N-able’s N-central platform stands as a testament to innovation in remote monitoring and management (RMM) solutions. The platform, which has earned the distinction of being voted the top RMM platform by CRN readers for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, continues to set industry standards with its comprehensive approach to network security and management.
N-central’s prominence in the industry is well-established, serving over 25,000 Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and managing more than 8 million endpoints. What sets this platform apart is its extraordinary emphasis on workflow automation, featuring an impressive library of over 650 pre-built automation scripts. The system takes automation capabilities further by incorporating artificial intelligence to facilitate the creation of custom scripts, addressing specific organizational needs.
The platform’s patch management capabilities showcase its sophisticated approach to network security. Unlike conventional solutions, N-central extends beyond basic operating system updates to provide automated patching for more than 100 third-party applications, including popular communication tools like Skype and Zoom. The system’s vigilant monitoring ensures comprehensive coverage of all updates, including Microsoft’s out-of-band patches that fall outside regular update schedules.
Security remains a paramount concern in today’s digital landscape, and N-central addresses this through various measures. The platform holds ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification, verified independently by Schellman & Company, and maintains compliance with major data protection regulations including GDPR and CCPA. N-able’s commitment to transparency is evident in its detailed AI policy, which clearly outlines how user data is processed using artificial intelligence tools – a crucial consideration in an era where data privacy concerns continue to grow.
One of N-central’s most compelling features is its partnership with SentinelOne to provide advanced Endpoint Detection & Response capabilities. This collaboration brings AI-based ransomware protection and behavioral analysis engines that transcend traditional signature-based detection methods. The system can rapidly recover lost files and roll back data without requiring ransom payments, providing crucial protection against modern cyber threats.
The platform’s Cloud Commander add-on exemplifies its commitment to streamlined management, enabling users to oversee Windows, Intune, and Azure devices from a unified dashboard. This integration significantly simplifies client onboarding processes, reducing multiple complex steps to a single form submission. Similarly, the platform’s support for remote Apple mobile device management, complete with Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager integrations, demonstrates its versatility in handling diverse technological ecosystems.
While the platform’s interface features information-rich dashboards with color-coordinated charts and extensive customization options, new users may require some time to navigate the dense information display effectively. However, this learning curve is offset by comprehensive support options, including phone support, ticket systems, and live chat, all accessible through the N-ableMe dashboard. The company also maintains an active resource center with extensive documentation and offers free live demos to help users maximize the platform’s potential.
N-central’s pricing structure follows an industry-standard custom quote model, requiring potential clients to engage with the sales team for specific pricing. However, the platform distinguishes itself by offering a 30-day free trial, an uncommon feature in the RMM industry. Furthermore, organizations currently under contract with other RMM providers can take advantage of a promotional rate of $1 per month for the first year upon providing proof of existing commitments.
The platform’s integration capabilities extend its functionality through partnerships with over 40 third-party services, covering areas such as SaaS management, cloud security, alert management, and PSA services. This extensive integration network allows organizations to maintain operational continuity across their various business tools and systems.
For enterprise-level organizations and MSPs seeking comprehensive network management solutions, N-central offers additional add-ons to enhance its basic RMM features. While the standard features adequately serve small to mid-sized businesses, larger organizations may find value in exploring these expanded capabilities to fully leverage the platform’s potential.
N-central’s success in the RMM space reflects its ability to balance automated efficiency with robust security measures. As organizations continue to face increasingly complex network management challenges, N-central’s combination of AI-powered automation, comprehensive security features, and flexible management tools positions it as a leading solution for modern enterprise network management needs. While the platform’s pricing structure may require negotiation skills and its interface some initial adaptation, the comprehensive feature set and strong security framework make it a compelling choice for organizations seeking advanced network management capabilities.
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