This Q Labs field guide presents the top monitoring solutions MSPs can deploy to ensure client systems remain operational and secure. Our technical assessment will help your MSP select the right tools for superior client service delivery.
Mission-Critical Systems for MSP Success
MSPs of all sizes face increasing pressure to maintain client networks, servers, and critical systems at peak performance levels. The right monitoring tools provide MSPs with immediate visibility into client infrastructure health, alert technical staff about emerging issues, and deliver comprehensive analytics for preemptive maintenance.
Several advanced monitoring platforms now offer specialized MSP capabilities, including AI-powered analysis and integrated PSA functionality. This technical assessment from Q Labs examines these options to help your MSP make the optimal selection from numerous available solutions.
Monitoring Tool Classifications for MSPs
Before analyzing specific platforms, MSPs should understand what monitoring tools do, what varieties exist, and why they matter for client management.
MSP Monitoring Platform Fundamentals
A monitoring platform allows MSPs to observe and manage client IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, applications, and other essential systems. Quality monitoring solutions offer real-time alerts, patch management, automated operations, and detailed reporting capabilities.
For MSPs, monitoring typically forms part of a more comprehensive management platform addressing all aspects of client IT service delivery. Q Labs offers monitoring capabilities within our complete MSP management solution specifically designed for service providers managing 300-3000 endpoints.
MSP Monitoring Categories
MSPs can deploy various monitoring tool types based on specific client needs:
Unified Monitoring Platforms
These solutions provide comprehensive monitoring of servers, networks, applications, and devices through a centralized console. They typically include RMM capabilities, automated patch deployment, scripting features, workflow automation, and performance analytics.
Q Labs enables MSPs to monitor and manage client networks, servers, and SNMP devices from a unified dashboard, simplifying multi-client management for service providers.
Network Monitoring Solutions
Network monitoring tools allow MSPs to track client networks in real time with automatic alerts for anomalies or problems. Superior solutions monitor Mac, Windows, Linux devices, printers, ports, websites, servers, and routers across multiple client environments.
While some platforms focus exclusively on network monitoring, others incorporate network visibility within more comprehensive RMM solutions.
Server Monitoring Applications
Server monitoring platforms help MSPs continuously check critical parameters across client server infrastructure. These include performance metrics (CPU utilization, disk usage) and network statistics (bandwidth consumption, connection status).
These solutions typically include automated updating, real-time alert systems, and advanced reporting. These functions enable MSPs to manage client servers proactively rather than reactively.
SNMP Monitoring Systems
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) tools enable managed devices to communicate with networks, transmit status information, and notify MSP technicians about configuration changes. Common SNMP-compatible devices include printers, routers, switches, servers, workstations, and IoT equipment.
SNMP capabilities often come integrated within broader network monitoring platforms, such as the Q Labs MSP management solution.
Why MSPs Need Advanced Monitoring Tools
Let’s examine how monitoring platforms benefit MSP operations:
1. Early Problem Detection for Clients
Top monitoring solutions include continuous tracking and alert capabilities, allowing MSPs to identify emerging issues before they become serious problems.
For MSPs, constant network monitoring prevents client system failures. Through preventive identification, MSPs ensure uninterrupted service for client operations.
2. Client Security Reinforcement
Monitoring tools help MSPs detect suspicious activities, vulnerabilities, and potential breaches across client networks, allowing immediate risk mitigation.
Many current management platforms also support integration with specialized security tools, further enhancing client protection.
3. MSP Operational Efficiency
Monitoring platforms often include automation capabilities for patch management, analytics, scripting, and conditional actions triggered by alert thresholds.
These features reduce manual work for MSP technicians, creating cost efficiencies while allowing staff to focus on strategic client initiatives.
4. Multi-Client Management Visibility
Monitoring solutions, particularly unified platforms, simplify management across multiple client environments by providing centralized visibility across entire client portfolios.
For MSPs, quality monitoring solutions offer clear views into each client’s infrastructure. Q Labs makes client profile creation and navigation straightforward for multi-client MSPs.
5. MSP Business Scalability
Monitoring systems improve scalability through automation, cost optimization, and enhanced security across growing client portfolios.
Some monitoring platforms offer per-technician pricing models, allowing MSPs to add unlimited client endpoints without additional costs. This approach makes scaling predictable and eliminates unexpected expenses as the MSP business grows.
Next, we’ll examine these monitoring solutions from an MSP perspective. This analysis highlights key features, advantages, and limitations of each option for service providers.
