Ninja RMM vs Continuum

Choosing between NinjaRMM and Continuum (now known as ConnectWise Command) is a major decision for any Managed Service Provider (MSP). Both are robust Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) solutions designed to help MSPs efficiently manage their clients’ IT environments. While NinjaRMM is known for its simplicity, ease of use, and quick setup, ConnectWise Command offers advanced features, scalability, and a unique blend of RMM with NOC (Network Operations Center) services. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you choose the right platform for your needs.

NinjaRMM vs. ConnectWise Command (Continuum): In-Depth Comparison

This comparison will cover user experience, core features, automation, network monitoring, security, integrations, pricing, and support. By the end, you should have a clear understanding of which RMM tool aligns better with your business goals.

1. User Interface and Experience

NinjaRMM

  • Dashboard and Layout: NinjaRMM provides a clean, modern, and intuitive interface. The dashboard is well-organized, allowing users to get a quick overview of all their managed endpoints, alerts, and ongoing tasks.
  • Ease of Use: Known for its simplicity, NinjaRMM is incredibly easy to set up and use, even for those new to RMM tools. Its straightforward interface reduces the time needed for onboarding and training.
  • Customization: Offers decent customization options for alerts, policies, and reporting. However, it is designed to prioritize ease of use over deep customization.

ConnectWise Command (Continuum)

  • Dashboard and Layout: ConnectWise Command features a more complex and comprehensive dashboard, designed to handle large-scale environments. The interface might seem overwhelming at first due to its rich feature set.
  • Ease of Use: While powerful, ConnectWise Command has a steeper learning curve. It is designed for MSPs that require a high level of control and detailed management over their IT environments.
  • Customization: Offers extensive customization options for scripting, automation, monitoring, and reporting. This makes it suitable for larger MSPs that need to fine-tune their RMM environment.

Verdict: For a simple, easy-to-use RMM solution, NinjaRMM is a great choice. If you need advanced customization and scalability for larger environments, ConnectWise Command excels.

2. Core Features and Capabilities

Feature NinjaRMM ConnectWise Command (Continuum)
Remote Monitoring Focused on core monitoring with simplicity Advanced monitoring with deeper customization
Patch Management Automated, user-friendly patch management Advanced, with third-party patch support
Automation and Scripting Easy-to-use, pre-built scripts Extensive automation with custom scripting
Network Monitoring Basic network monitoring tools Advanced network monitoring with NOC services
Reporting Simple and straightforward reporting Comprehensive, highly customizable reports
Security Features Integrated antivirus, patching, basic security Advanced security with SOC and 24/7 monitoring

Remote Monitoring and Management

  • NinjaRMM: Provides reliable remote monitoring and management with a focus on simplicity. It covers all the basics, like endpoint management, software deployment, remote access, and patching.
  • ConnectWise Command: Offers advanced monitoring features with a focus on scalability. Includes deep insights into network health, endpoint status, and extensive NOC services to support 24/7 monitoring.

Patch Management

  • NinjaRMM: Known for its straightforward patch management capabilities. Easy to set up and configure, with automated patching for Windows and third-party applications.
  • ConnectWise Command: Provides more advanced patch management capabilities with granular control over patch deployment, approvals, and scheduling. Supports third-party patching with more customization.

Verdict: If you need straightforward, reliable RMM features with easy setup, NinjaRMM is great. For advanced monitoring and comprehensive patch management, especially in larger environments, ConnectWise Command is superior.

3. Automation and Scripting

  • NinjaRMM: Offers built-in, easy-to-deploy automation scripts for routine tasks such as system cleanup, software installation, and patch management. Its automation features are easy to use but not as extensive as some more advanced tools.
  • ConnectWise Command: Provides powerful automation and scripting capabilities. MSPs can create custom scripts, automate complex workflows, and utilize automation libraries to standardize operations across multiple clients.

Verdict: For advanced automation and scripting capabilities, ConnectWise Command wins. For simple, effective automation without the complexity, NinjaRMM is the better choice.

4. Network Monitoring and Performance Management

  • NinjaRMM: Offers basic network monitoring tools, enough to get an overview of network health and device status. However, it does not provide the deep network visibility that some MSPs might need.
  • ConnectWise Command: Comes with advanced network monitoring features, including NOC services that provide real-time monitoring, alerting, and response. The NOC team handles alerts, freeing up MSPs to focus on other tasks.

Verdict: For deep network monitoring and NOC services, ConnectWise Command provides a more comprehensive solution.

5. Security and Compliance

  • NinjaRMM: Offers integrated security features, such as antivirus, patch management, and endpoint detection. It provides sufficient security for small to medium-sized environments.
  • ConnectWise Command: Delivers advanced security features, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), SOC (Security Operations Center) services, and compliance management. It’s designed for MSPs that need a multi-layered approach to security.

Verdict: If you need advanced security capabilities with SOC services, ConnectWise Command is the superior choice.

6. Integration and Compatibility

  • NinjaRMM: Integrates well with popular third-party tools like PSA (Professional Services Automation), antivirus solutions, backup services, and more. It offers a wide range of integrations suitable for most MSPs.
  • ConnectWise Command: Has extensive integration capabilities, especially within the ConnectWise ecosystem, including PSA, CRM, backup, security tools, and other IT management tools. It offers a more interconnected experience for those already invested in the ConnectWise ecosystem.

Verdict: If you’re heavily invested in the ConnectWise ecosystem or need extensive integrations, ConnectWise Command is the better fit. For a more flexible integration experience across various tools, NinjaRMM is also a solid option.

7. Pricing and Licensing

  • NinjaRMM: Offers straightforward, per-device pricing, which can be cost-effective for small to medium-sized MSPs. The pricing model is transparent and scalable as you add more endpoints.
  • ConnectWise Command: Pricing is more complex due to the inclusion of NOC services and advanced features. It may require more investment upfront, but it offers significant value for MSPs managing larger, complex environments.

Verdict: For cost-effective, predictable pricing, NinjaRMM is a great choice. For MSPs needing NOC services and advanced capabilities, ConnectWise Command justifies the higher cost.

8. Customer Support and Community

  • NinjaRMM: Known for its responsive customer support and a strong community of users. Provides access to forums, knowledge bases, and dedicated support channels.
  • ConnectWise Command: Offers comprehensive support, including access to its NOC team, extensive documentation, training programs, and a large community. Given its complexity, having strong support is crucial.

Verdict: Both tools offer strong support, but ConnectWise Command provides more extensive support options, especially with its NOC services.

Final Thoughts: Which Tool Should You Choose?

  • If you’re a small to medium-sized MSP looking for a user-friendly, cost-effective RMM solution with strong core features and simple setup, NinjaRMM is an excellent choice. It offers everything you need to manage client environments effectively without overwhelming complexity.
  • If you’re a larger MSP or need advanced monitoring, automation, network operations support, and security features, ConnectWise Command (formerly Continuum) is the better fit. It’s built for MSPs that manage complex environments and need robust, scalable solutions with comprehensive support.

Key Takeaway: Choose NinjaRMM for simplicity, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Choose ConnectWise Command for a more powerful, scalable solution with advanced features and built-in NOC support.

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