All About NinjaOne

NinjaOne has emerged as a notable player, providing solutions designed to simplify and streamline IT operations. This article explores the journey of NinjaOne, from its inception to its current status, and offers a detailed review of its product suite. We will explore the company’s origins, its evolution in response to changing technologies, and the challenges it has faced along the way. Additionally, we will provide a review of NinjaOne’s flagship product, along with insights into other significant offerings.

The Founding of NinjaOne

NinjaOne was co-founded by Sal Sferlazza and other IT industry leaders in the U.S. in 2013 under the name NinjaRMM. It was rebranded to NinjaOne in 2021. NinjaOne was founded with the aim of addressing the growing need for simplified remote monitoring and management (RMM) solutions. The company sought to provide IT professionals with a tool that was both powerful and user-friendly, facilitating efficient management of IT infrastructures.

The founders envisioned a platform that would simplify IT operations through intuitive design and robust functionality. Their goal was to create a solution that not only met the technical needs of IT professionals but also enhanced their operational efficiency. The founders' vision was to develop a platform that would make IT management accessible and effective for businesses of all sizes.

NinjaOne Platform is designed to simplify the management, patching, and support of all endpoints for IT and MSP teams. The rise in remote work starting in 2020 led to rapid growth, expanding their customer base and workforce significantly. Trusted by over 17,000 customers across more than 80 countries, NinjaOne helps automate IT processes, lower costs, and minimize risk. Here’s a brief timeline of its journey and key events:

2013: The company is co-founded by Sal Sferlazza and a team of IT industry experts.
2015: After two years in stealth mode, the company officially launches its core platform.
2018: The company’s workforce expands to 100 employees and establishes a new EMEA headquarters in Berlin, Germany.
2019: The company hires a new Chief Security Officer (CSO) and introduces its native mobile app.
2020: The company secures new funding led by Summit Partners.
2021: The company rebranded to become NinjaOne
2023: NinjaOne surpasses 15,000 customers, exceeds 1,000 employees, and manages over 5 million endpoints.
2024: NinjaOne raises $231.5 million in Series C funding from Iconiq Growth.

Evolution of the Product Suite

NinjaOne's product suite has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of IT professionals and advances in network technologies. Initially focused on endpoint management and RMM, the suite has expanded to include critical features such as software patching, backup management, mobile device management, remote control, and advanced endpoint security through strategic partnerships.

Each evolution has addressed emerging challenges and technological opportunities, enhancing the platform's capability to protect and manage modern IT environments. Here’s a brief timeline of the evolution of NinjaOne product suite:

2017: The suite expanded to include software patching through a partnership with Ivanti. This addition helped automate the update process and enhance the security and functionality of managed devices.
2019: In response to an industry-wide security incident, NinjaOne made two-factor authentication (2FA) a mandatory feature for its platform. This move strengthened the security of its RMM solution, addressing rising concerns about endpoint protection.
2020: NinjaOne introduced a dedicated backup service for corporate clients. This service aimed to offer more robust data protection and recovery options tailored to business needs.
2021: The platform further evolved with the launch of a ticketing solution. This feature allowed users to manage and track support requests for individual devices, streamlining issue resolution within the network.
2024: In a significant advancement, NinjaOne partnered with SentinelOne to integrate their solutions, creating a new endpoint security solution. This deployment includes:
- One-click Threat Visibility and Response: Offering a simplified approach to identifying and addressing security threats.
- Immediate Threat Alerting: Providing alerts via multiple communication channels to ensure rapid response to potential issues.
- Automated SentinelOne Agent Deployment: Streamlining the installation of security agents across endpoints.
- Straightforward Migration: Facilitating an easy transition for existing SentinelOne customers to the integrated solution.

Challenges and How They Were Addressed

Like many startups in its early years, NinjaOne faced challenges related to scaling its infrastructure and maintaining performance as the user base grew. The company initially struggled with ensuring the platform could handle the increasing volume of endpoints and support requests. It invested in robust cloud infrastructure and optimized its platform architecture to better manage scalability. They also expanded their team with experienced engineers to address performance issues and continuously improve the platform.

Competitive Market: The IT management and RMM market is highly competitive, with numerous established players. NinjaOne needed to differentiate itself and prove its value to potential customers. It focused on user-friendly design and powerful automation features to stand out. They also implemented a strong customer feedback loop, which helped them rapidly iterate and enhance their product based on real user needs.
Cybersecurity Concerns: As the platform expanded, so did the potential attack vectors. Ensuring the security of the platform itself became increasingly critical. NinjaOne invested heavily in security measures, including regular audits, penetration testing, and compliance with industry standards. They also incorporated advanced security features into their product suite to protect both their customers and their own infrastructure.

