubleshooting common IT issues
  • Automatic patch management to keep software and operating systems up-to-date
  • Automated workflows across multiple endpoints
  • Alerting systems that notify IT teams of unauthorized network access and other issues

Best RMM Software Solutions

Level, Atera, and N-able are among the best RMM tools for managed service providers.

  • Level: It offers intuitive automation, effortless device control, advanced scripting capabilities, automatic patch management, and extensive security measures that transform how MSPs work. Level is cost-effective at only $2 per endpoint per month. Start a free 14-day trial today!
  • Atera: This AI-powered software combines RMM, patch management, PSA, and helpdesk in one platform. Atera for MSPs starts at $159 per technician per month.
  • N-able: It provides two robust RMM solutions—N-sight and N-central—that combine remote management, advanced security, and flexible automation. N-able's pricing details are hidden and require MSPs to send a quote.

2. Professional Services Automation (PSA) Software

Professional services automation tools combine functionalities like project management, time tracking, billing, client communication, and resource management in one platform.

With PSA software, MSPs can simplify workflows, stay on top of projects, and deliver better service to clients.

Key Features

  • Project management tools to track milestones and deadlines
  • Time tracking for billing clients accurately
  • Invoicing systems to manage contracts and payments
  • Client relationship management (CRM) to store all client data in one place
  • Resource management for allocating assets

Best PSA Software Solutions

Below are the top PSA tools for managed service providers:

  • ConnectWise PSA: It uses the power of AI and machine-learning algorithms to simplify the way MSPs handle different business processes. ConnectWise hides pricing details from its website.
  • Datto Autotask: This cloud-based PSA software offers robust automation, centralized alert management, remote control, and extensive integration capabilities. Request a quote to know Datto's pricing.
  • SyncroMSP: It offers smart ticketing, communication tools, contract management, and reporting features designed for MSPs. Syncro charges a monthly fee of $139 per user for its unified RMM, PSA, and remote desktop software.

3. Help Desk and Ticketing Tools

Help desk and ticketing systems are other MSP tools that IT service providers use.

These tools help your business track, prioritize, and resolve issues in a structured way to ensure you don't overlook service requests.

They work by logging clients' tickets into a central system. From this dashboard, your IT team can assign and monitor the progress of problems until they are resolved.

Help desk tools keep things organized and improve response times. They can boost clients' satisfaction.

Key Features

  • Ticket management to organize and prioritize service requests
  • Automated routing to assign tickets to the right team members
  • Integration with a knowledge base for self-service options
  • Reporting and metrics to analyze support performance and response times

Best Help Desk and Ticketing Tools

The best MSP tools with help desk and ticketing features include the following:

  • Zendesk: It provides a user-friendly interface and robust ticketing system powered by AI. Depending on the pricing plan, Zendesk for managed service providers costs between $19 and $219 per agent every month.
  • Freshdesk: This out-of-the-box solution is easy to set up and use for MSPs. Freshdesk offers multi-channel support with automation features. It has four pricing plans, ranging from free (limited to two agents)  to $95 per agent per month.
  • SolarWinds Service Desk: Its cloud-based platform provides built-in asset management and IT service tracking. SolarWinds Service Desk starts at a monthly fee of $39 per technician.

4. IT Documentation and Management Tools

IT documentation and management tools help MSPs store and organize information about client networks, systems, and procedures.

These MSP tools make it easy to document configurations, passwords, troubleshooting steps, and workflow processes.

Since they keep everything in one place, your IT team can quickly access what they need. This reduces time spent searching for customer details, which allows your business to focus on improving service delivery.

Key Features

  • Centralized documentation to store client data
  • Password management for secure access to sensitive information
  • Collaboration tools to help multiple team members access and update files
  • Templates and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain consistency

Best IT Documentation and Management Tools

Below are popular IT documentation and management MSP tools:

  • Hudu: This leading IT documentation platform features collaboration, IT asset management, and process organization tools. Hudu integration is supported by popular remote monitoring and management software solutions like Level. Hudu charges MSPs a monthly fee of $30 per user.
  • IT Glue: It offers a popular IT framework used by thousands of MSPs, simplifying how client information is stored. IT Glue offers several pricing plans that range between $29 and $42 per user every month based on a 36-month term and come with an onboarding fee.
  • Confluence: It provides flexible documentation, brainstorming, and project management capabilities. Confluence helps MSPs organize and manage client data efficiently. It offers a free version and paid plans that cost $5.16 and $9.73 per user per month.

5. Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR) Software

BDR software is another important tool used by managed service providers. It can protect client data and systems from failure or loss by backing up critical information.

This type of MSP software can also quickly restore data during an outage, cyberattack, or hardware failure.

It ensures business continuity and gives MSPs peace of mind, knowing they can bring back important customer data during unexpected crises.

Key Features

  • Automated backups of files, databases, and virtual machines
  • Disaster recovery planning to prepare for worst-case scenarios
  • Cloud and on-premise backup options for flexibility
  • Quick data restoration to ensure minimal downtime

Best BDR Software Solutions

Here are the best backup and disaster recovery solutions:

  • Acronis: It combines backup and disaster recovery tools with cybersecurity functionality to protect client data. Acronis offers two pricing plans based on the number of devices managed or the amount of data protected. The monthly cost of this MSP software ranges between $7 and $10.75.
  • Veeam: It offers powerful backup and recovery features. Veeam starts at $21.60 per user every month.
  • Datto: It provides different IT solutions for MSPs, including a cloud-based disaster recovery platform. Datto's Endpoint Backup software can secure client networks against all forms of disaster to ensure business continuity. However, pricing details are hidden from the website.

6. Cybersecurity Tools

Cybersecurity tools also protect your clients' systems and data to maintain business continuity.

But unlike BDR software that focuses on network failure or loss, cybersecurity tools fight threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

They help MSPs monitor suspicious activity, block unauthorized access, and ensure compliance with security standards.

Key Features

  • Real-time threat detection to identify and mitigate security risks
  • Endpoint security to protect all connected network devices
  • Firewall and antivirus integration to prevent malware attacks
  • Encrypted data transfer and storage

Best Cybersecurity Tools

Bitdefender's GravityZone, Fortinet, and Sophos are among the best cybersecurity tools for MSPs.

  • Bitdefender GravityZone: This multi-layered security solution provides systems hardening, threat prevention, detection technologies, and behavioral analysis to fight against cyberattacks. Bitdefender's pricing details are hidden.
  • Fortinet: It features endpoint security, defense, and management capabilities to protect client devices. Interested MSPs must request a pricing quote from a Fortinet sales expert.
  • Sophos: It offers endpoint and network security products with next-gen firewall functionality. The cost of Sophos' cybersecurity solutions is hidden.

Common Challenges MSPs Face in Service Delivery

MSPs often face significant challenges when they don’t have the right solutions in place. They must juggle complex tasks, handle urgent requests, and maintain system uptime across different environments.

One of the biggest difficulties is staying proactive rather than reactive. They must address potential issues before they turn into major problems for their clients.

Another struggle is managing time and resources efficiently. With limited staff, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by support requests, making it hard to focus on long-term improvements.

Security is also a constant concern. New threats emerge regularly, which can affect client networks and systems.

These challenges can slow down operations, reduce customer satisfaction, and make it difficult to scale your MSP business.

Benefits of Using MSP Tools

Having the right tools can address the common challenges faced by your MSP business. Below are the specific benefits you can expect from these tools:

Improve Client Infrastructure Monitoring

With reliable MSP tools, you can easily oversee client systems in real time.

For example, remote monitoring tools can help you detect and address potential issues, such as system slowdown, before they affect your client’s operations.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity software can quickly catch suspicious activities and pinpoint areas where you can improve security to avoid system failure.

This proactive approach leads to faster problem resolution and minimizes downtime. You no longer have to wait for clients to report issues before you take action. Using MSP tools means you'll be one step ahead.

Boost IT Efficiency

MSP tools automate routine tasks, allowing your IT team time to focus on more strategic work. Tasks like patch management, ticket routing, and backups happen automatically, which reduces the need for manual intervention.

This helps your team handle more clients with the same resources. You can also improve response times and manage a larger workload without sacrificing service quality.

