How we test IT management tools

Managing IT systems means juggling a lot of tasks – tracking devices, rolling out updates, and keeping everything secure. Naturally, an IT management tool should make this easier, but with the market overflowing, figuring out which one actually works for you can be complex.

That’s why our team of researchers takes a deep dive into these tools and analyzes their features, automation capabilities, security, and more deciding factors. We look at them through the lens of real IT teams, assessing how well they integrate with existing systems and whether they can keep up as business needs to grow.

This page walks you through our research process – what we focus on, how we evaluate performance, and what makes an IT management tool truly effective. If you’re managing a growing IT infrastructure or just need a smarter way to stay organized, we help you cut through the noise and find the right fit.

Why can you trust our IT management tools reviews?

Choosing an IT management tool is no easy task, but having access to clear, unbiased information can make a big difference. This is the reason we adopt a research-driven approach, examining these tools from a practical IT standpoint. Here are the main points that make our IT management tools review reliable:

• Independent research and analysis. We take a deep dive into IT tools and analyze their features, strengths, and drawbacks. Our structured process covers points (some but not limited to) automation, security, device management, customer support, value for money, and system monitoring to see how well each tool meets IT needs.
• Expert evaluations. Our team includes IT & information security professionals who know the ins and outs of system management. We look beyond the bold marketing claims online and focus on how these tools work in actual IT environments – whether they simplify workflows, improve security, scale with business growth, or struggle to do any of that.
• User-focused approach. We put ourselves in the shoes of IT admins and businesses, checking for ease of use, flexibility, and long-term value. The expert insights we share with you focus on real-world functionality, not just technical specs.
• Hands-on investigation. Our team of researchers and information security gurus explored 30+ IT tools and spent over 500 hours analyzing their capabilities. Our research is ongoing, so we keep our information up to date with the latest software updates, security trends, and industry best practices.

How we start our research process

Finding the IT management tools that work for various types of businesses is more important than simply selecting the most widely used option. Firstly, we begin by researching the actual needs of IT teams. A small business managing a handful of devices won’t need the same tools as a large company handling complex cloud networks.

We scan the trends in the industry, checking out what is new, what is improving, and what is lagging. For instance, more companies are switching from conventional on-premise solutions to cloud-based device management as remote work becomes more and more common. We examine how tools are adjusting to these changes, including improving automation, security, and introducing better integrations.

Next, we create a shortlist based on typical IT problems, such as managing numerous tasks, automating processes, or maintaining system security. We also separate tools based on business size since not all tools fit every company.

Before hands-on testing (when applicable), we set key criteria. Is the dashboard easy to use? Does it automate repetitive tasks? Can it connect with other systems without a hassle? We also check pricing, security, and scalability options, if there are any. Once we’ve narrowed down our list, we start testing how well these tools perform in real-world IT environments.

Overview of what we analyze in the IT management tools category

IT management tools should automate processes, protect data, and automate operations without unnecessary complexity. However, not all tools are created equal, so, during our testing, we focus on the most crucial elements: device and endpoint management, ease of use, automation, integrations, security, performance, and value.

We examine whether a tool's features outweigh its price, how well it integrates into actual IT workflows, and whether it can grow with your company's needs. We go into great detail about each of these factors below, overviewing how we analyze IT tools and what makes the best ones unique:

• Device and endpoint management
• Ease of use
• Automation and workflows
• Integrations
• Security and compliance
• Performance and scalability
• Pricing and value

Device and endpoint management

Device and endpoint management is how IT teams track, monitor, and control all the devices connected to a company’s network. These can include computers, laptops, phones, tablets, servers, and even IoT devices like printers or security cameras.

We assess how IT tools can assist teams in monitoring and maintaining company devices, making sure they remain safe and current. This covers remotely troubleshooting problems, installing updates, and keeping an eye on the health of the device. Can IT fix an employee's laptop without physically being there, for instance, if it crashes while they are working from home?

We also research security features like user access controls, firewall settings, and antivirus software. An effective device management tool lowers security risks, saves time, and maintains business operations. In our research, we also examine:

1. Setup and configuration. Check the speed at which IT teams can deploy and manage devices.
2. Automation. Check whether applying security patches and updates requires human labor.
3. Incident response. Check how the tool detects and resolves security threats.

Ease of use

Just like with any software, being able to use it intuitively, is already a huge advantage. So, the first thing we analyze in an IT tool is whether (and how) it’s easy to use, whether it’s intuitive or requires you to do some learning.

For instance, IT management platform NinjaOne claims that IT teams spend 10+ hours less managing NinjaOne than previous solutions. Our team investigates whether such statements are true or whether they’re only classic marketing claims.

