Vendor Spotlight: Atera

Atera is a leading provider of remote monitoring and management (RMM) solutions, specializing in serving Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Founded in 2015, the company has rapidly gained traction in the IT industry, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to help MSPs manage their clients’ IT infrastructure efficiently.

Atera’s Origins and Growth

Atera Networks Ltd. was born out of the founders’ frustration with the limitations of existing RMM solutions. Recognizing the need for a more modern and user-friendly platform, they set out to create a tool that would revolutionize the way MSPs operate. Those innovators were Gil Pekelman and Oshri Moyal and they set up the company in Tel Aviv, Israel, taking a year to develop the company’s key product, a remote monitoring and management (RMM) package, which was launched in 2016.

The company’s rapid growth can be attributed to several factors, including its innovative approach to RMM, its focus on customer satisfaction, and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the IT industry. Atera has consistently introduced new features and capabilities, ensuring that its platform remains competitive and relevant.

Timeline and Evolution

Atera’s founders attempted to grow the company and its product organically, funding development with savings, loans, and grants. As a result, development was slow at first. However, since taking on private investors with two funding rounds in 2020, the company has experienced faster growth.

• 2015: Atera Networks Ltd. is founded by Gil Pekelman and Oshri Moyal in Tel Aviv, Israel. The company begins developing its all-in-one platform designed to meet the needs of MSPs and IT professionals.
• 2016: Atera officially launches its platform, offering a combination of RMM, PSA, and remote access tools. The platform quickly gains attention for its simplicity, ease of use, and unique pricing model based on the number of technicians rather than devices managed.
• 2017: Atera expands its feature set, adding more automation tools and enhancing the platform’s remote monitoring capabilities. The company starts gaining traction in the global market, particularly among small to medium-sized MSPs. An agent for macOS is added.
• 2018: Atera introduces new features, including patch management, network discovery, and real-time alerts. These additions make the platform more robust, attracting a broader range of IT professionals and MSPs.
• 2019: The company experiences significant growth, expanding its customer base internationally. Atera also enhances its integration capabilities, allowing for seamless connectivity with other popular IT tools and services.
• 2020: Amid the global shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Atera further strengthens its remote access and management features. The platform’s user base grows as more businesses look for reliable and scalable IT management solutions.
• 2021: Atera continues to innovate by adding new features such as script automation and advanced reporting tools. The company also secures additional funding to fuel its expansion and product development efforts.
• 2022: Atera expands its market by adapting the platform to provide a version for IT departments.
• 2023: Atera focuses on expanding its global reach and enhancing its platform to meet the evolving needs of IT professionals. The RMM system is rewritten to integrate artificial intelligence features based on Microsoft Azure-OpenAI.
• 2024: Atera rolls out AI-based Copilot as an add-on for script and guides generation.

Company Ownership

The two founders of the enterprise maintained full ownership of the company, resisting the approaches of venture capitalists until 2020. A major source of support in the company’s early years was the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which has provided support for many tech startups in Israel. The founders wanted to wait until the company had gathered all the indicators of value and actually turned a profit, which occurred in 2017.

US investment fund, K1 bought in for $25 million in the first round of funding and General Atlantic, another US private equity company, invested in July 2020 with a stake of $77 million.

That last investment valued the company at $500 million. Thanks to their ability to survive for so long without external financing, the two founders still maintain control of the company and its development strategy. Neither of the two external investors has directors on the board of Atera Networks.

Locations

Atera Networks Ltd. is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, a city known for its vibrant tech ecosystem and innovation. The company leverages Israel’s strong talent pool and its reputation as a hub for tech startups to drive its growth and product development.

Being a cloud-based provider, the company felt there was no need to open offices around the world. All the company’s operations are directed from its headquarters in Tel Aviv. It has only one other location, which is its marketing suite in New York, USA.

Target Market and Customer Base

Atera’s initial focus was on providing remote monitoring and management (RMM) services and professional services automation (PSA) systems for managed service providers (MSPs). The company focused on producing a cloud-based platform that would be appealing to small and mid-sized businesses. Initially, the plans of the service included a sole trader package for lone technicians.

Atera has always, and still, prices its plans per technician with no minimum number of seats. As well as offering a full RMM and PSA suite to just a single user, the company does not offer discounts to larger businesses. All of which shows that the company is determined to offer as good a package to small customers as it does to big corporations.

