Has improved remote access while reducing the need to open SSH or RDP ports
What is our primary use case?
I have been using
NinjaOne for about two years to manage servers, automations, and scripting. Because we are using
NinjaOne, our employees' devices are also shown there. For example, if we have a developer, their device is also shown, and we can remotely access those devices through NinjaOne. I use NinjaOne for everything, including server configuration, logging in to resolve issues, installing TeamViewer, and remote control of servers without needing TeamViewer anymore. NinjaOne provides scripting, maintenance, automation, configuration management, and handling server-level issues, since we require compliance without needing to open SSH ports.
We have Microsoft servers running on a database, and I recently dealt with a tablespace issue. I accessed the server using RDP through NinjaOne since we do not open the RDP port. I logged into the database to check the issue and had to extend that space. For example, if there is an issue with the IIS server giving 500 or 403 errors, we resolve it through NinjaOne. When migrating to AWS VPN, I created a script to deploy the AWS VPN installer to all employees' devices, automating that installation process. If there is any downtime, we access the server through NinjaOne; we do not use any other tools for SSH or RDP.
Our main use case for NinjaOne is compliance, meaning we do not need to open SSH or RDP ports. The agents we install manage the SSH or RDP access. By logging into NinjaOne console, we see a list of servers and can access them directly. This is secure since we can transfer files between local and server locations under PCI compliance. Recently, when migrating to AWS VPN from FortiClient VPN, I scripted the deployment of AWS VPN to all employee devices. I also write scripts for maintenance, such as turning off QA servers over weekends to save costs. We perform maintenance after hours via NinjaOne using RDP for Windows servers and SSH for Ubuntu or Linux servers. Our main use cases involve resolving developer problem reports, server issues, and a seamless access process without opening ports.
What is most valuable?
The standout feature of NinjaOne is that we do not have to open any ports for access, which is great for security. We can also transfer files easily, which is beneficial. The scripting and automation features allow us to run cron jobs and create backups. Overall, security is a significant aspect since we only need to install the agent on the server or employee device for comprehensive management, including remote control and TeamViewer functionalities.
The feature I use the most is the ability to perform RDP or SSH without needing to open ports for specific individuals. This ability to remotely control devices simplifies my workflow significantly. Additionally, the scripting and automation for maintenance and backups are prominent features that enhance our operational efficiency.
The health check feature helps in identifying server issues quickly since I can check logs without needing SSH or RDP. If a server appears unhealthy, I can review its logs to determine the cause without logging in, which speeds up problem resolution significantly. This setup has allowed us to manage our AWS-deployed servers more efficiently by accessing NinjaOne dashboard directly rather than logging into each server individually.
Since we started using NinjaOne, one of the most prominent features has been the dashboard that displays installed agents on servers. If something is wrong with a server, it shows as unhealthy on the dashboard. This feature tells us whether the service is healthy or not and provides operational logs detailing what has occurred over time, allowing us to investigate server problems effectively.
What needs improvement?
NinjaOne can improve in several areas, particularly when it comes to SSH sessions. Maximizing the screen during an SSH connection is not possible, which hampers usability on Linux servers. Also, when entering long commands, it sometimes truncates commands or cuts off words, affecting the user experience, and these are enhancements they could work on.
In addition to previous points, I believe NinjaOne should consider adding notifications about script executions to email, Teams, or Slack channels. Integrating this feature would provide valuable updates on automation outputs or process completions to team members, enhancing overall communication.
Improvements can be made in speed and performance for RDP connections, as it sometimes takes too long to respond. Additionally, enhancing the UI for Linux servers could be beneficial, especially regarding command entry and display for larger scripts to prevent truncation.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using NinjaOne for about two years to manage servers, automations, and scripting.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I find NinjaOne to be very stable; in the two years I have used it, I have never experienced any downtime or reliability issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
NinjaOne's scalability is exceptional; we easily install the agent on new servers and can create scripts to automate agent installation. This capability has been beneficial for handling growth within our organization.
How are customer service and support?
I have never had to contact customer support for NinjaOne; I have had no need to reach out to them.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I did not use any other tool before NinjaOne; when I joined my organization, NinjaOne was already deployed. In my previous role, I handled SSH access and had to open ports to specific IPs, which was time-consuming, making NinjaOne an appealing solution.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I did not evaluate other options when I joined my organization as NinjaOne was already in use.
What other advice do I have?
In my previous role, I handled SSH access and had to open ports to specific IPs, which was time-consuming, making NinjaOne an appealing solution.
My advice for others considering NinjaOne is that if you require compliance, it is a great option. NinjaOne dashboard consolidates everything, which is helpful for maintenance and backups across various cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, or GCP, making it a preferred choice. I would rate this product an 8 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Effortless Deployment & Top-Notch Patching, But Room for Improvement
What do you like best about the product?
