Comparing Multi-Tenant Network Monitoring, System Monitoring, and SaaS Monitoring for MSPs

As a Managed Service Provider (MSP) dealing with multiple clients, monitoring becomes even more critical—and complex. Each client might have different needs, systems, and security requirements. This is where multi-tenant monitoring tools shine, allowing you to keep tabs on multiple environments from a single pane of glass. Let’s dive into the specifics of Network Monitoring, System Monitoring, and SaaS Monitoring for multi-tenant MSPs, including some of the top tools tailored for this purpose.

Network Monitoring

What’s Included:

Network Monitoring for MSPs involves monitoring the data flow and health of network devices across multiple client environments. This includes:

• Bandwidth Monitoring: Track how much data is being used and where.
• Latency and Packet Loss: Ensure data is moving efficiently across networks.
• Device Health: Monitor routers, switches, and firewalls to detect and resolve issues before they cause downtime.
• Security Threat Detection: Identify potential threats like unauthorized access or unusual traffic patterns.

What’s Not Included:

Network Monitoring typically doesn’t extend into individual systems or SaaS applications unless those are specifically integrated into the network. It also doesn’t manage the configuration or security of the devices—just their operational status.

Billing/Pricing:

Network Monitoring tools for MSPs are generally billed per device, per site, or based on the amount of data processed. Some tools also offer tiered pricing based on the number of clients or sites managed.

Example Tools:

• Auvik: Provides automated network monitoring and management, with multi-tenant support for MSPs. Auvik offers real-time network mapping and alerting.
• N-able N-central: Offers network monitoring with multi-tenant management, making it easy to monitor multiple clients from one platform.

Why It’s Crucial:

For MSPs, Network Monitoring is essential to prevent and quickly resolve network issues across all client environments. It ensures that your clients’ networks are running smoothly, keeping their businesses—and yours—operational.

System Monitoring

What’s Included:

System Monitoring involves keeping your clients’ servers, operating systems, and key applications healthy. For a multi-tenant MSP, this includes:

• Server Health: Monitor CPU usage, memory, and disk space across all client systems.
• Application Monitoring: Keep an eye on critical applications, ensuring they’re performing well.
• Process Monitoring: Identify any rogue processes that could be causing issues.
• Alerting and Reporting: Get notified of issues across any client’s environment and generate reports for compliance or performance analysis.

What’s Not Included:

System Monitoring doesn’t usually cover network health or SaaS application performance unless integrated with other tools. It also might not include deep security monitoring unless specifically designed for that purpose.

Billing/Pricing:

Billing is often per server or system, with some vendors offering packages that include a set number of monitoring checks or endpoints. Multi-tenant support typically comes as part of the MSP-focused packages.

Example Tools:

• N-able RMM: A Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool that provides detailed system monitoring with multi-tenant capabilities, making it easier to manage multiple clients from one platform.
• ManageEngine OpManager MSP: Offers system and network monitoring with specific features designed for MSPs, including multi-tenant management.
• Kaseya VSA: Provides system monitoring, automation, and management with multi-tenant support, helping MSPs keep all their client environments running smoothly.

Why It’s Crucial:

System Monitoring is vital for MSPs to ensure that clients’ critical infrastructure is operational and optimized. With multi-tenant capabilities, MSPs can efficiently manage all client environments from a single dashboard.

SaaS Monitoring

What’s Included:

SaaS Monitoring focuses on cloud-based applications that your clients use, such as Office 365, Google Workspace, or Salesforce. Key aspects include:

• Service Availability: Monitor the uptime and accessibility of SaaS applications.
• User Activity Monitoring: Keep track of who is doing what within the SaaS environment, identifying any suspicious behavior.
• License Utilization: Ensure your clients are making the most of their SaaS licenses.
• Security Monitoring: Detect and respond to unauthorized access or data exfiltration attempts.

What’s Not Included:

SaaS Monitoring usually doesn’t cover on-premises systems or the underlying network infrastructure. It also may not provide detailed application-level performance metrics unless the tool is specifically designed for that.

Billing/Pricing:

SaaS Monitoring tools often charge based on the number of users or the number of SaaS applications being monitored. Some may offer pricing based on the number of tenants or clients, making it easier for MSPs to manage costs.

Example Tools:

• Augmentt: Offers SaaS management and monitoring tailored for MSPs, with multi-tenant support and detailed reporting.
• SaaS Alerts: Specifically designed for MSPs, it provides security and monitoring for SaaS applications like Office 365, with strong multi-tenant capabilities.
• CloudAlly: Provides backup and monitoring for SaaS applications with multi-tenant management, ensuring that all client data is secure and recoverable.

Why It’s Crucial:

As more clients rely on cloud-based applications, SaaS Monitoring becomes essential for MSPs to ensure those services are secure, available, and efficiently used. Multi-tenant tools allow MSPs to manage all their clients’ SaaS environments from a centralized platform, improving efficiency and service quality.