The recent addition of its Copilot generative AI system will also appeal to small MSPs. The uptake of time-saving writing tools tends to appeal to the individual, who wants to get more done, than to corporate managers, who don’t like to think of their workers not earning their pay by their own efforts.

Other features of the Atera platform show that the business’s leaders really got into the psychology of small businesses. The company has always advertised its prices on its websites – something that many rivals do not do. Knowing the price of a piece of software or a service is always one of the first goals of a small business manager when investigating systems to buy. SMEs also don’t like to be forced into talking to a pushy sales rep when buying – the entire buyer’s journey can be completed online without any human contact.

Atera claims to have more than 12,000 customers, scattered across 120 countries. The company initially produced plans for managed service providers. Its main product was an RMM with a ticketing service added on. Over the years, this package has expanded to provide more comprehensive PSA functions for MSP management.

More recently, Atera decided to break out of the MSP market and build plans that would appeal to IT departments for in-house IT asset management and user support. This has resulted in two sets of plans – one for MSPs and the other for IT departments – each with four editions. All plans are still priced per technician.

Atera’s Product Suite

Atera offers a comprehensive all-in-one IT management platform designed primarily for managed service providers (MSPs) and IT professionals. The platform integrates several key tools into one interface, simplifying the management of IT environments. The main components of Atera’s product suite include:

• Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Atera’s RMM tool allows IT professionals to monitor and manage IT assets remotely. This includes real-time monitoring, patch management, network discovery, and automated alerts. The RMM tool helps ensure that IT systems are functioning optimally, and that potential issues are addressed before they become critical.
• Professional Services Automation (PSA) The PSA component of Atera’s platform is designed to help MSPs manage their business operations. This includes ticketing, customer relationship management (CRM), billing, and time tracking. The PSA tool streamlines workflows and enhances service delivery, allowing MSPs to manage their client relationships and business processes efficiently.
• Remote Access Atera provides built-in remote access tools that enable IT professionals to connect to client machines from anywhere. This feature is crucial for providing remote support and troubleshooting without the need for onsite visits, especially in today’s remote-first work environment.
• Automation Atera offers extensive automation features that reduce the manual workload for IT teams. This includes automated patching, scripting, and self-healing processes that keep systems running smoothly and reduce the risk of human error.
• Reporting and Analytics Atera’s platform includes advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing users to generate detailed reports on system performance, ticket resolution times, and other key metrics. These insights help IT teams make informed decisions and demonstrate value to their clients.
• Integrations Atera integrates with various third-party tools and services, including antivirus software, cloud storage, and other IT management tools. This flexibility allows IT teams to customize their toolset according to their specific needs.

Evolution of the Product Suite

Atera’s product suite has evolved significantly since its inception, reflecting broader trends in network technology and IT management. Initially, Atera focused on providing basic RMM and PSA tools, which were critical for MSPs looking to manage their clients’ IT environments efficiently.

As network technologies advanced, Atera expanded its product suite to include more sophisticated features like automation and remote access. These developments were driven by the growing complexity of IT environments and the increasing demand for remote management capabilities. The rise of cloud computing and the shift towards remote work further influenced Atera’s product evolution, leading to enhancements in scalability, security, and remote connectivity.

The addition of automation features was a major milestone in Atera’s evolution. As IT environments became more complex, the need for automated processes grew. Atera responded by integrating automation tools that could handle routine tasks like patch management, script execution, and system monitoring, freeing up IT professionals to focus on more strategic work.

Challenges and How Atera Overcame Them

Like any growing company, Atera faced challenges as it expanded its product offerings and customer base. One significant challenge was scaling the platform to meet the needs of a global customer base. As Atera attracted more users, it needed to ensure that its platform could handle the increased demand without compromising performance or reliability.

To address this challenge, Atera invested in cloud infrastructure and performance optimization. The company also focused on customer feedback to continuously improve its platform, ensuring that it met the evolving needs of its users.

Another challenge was the competitive landscape. The IT management space is crowded, with several established players offering similar solutions. Atera differentiated itself by focusing on simplicity, ease of use, and a unique pricing model based on the number of technicians rather than devices managed. This approach resonated with small to medium-sized MSPs and IT teams, helping Atera carve out a niche in the market.

Security was another area where Atera faced challenges, particularly as cyber threats became more sophisticated. Atera responded by enhancing its security features, including stronger encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. These measures helped to build trust with customers and ensure the platform’s resilience against emerging threats.