Ninja One is very straightforward to deploy, with the agent installing rapidly. Among the various RMMs I have used, the patching experience stands out as the best. The patching features are robust, offering options such as forcing updates after a set number of user postponements and ensuring installations occur even if a device was offline during the scheduled patch window. I also appreciate the mobile app, which is excellent for performing quick reboots and other immediate fixes. Third-party application patching works well, too. While the built-in Ninja managed apps list isn't the most extensive, it does include many major applications, and its capabilities can be further enhanced through a winget integration. It has also been refreshing to see that the dev team takes the feature request seriously and so far we have seen many great additions from the upcoming feature releases page.
What do you dislike about the product?
The main challenge I've encountered with NinjaOne so far is the lack of granular permissions. There have been situations where I wanted to enable a specific feature for our service desk team, but to do so, I was required to grant access to several additional features as well. This may make certain features unavailable to give to certain roles if you need to lock actions down very specifically. Another drawback is that the Linux agent currently falls short when it comes to automatically installing or enforcing certain AV/EDR providers, and it does not yet support NinjaRemote. I have been informed that NinjaRemote support for Linux is in development, so I am hopeful that this will be available soon.
On the MacOS side, patch management can feel somewhat divided between NinjaOne's managed patching and patching through the NinjaOne RMM, which can make it challenging to determine the best approach for your particular environment.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
The NinjaOne platform benefits us through its features around patching, monitoring, remote support, remote access, AV enforcement, and drive encryption key management.
Unmatched Automation Flexibility for Software and OS Patching
What do you like best about the product?
I found that automating software and OS patches on the schedule I determine is the most helpful. There are so many options for automation that there's almost nothing the product can't do. I did a round of server patching this month and it was seamless in how easy it was to approve the patches & restart servers remotely.
What do you dislike about the product?
I wish all of the product suite came included. I'm not the biggest fan of the piece by piece feature sets. I'd be more persuaded to push more endpoints into the product if that were the case.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
We had an issue with another vendor not being able to patch a particular software. NinjaOne has solved this from the very beginning. Their support is also top notch. Their response time is spectacular and their information they provided for solutions is exactly what we've needed.
Excellent Community-Driven Updates, But Patching Setup Needs Improvement for MSPs
What do you like best about the product?
Developers listen to community and update the product based on requests and user feedback. Roadmap is clear, concise and all inclusive.
What do you dislike about the product?
The patching being built into device and alert policies is painful for MSP's with a large number of clients/schedules. Alerting/conditions should be separate from patch/reboot policies.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
It provides the features listed above. RMM capabilities, easy remote access and remote management of systems, customized monitoring/alerting, patch and vulnerability management. We appreciate wrapping as much into a single solution as possible without it becoming cluttered or overbearing, and Ninja fills that role quite well.
Convenient Tools, But Cloud Performance and Documentation Need Improvement
What do you like best about the product?
All the tools provided are very convenient.
What do you dislike about the product?
The cloud based tools are inconsistent and are slow, there is a lack of reporting for historical troubleshooting. Documentation has not been the easiest to find other than a paid class?
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Remote troubleshooting and bitlocker backups
Intuitive Interface, But Needs Stronger Remote Access Security
What do you like best about the product?
It's intuitive and easy to figure out. It made it easy to train our employees to use it.
What do you dislike about the product?
I wish the remote access for employees had more security features.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
We were able to consolidate several products into NinjaOne.
Outstanding Automations and Remote Capabilities Make This App a Standout
What do you like best about the product?
I am truly impressed by the automations I can set up and the app's remarkable remote capabilities. Both features make using the app an outstanding experience.
What do you dislike about the product?
I don't have anything to dislike so far; it's a very good product.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
This app provides everything I need to efficiently manage my organization's PCs and servers. It makes the process quick and straightforward.
Great RMM Solution for IT Companies
What do you like best about the product?
It is very simple to setup and work with. The organization and policy are easy to configure. I also like that it has a lot of features with automation.
What do you dislike about the product?
I am not crazy about the ticketing or documentation part of the software. The ticket system lacks a lot of features
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
It backup has help us on our routing for backing up servers and capturing images of our servers. It also helps us monitoring closely our updates and patch management
User-Friendly Platform with Ongoing Improvements.
What do you like best about the product?
Ease of use and how they are continuously improving the platfom.
What do you dislike about the product?
Random issues with patching where the patch has failed from time to time with no details about how it failed. The activity column for devices should provide more detaild information. Also, duplicate devices at times when there shouldn't be.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Patching and monitoring of devices mainly.
Responsive, Easy Integration & Stellar Support
What do you like best about the product?
I have used a similar tools throughout my career in IT and I have found NinjaOne to be one of the most responsive and easy to use. I would also like to point out how simple it was to integrate the tool into our environment and quickly deploy the agents to our various devices. Since our first talk with NinjaOne, up to now where the tool is fully integrated into our environment, we have received the same level of customer support with timely and friendly communication.
What do you dislike about the product?
I would love to see some improvements to the UI of the management portal. Specifically related to getting to certain administrative settings quicker that seem to be a few menus down. Maybe the ability to customize the menu options based on what parts of NinjaOne we use most often.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
We were looking for a tool to improve our ability to manage devices in our organization. We have used other tools to deploy apps and manage devices but they always lacked in their ability to be fine tuned and customized to our liking. Not to mention that NinjaOne sends out commands very quickly.