To test ease of use, we examine the tool’s dashboard layout, navigation flow, setup process, and how long it takes. We then assess whether admins can configure the tool quickly or if it requires extensive customization. We also look at onboarding resources tool offers: tutorials, tooltips, or guided setups. Finally, when applicable, we test the learning curve by simulating real IT scenarios. For example, in an asset management tool, we check how quickly an admin can locate a specific device, update its status, and generate a report – all without needing specific training.

Automation and workflows

You probably know by now that IT teams juggle countless repetitive tasks, from software updates to security monitoring. Naturally, a reliable IT management tool should automate these processes to save time and reduce human error.

However, automation options can be very different. In IT service management (ITSM) tools like Freshservice, automation helps with:

• Ticket routing
• Approvals
• Asset tracking

In remote monitoring and management (RMM) platforms like Atera, it enables:

• Automatic patching
• System alerts
• Scheduled maintenance

We investigate automation by evaluating workflow creation, customization, and execution speed. Can admins easily set up automated workflows? Do tools offer pre-built automation templates? We also check trigger-based actions – for example, if a security incident occurs, does the system automatically alert the right team and initiate a response?

Finally, we evaluate integration with other IT systems, so automation flows smoothly across different platforms without requiring manual input. The best tools let IT teams focus on strategy, not routine tasks.

Integrations

​​Every IT tool must integrate with current systems – none can function in a vacuum. With integrations, IT teams can increase productivity, remove silos, and unify workflows. We examine a tool's compatibility with cloud, RMM (remote monitoring and management), CRM (customer relationship management), and PSA (professional services automation) platforms, as well as whether it allows for custom API connections for more functionality.

We also look at the integration setup and whether it’s possible for the tool to extract real-time data from other systems. Reduced manual work, automated processes and a more interconnected IT ecosystem are all goals of a well-integrated IT management tool.

Security and compliance: does the tool meet security standards?

Since IT management tools handle sensitive data, robust security and compliance features are critical. The ideal tool should protect IT infrastructure without additional complexities, whether that protection is for endpoints, user access management, or compliance.

We start by looking into the tool’s security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption. For instance, we verify whether administrators can limit access according to user roles in an RMM tool like Atera, preventing unwanted system modifications. We look at integrated compliance tracking for frameworks like GDPR or HIPAA in an ITSM platform like Freshservice to make sure companies adhere to industry standards.

We also assess automated security alerts and audit logs – can the tool detect suspicious activity and generate compliance reports effortlessly? A trustworthy IT management tool should not only prevent security risks but also make it easier for you to maintain regulatory standards and prove compliance when needed.

Performance and scalability

As we mentioned earlier, as business needs expand, an IT management tool must be scalable, reliable, and fast. Platforms that are unreliable or slow cause bottlenecks, and unresponsive systems make it hard to manage growing workloads.

We put the system's overall stability, responsiveness, and speed (using GTMetrix and in-house tools) to the test in various scenarios. Can a lot of data be handled by the tool without lag? Does it function properly on various networks and devices?

Scalability is equally important. Growing IT infrastructures should be supported by a good tool without frequent upgrades or performance hiccups. To make sure IT teams can keep an eye on systems and address problems while on the go, we also verify mobile accessibility.

Lastly, we look at reporting and analytics – does software have real-time insights to help you optimize IT operations? By evaluating all of the above points, we can determine if a tool can keep up with both daily operations and long-term growth.

Price-to-value comparison

An all-around IT tool should be well worth the investment. It should not only be feature-rich but also help to keep up the processes of IT teams. When deciding whether a tool offers true value or if you're paying for unnecessary extras, we look beyond the price tag.

We break down pricing models by looking at the following indicators:

• Paywalled features
• Fair scalability
• Hidden fees

We check whether the tool is powerful enough for businesses but still affordable for small teams. We also check whether there are free demos, free trials, and refunds.

Our researchers

Neringa Macijauskaitė

Junior Information Security Researcher

Vincentas Baubonis

Head of Security Research

Nojus Girdenis

Junior Information Security Researcher

At Cybernews, we specialize in information security and cybersecurity tools, which gives us a unique perspective when investigating IT management tools. Security, automation, and integrations are indispensable in today’s IT environments, and we analyze how well these tools help you manage the infrastructure while keeping systems secure.

We also stay up to date with industry trends and user feedback to keep our insights relevant. If you have any feedback or notice any discrepancies, feel free to reach out – we’re constantly refining our research to provide the most accurate information.