1. Datto RMM
Datto RMM primarily serves MSPs managing client infrastructure. It includes patch management, ransomware detection, and remote access capabilities specifically designed for service providers.
For PSA functionality, Datto RMM integrates with Autotask PSA, enabling faster ticket processing, improved service delivery, and efficient issue resolution for MSP clients.
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (400+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (20+ reviews)
Pricing: Custom pricing through Datto’s sales team.
2. Q Labs
Q Labs provides MSPs with comprehensive monitoring capabilities within our all-in-one management platform. Our solution allows service providers to monitor Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, plus SNMP-compatible devices like printers, network equipment, websites, and servers across multiple client environments.
Beyond monitoring, Q Labs delivers professional services automation (PSA), remote access, helpdesk and ticketing, network discovery, analytics, and automation capabilities specifically designed for MSPs managing 300-3000 endpoints. Our platform integrates with numerous third-party tools to extend MSP service capabilities.
MSPs receive 24/7 support through live chat and email channels. We also provide extensive self-help resources, including a comprehensive knowledge base, regular technical webinars, blog articles, and an active MSP community for troubleshooting and best practice discussions.
Key MSP Capabilities:
Q Labs’ primary monitoring feature includes real-time client system tracking with customizable alerts. MSPs can monitor system activity across multiple clients and scale to manage any number of customers, devices, or locations. Alert thresholds help technicians address potential issues before they affect client operations.
Our platform includes extensive reporting and analytics options, giving MSPs visibility into system health, client environment status, agent performance, inventory details, and other critical metrics.
MSP Interface:
Alert threshold profiles play a critical role in Q Labs’ monitoring system. MSPs can create these profiles from the main dashboard and customize them for different client requirements. Preset profiles for various operating systems simplify initial setup.
The admin console provides easy navigation with access to essential functions. The primary view shows current client environment status at a glance.
For MSPs supporting multiple clients, our platform makes profile creation quick and simple, with straightforward switching between different client environments.
MSP Value:
Q Labs offers transparent per-technician pricing designed specifically for MSP operations. This approach allows service providers to add unlimited client endpoints without additional costs, improving scalability and eliminating unexpected expenses as your client base expands.
3. SolarWinds
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor focuses on network monitoring, tracking performance, availability, and health across client networks. It monitors various operating systems, routers, switches, servers, and virtual machines, collecting metrics on bandwidth usage, packet loss, latency, and related factors.
SolarWinds offers multiple products for different aspects of IT management. MSPs seeking comprehensive capabilities might need to combine several SolarWinds products, potentially increasing costs compared to all-in-one solutions like Q Labs.
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (200+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (70+ reviews)
Pricing: Custom quotation. Prices start at $1,856. Contact SolarWinds for specific pricing.
ManageEngine OpManager provides network monitoring with visibility into server, storage, printer, virtual machine, router, and switch performance. Similar to Q Labs, OpManager offers real-time monitoring and alerts for continuous performance tracking across client devices.
OpManager combines troubleshooting capabilities with planning and configuration management. It integrates with other ManageEngine products for expanded functionality. Like SolarWinds, this approach may increase total costs compared to unified MSP platforms.
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (80+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (90+ reviews)
Pricing: Custom quotation available through ManageEngine’s sales team.
Paessler PRTG monitors various devices and services, including servers, routers, switches, virtual machines, applications, and databases. It provides real-time network performance monitoring with alerts based on customizable thresholds.
For MSPs seeking infrastructure visibility, PRTG offers detailed reports and analytics for client environments. While PRTG provides advanced network monitoring, it lacks other essential MSP management capabilities such as comprehensive RMM and PSA functionality.
G2 Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (80+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (200+ reviews)
Pricing: Starts from $2,149 per year for monitoring up to 500 aspects of devices within client networks.
6. Dynatrace
Dynatrace offers end-to-end monitoring across applications, infrastructure, cloud platforms, and user experiences. Like Q Labs, Dynatrace employs AI to help MSPs identify issue root causes, perform predictive analysis, and resolve problems proactively. Additional features include automatic discovery, log analysis, and customizable dashboards.
Dynatrace supports integration with platforms such as Microsoft 365, Slack, ServiceNow, Azure, and Jira for expanded MSP service delivery.
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (1,200+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (50+ reviews)
Pricing: Usage-based pricing starting from $0.08 per hour for 8 GiB host for full-stack monitoring.
7. ServiceNow
ServiceNow primarily focuses on IT service management but also provides infrastructure, application, and network monitoring capabilities. ServiceNow’s monitoring features alert MSPs to client system health issues and help prevent incident recurrence.
