How is Canopy different from remote monitoring and management software used for IT assets like servers and PCs — or mobile device management (MDM) software?
Canopy RMM is built for connected products like kiosks & POS systems and other unique combinations of remote devices compared to typical RMM/MDM for PCs a mobile devices. Canopy is able to connect deeply to every aspect of the remote system to monitor, manage, and automate devices at scale.
Traditional RMM and MDM solutions have significant limitations for connected products
Traditional RMM solutions are designed specifically for standard IT infrastructure like laptops, desktop computers, and servers running common operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux). Similarly, Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms focus exclusively on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices within iOS, Android, or Chrome OS environments.
While these solutions work well for their intended purposes, they fall short when it comes to managing modern connected products like self-checkout kiosks, digital signage, security systems, smart lockers, and point-of-sale systems.
Key differences that set Canopy apart:
1. Designed for complex, multi-component products
- Traditional RMM/MDM: Limited to single-device management within standard operating systems
- Canopy: Built to handle connected products that combine multiple hardware components, peripherals, software applications, and operating systems in a single solution
2. Deep and complete connectivity
- Traditional RMM/MDM: Typically connects only to the main controller or device
- Canopy: Connects to and collects data from every endpoint in a connected product ecosystem — including peripherals like printers, card readers, sensors, cameras, bill acceptors, touchscreens, and more
3. Adaptable to diverse configurations
- Traditional RMM/MDM: Works within predefined parameters for standard devices
- Canopy: Designed to adapt to unique combinations of hardware, software, network conditions, and environmental factors that connected products require
4. Comprehensive monitoring beyond basic metrics
- Traditional RMM/MDM: Focuses on standard IT metrics like CPU, memory, and basic application status
- Canopy: Monitors the entire connected product stack including peripheral health, environmental conditions, power status, network connectivity, and product-specific functionality
5. Industry-specific automation
- Traditional RMM/MDM: Generic automation for common IT tasks
- Canopy: Purpose-built automations for connected product scenarios, such as restarting frozen applications, managing peripheral devices, and maintaining "golden configurations" across diverse hardware setups
The bottom line
Traditional RMM and MDM solutions weren't designed for the proprietary and complex nature of connected products. They can't adapt to the unique software, hardware, network, and environmental requirements that modern connected products demand.
Canopy fills this gap by providing a remote monitoring and management platform specifically engineered for the complexity and diversity of connected product deployments, giving technical support teams the visibility and control they need to proactively manage downtime and ensure optimal customer experiences.