Atera Plans

Atera offers a variety of pricing plans designed to cater to the needs of managed service providers (MSPs) and IT professionals. Their plans are structured around the number of technicians rather than the number of devices, which is a unique approach in the industry, providing flexibility and scalability for their users.

Effectively, there are four plans for MSPs and the company then adapted these to suit IT departments. Buyers who require the package for an internal support team won’t need the customer management features of the PSA services in the MSP plans. This is why there are two divisions of plans.

MSP Plans

1. Pro Plan

The Pro Plan is Atera’s entry-level offering for MSPs, providing the essential tools needed to manage client IT environments effectively. It’s ideal for small MSPs or those just starting in the industry.

Key Features:

• Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM): Core RMM capabilities to monitor and manage client systems remotely.
• Professional Services Automation (PSA): Basic PSA tools for ticketing, task management, and incident tracking.
• Patch Management: Streamlines the process of deploying updates and patches across client devices.
• Remote Access: Built-in tools for accessing and troubleshooting client devices without the need for onsite visits.
• Basic Reporting: Access to essential reports to track IT performance and service metrics.

Best For: Small MSPs that require a reliable and straightforward solution to manage their clients’ IT infrastructure.

2. Growth Plan

The Growth Plan is designed for MSPs looking to expand their service offerings and improve operational efficiency. It adds more advanced tools and automation features to help MSPs scale their business.

Key Features:

• All Pro Plan Features: Includes everything available in the Pro Plan.
• Advanced Reporting: Enhanced reporting capabilities that provide deeper insights into IT operations and service delivery.
• Automation: Expanded automation features, including scripting and automated workflows, to reduce manual tasks and improve efficiency.
• Network Discovery: Tools to automatically discover and manage all network-connected devices across client environments.
• Integrations: A wider range of integrations with third-party tools, allowing MSPs to customize their service offerings.

Best For: Growing MSPs that need more advanced tools to manage increasing client demands and streamline their operations.

3. Power Plan

The Power Plan is targeted at larger MSPs managing complex client environments with multiple sites. It offers robust features that support extensive automation, advanced security, and detailed analytics.

Key Features:

• All Growth Plan Features: Includes everything in the Growth Plan.
• Custom Reporting and Dashboards: Allows MSPs to create tailored reports and dashboards to monitor specific client KPIs.
• Multi-Site Management: Tools to efficiently manage and monitor multiple client locations from a single platform.
• Enhanced Security: Advanced security features, including multi-factor authentication and enhanced encryption, to protect client data.
• Advanced Automation: Sophisticated automation capabilities for complex workflows and extensive scripting.

Best For: Large MSPs that require comprehensive management capabilities to handle complex, multi-client, and multi-site environments.

4. Superpower Plan

The Superpower Plan is Atera’s most comprehensive offering, designed for enterprise-level MSPs with highly complex needs and a large client base. This plan provides full customization, extensive scalability, and the highest level of support and security.

Key Features:

• All Power Plan Features: Includes everything available in the Power Plan.
• Enterprise-Level Support: Priority support with dedicated account management, ensuring that MSPs receive the highest level of assistance.
• Custom Integrations and API Access: Full access to Atera’s API for custom integrations, allowing MSPs to extend the platform’s functionality as needed.
• Advanced Analytics: In-depth analytics tools for comprehensive data analysis and reporting across all client IT operations.
• Unlimited Automation: Full access to Atera’s most advanced automation tools, enabling the creation of complex workflows and processes that save time and reduce errors.
• Tailored Solutions: Customizable features and services to meet specific MSP needs, including bespoke security configurations and compliance support.

Best For: Enterprise-level MSPs with large and complex client environments that require a fully customizable solution and top-tier support.

IT Department Plans

1. Professional Plan

The Professional Plan is Atera’s entry-level offering, suitable for small IT departments or those just beginning their digital transformation journey. It provides essential IT management tools to get started with efficient infrastructure management.

Key Features:

• Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM): Basic monitoring capabilities to keep track of devices and systems.
• Professional Services Automation (PSA): Tools for ticketing, task management, and basic incident response.
• Patch Management: Simplifies the deployment of updates and patches across all managed devices.
• Remote Access: Allows IT teams to access and troubleshoot devices remotely.
• Reporting: Basic reporting capabilities for tracking IT performance metrics.

Best For: Small IT departments that require fundamental tools to manage IT operations and provide support efficiently.