Increase Customer Satisfaction

Most MSP tools can automate tasks, which can lead to faster issue resolution and fewer disruptions for your clients.

These software solutions can also generate detailed reports and analytics. These insights make customers feel informed and confident in your services.

The more reliable and efficient your service delivery is, the happier your clients will be. Happy clients are likelier to stick around, refer others, and expand their contracts with you, which can help grow your MSP business.

Minimize Operational Costs

Since MSP tools reduce the manual work your team needs to do, you can significantly cut down on labor costs.

It can also minimize the risk of mistakes that can lead to downtime. This reduces the financial impact on your clients and makes your services more valuable.

Criteria for Selecting the Right MSP Tool

Not all MSP tools are created equal. It's important to find the right fit to maximize all the benefits we previously mentioned. Here are the key factors you should consider when selecting MSP tools.

Ease of Use

You should choose MSP tools that are intuitive and easy to learn so your IT team can quickly adopt them.

A steep learning curve can slow your business down, which can cost valuable time and resources.

In contrast, user-friendly software makes deployment easy and ensures your team can work at full capacity.

Customization Options

Since every MSP is unique, look for customizable tools that can adapt to your specific needs.

Check if you can tailor the tool to your workflows, reporting requirements, and other operations.

Scalability

As your business grows, so will the demands on your tools.

It’s important to choose solutions that can scale alongside your company. They should handle increasing workloads without compromising performance.

Integration Capabilities

Your MSP tools should work seamlessly with other software your MSP business already uses.

Look for out-of-the-box integrations or access to a public API. This allows you to connect multiple systems and maintain accurate data transfer.

Cost and Value for Money

Pricing is another important consideration when choosing the best MSP software solutions.

Most tools charge per device or per endpoint every month, while others follow a per-technician pricing. You should carefully research the pricing structure of each software vendor before making a decision.

You should also think about its long-term value. Does the platform save time, improve efficiency, or reduce costs elsewhere?

Avoid tools that offer unnecessary features that drive up the price. Instead, you can focus on solutions that provide the functionality you need without inflating your expenses.

Vendor Support

Reliable vendor support can make all the difference when your MSP business faces problems with the tool.

Look for vendors with a track record of fast response times and helpful customer service. You can read online reviews or ask for recommendations within your industry. Doing so ensures you’re partnering with a vendor who will support your business, not just sell you a product.

Why Choose Level as Your Managed Service Provider Software

Selecting the right tool can significantly impact your MSP’s ability to provide better service to your clients.

Level offers an RMM solution that’s easy to use and designed to save your team time and reduce costs.

Level MSP software

With Level’s browser-based platform, you can manage, monitor, and control devices from anywhere, whether you’re working for clients with Windows, Mac, or Linux environments.

It features real-time alerts, secure remote monitoring, and powerful automation tools that handle routine tasks like patch management and scripting. This makes it easier to deliver proactive IT support.​

On top of these benefits, Level publishes the cost of its RMM software on its website. It follows simple, transparent pricing (starts at $2 per endpoint per month), so your MSP business knows what you'll pay.

Book a demo or try the platform for 14 days today for free!

Boost Your MSP Efficiency With Level’s Advanced RMM Tool

Boost MSP efficiency with Level RMM software

Ready to transform how your MSP business works?

Level's modern remote monitoring and management platform is designed to be easy to use, proficient, and ultra-secure.

With automation for routine tasks, your MSP can stay ahead of issues before they escalate. Keep your clients happy and empower your team to work smarter by using Level.

Book a demo or try the platform for 14 days today for free!

FAQs About MSP Tools

What is a managed service provider?

A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that remotely manages a client’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems. MSPs offer different services, from monitoring and maintenance to cybersecurity. These help businesses maintain and secure their IT systems without needing an in-house IT team.

What are the essential tools managed service providers should have?

MSPs need RMM platforms, PSA software, help desk and ticketing systems, BDR software, and cybersecurity solutions.

These tools help MSPs proactively manage client systems, automate routine tasks, and provide real-time support.

How do MSP tools improve customer satisfaction?

MSP tools improve customer satisfaction by providing faster response times, reducing downtime, and proactively addressing potential issues.

Level: Simplify IT Management

At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.

Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.