MSPs can extend ServiceNow’s monitoring capabilities through additional products for service desk, asset management, security, risk management, and related functions.
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 (800+ reviews)
Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)
Pricing: Custom quotation required through ServiceNow’s sales team.
8. Jamf Pro
Jamf Pro specializes in Apple device management, monitoring, and security for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices. Its inventory functionality automatically collects Apple device hardware, software, and security configuration details for MSP client management.
Jamf offers extensive integration with asset management, network access, and Apple ecosystem tools like Apple Business Manager and School Manager. Its primary limitation restricts monitoring to Apple devices only.
G2 Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (1,500+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (500+ reviews)
Pricing: Business plan costs $14.33 per technician monthly (25 technician minimum).
9. Kaseya VSA
Kaseya VSA provides RMM capabilities for MSPs, monitoring performance, health, and availability across client servers, workstations, networks, and cloud infrastructure. Additional features include patch management, automation, scripting, remote access, and asset tracking.
Kaseya uses per-endpoint pricing, which G2 reviewers note costs more than competitors. This pricing model contrasts with Q Labs’ per-technician approach, which allows unlimited client endpoints without additional expense.
G2 Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 (250+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)
Pricing: Custom pricing structure. Contact Kaseya for details.
10. GoTo Resolve
GoTo Resolve combines RMM, helpdesk, ticketing, and remote support capabilities for MSPs. Its monitoring alerts track CPU usage, memory utilization, disk space, and software inventory across client systems. The platform automatically notifies appropriate technicians and includes remote access for issue resolution.
GoTo Resolve employs per-technician pricing but adds charges when exceeding device limits (25 devices for standard plans).
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 (400+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (190+ reviews)
Pricing: – Free tier: Up to 3 technicians – Standard: Starting at $57 monthly (annual billing) – Premium: Custom pricing available
11. Ivanti Neurons
Ivanti Neurons monitors mobile, desktop, and IoT devices with AI-enhanced security capabilities. It supports iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and specialty devices like HoloLens, Oculus, and Zebra equipment.
Ivanti offers additional products for asset discovery, RMM, service desk, mobile management, and network security. MSPs seeking comprehensive capabilities might consider Ivanti if managing multiple product costs aligns with their business model.
G2 Rating: 4.2 out of 5.0 stars (130+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars (1 review)
Pricing: Custom pricing through Ivanti’s website.
12. Action1
Action1 provides centralized visibility and control over client endpoints for MSPs. The platform supports threshold-based monitoring, PowerShell script execution, and remote server management. Action1 also includes automated patch management to keep client systems current with security updates.
For MSPs focused primarily on endpoint management, Action1 might suffice. However, it lacks other critical MSP capabilities like helpdesk systems, ticketing, and AI-enhanced functions.
G2 Rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 (150+ reviews)
Capterra Rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 (80+ reviews)
Pricing: Custom quotation required through Action1’s website.
MSP Monitoring: Common Questions
Monitoring tools provide essential capabilities for MSPs seeking to maintain client infrastructure health, performance, and security. These platforms optimize resource usage, enhance threat detection, improve client experience, and support better operational decisions through detailed analytics.
Monitoring solutions serve MSPs across all market segments, from single-technician operations to large service providers with extensive client portfolios. Regardless of your MSP’s size, monitoring tools simplify client management and provide critical operational advantages.
Key features include continuous tracking of network, server, and application health; customizable alert thresholds for proactive issue management; and detailed performance metrics for data-based operational decisions.
Attention MSP operatives! Q Labs has developed specialized monitoring protocols for service providers managing 300-3000 endpoints. Our platform combines comprehensive monitoring capabilities with integrated PSA, remote access, and automation features specifically designed for the unique challenges MSPs face when supporting multiple client environments.
The Q Labs advantage comes from our MSP-focused approach. While general tools address basic monitoring functions, our platform includes multi-client management capabilities, AI-powered automation, and custom reporting that helps demonstrate your technical value to clients.
MSPs partnering with Q Labs receive not just technology but expert guidance from a team that understands service provider challenges. Our platform enhances MSP efficiency through purpose-built features that reduce technician workload while improving client satisfaction.
Contact our field agents today for a complete briefing on how Q Labs monitoring transforms client management into a strategic advantage for your MSP operation.
Get exclusive insights on MSP operations, automation strategies, and business scaling tactics delivered straight to your inbox.
No fluff, just actionable SOPs, industry intelligence, and behind-the-scenes expertise from the elite operatives at Q Labs.
What you’ll receive:
📩 Sign up now and transform chaos into clockwork!