2. Expert Plan

The Expert Plan builds on the Professional Plan by adding more advanced tools and features, making it ideal for mid-sized IT departments that need greater control and automation.

Key Features:

• All Professional Plan Features: Includes everything in the Professional Plan.
• Advanced Reporting: Enhanced reporting capabilities for deeper insights and better decision-making.
• Automation: Expanded automation features, including automated workflows and advanced scripting.
• Network Discovery: Tools to discover and manage all network-connected devices, providing a comprehensive view of the IT environment.
• Integrations: Wider range of third-party integrations for a more customized and connected IT management experience.

Best For: IT departments that are growing in size and complexity, requiring advanced tools for better automation and management.

3. Master Plan

The Master Plan is designed for larger IT departments managing complex environments across multiple sites. It offers robust features that support extensive automation, advanced security, and detailed analytics.

Key Features:

• All Expert Plan Features: Includes everything in the Expert Plan.
• Custom Reporting and Dashboards: Allows IT teams to create tailored reports and dashboards to monitor specific KPIs.
• Multi-Site Management: Tools to efficiently manage and monitor multiple locations from a single platform.
• Enhanced Security: Advanced security features, including multi-factor authentication and enhanced encryption.
• Advanced Automation: Even more sophisticated automation capabilities for tasks like auto-remediation, complex workflows, and extensive scripting.

Best For: Large IT departments requiring comprehensive management capabilities, particularly those overseeing multi-site operations.

4. Enterprise Plan

The Enterprise Plan is Atera’s most feature-rich offering, designed for enterprise-level IT departments with highly complex needs. This plan provides full customization, extensive scalability, and the highest level of support and security.

Key Features:

• All Master Plan Features: Includes everything in the Master Plan.
• Enterprise-Level Support: Priority support with dedicated account management.
• Custom Integrations and API Access: Full access to Atera’s API for custom integrations and extended functionality.
• Advanced Analytics: In-depth analytics tools for comprehensive data analysis and reporting across all IT operations.
• Unlimited Automation: Full access to Atera’s automation tools, enabling complex workflows and extensive process automation.
• Tailored Solutions: Customizable features and services to meet specific enterprise needs, including bespoke security configurations and compliance support.

Best For: Large enterprises with complex IT environments that require a fully customizable solution and top-tier support.

Additional Considerations

• Free Trial: Atera offers a 30-day free trial for potential customers to explore the platform’s features before committing to a plan.
• Pay-As-You-Go: Atera’s monthly payment plans allow seats to be added or the plan for the whole team to be upgraded. However, the annual payment plan is cheaper.
• Add-ons: Atera offers a long list of service extras, which includes its new AI Copilot system and network discovery.
• Partner sales: Atera integrates with third-party tools and, unusually, sells them to you as well. These include Acronis (antivirus and data backup), Keeper (password management), and Ironscales (email security).

Major competitors

Atera has been running its RMM service for almost a decade, which makes it one of the longest-running services in the market. However, the tool is up against strong competition from equally impressive platforms. The main competitors to Atera are:

1. ConnectWise This is a well-established platform offering comprehensive tools for MSPs, including RMM, Professional Services Automation (PSA), and cybersecurity solutions. ConnectWise is known for its extensive feature set and integrations.
2. Kaseya This company provides a suite of IT management solutions, including RMM, PSA, and network monitoring tools. It’s designed for both MSPs and internal IT teams and is recognized for its scalability and broad feature offerings. Kaseya also owns the Datto and Autotask brands, which also offer RMMs that compete with Atera.
3. NinjaOne (formerly NinjaRMM) A cloud-based RMM solution that’s known for its user-friendly interface and strong emphasis on simplicity and ease of use. It also includes tools for patch management, backup, and endpoint management.
4. Syncro A unified plan that includes RMM, PSA, and remote access tools into a single platform aimed at small to mid-sized MSPs. It’s recognized for its cost-effectiveness and integrated approach.
5. N-able (formerly part of SolarWinds) This provider offers RMM, PSA, and security solutions tailored to MSPs. It’s known for its strong focus on scalability and security.

Conclusion

Atera has successfully evolved its product suite in response to the changing landscape of network technologies and IT management. From its beginnings as a provider of basic RMM and PSA tools, Atera has grown into a comprehensive platform that addresses the full spectrum of IT management needs. By focusing on innovation, customer feedback, and strategic investments in technology, Atera has overcome the challenges of scaling and competition to become a trusted partner for MSPs and IT professionals worldwide.