Overall, NinjaOne's product suite has evolved in tandem with advancements in network technologies and the growing needs of IT and MSP teams. By addressing early challenges with strategic investments and a focus on continuous improvement, NinjaOne has successfully expanded its offerings and maintained its position as a leading player in IT management solutions.

NinjaOne Core Product Offerings

Today, NinjaOne delivers a comprehensive suite of modern IT management tools designed to streamline IT management and enhance security across various environments. The core product offerings include:

RMM for MSPs This product is designed to automate IT management and drive technician efficiency with NinjaOne’s RMM tools. This tool is designed to help Managed Service Providers (MSPs) streamline operations and improve service delivery.
Endpoint Management NinjaOne provides a unified solution to monitor and manage your entire IT portfolio. This product allows IT professionals to oversee all endpoints from a single platform, ensuring efficient administration and operational oversight.
Patch Management This tool helps identify and remediate vulnerabilities quickly and at scale. By automating the patching process, NinjaOne ensures that systems remain secure and up-to-date, minimizing the risk of security breaches.
Mobile Device Management This product is designed to help organizations manage and secure both Android and Apple mobile devices in their network with ease. It allows for comprehensive control over mobile endpoints, ensuring they are protected and compliant with organizational policies.
MSP Backup MSP Backup offers multi-tenant, cloud-first backup solutions tailored for MSPs. This service ensures scalable, secure backup management across multiple client environments.
Endpoint Security This tool is designed to enable organizations to bundle their preferred security solutions to enhance endpoint protection. NinjaOne’s Endpoint Security features allow for customization and integration of various security tools to meet specific organizational needs.
Remote Control With just one click, IT teams can access remote support for troubleshooting and maintenance. This tool simplifies remote assistance for MSPs and IT teams and accelerates issue resolution, enhancing overall efficiency.
Endpoint Backup This tool provides reliable backup solutions for distributed endpoints, ensuring that critical data is safeguarded and can be restored quickly in case of loss or corruption.

These NinjaOne offerings collectively ensure that IT professionals and MSPs have a robust, integrated platform for managing, securing, and supporting their IT environments efficiently.

NinjaOne Flagship Product: NinjaOne RMM

NinjaOne RMM provides a comprehensive solution for managing any device on any network, accessible through a web application, desktop companion app, or mobile app. This flexibility allows IT professionals to perform management tasks often without interrupting end-users.

Key Features:

Monitoring and Alerting: NinjaOne provides real-time monitoring of devices, with automated alerts that notify technicians immediately when issues arise.
Automated Patching: The platform automates the patching process for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, addressing vulnerabilities swiftly.
One-Click Device Actions: Technicians can initiate various actions with a single click, including deploying remediation, stopping tasks, and starting terminal sessions.
Secure Remote Access: NinjaOne offers four remote access solutions for secure, direct control of managed endpoints. This feature ensures fast, reliable support and intervention when needed.
Endpoint Task Automation: Automate routine tasks such as app installations, patching, device setup, and maintenance. This helps standardize outcomes, free up technician time, and improve overall device stability.
Auto-Remediation: The platform can fully automate the detection and resolution of endpoint issues.
Mobile Management: NinjaOne’s mobile app allows technicians to view device details, address issues, and manage endpoints while on the go, providing flexibility and efficiency.
Self-Service Portal: Empower client end-users with a self-service portal where they can access remote support, restore files, and manage tickets, reducing the need for direct intervention from IT staff.

NinjaOne RMM integrates seamlessly with leading Professional Service Automation (PSA) providers such as Accelo, Autotask, SherpaDesk, and ConnectWise, enabling enhanced efficiency and operations. Integrating your PSA solution with NinjaOne RMM ensures that IT management and business management tools work in harmony, optimizing overall performance and ease of use. A free trial is available on request.

Why Do We Recommend It?

NinjaOne's RMM software has been rated #1 on G2 for four years straight, thanks to its user-friendly design, strong IT management tools, integration with PSA capabilities, and advanced automation. The platform gives IT professionals clear insights and control, allowing them to quickly address issues and provide proactive support. This simplifies technicians' workflows, letting them concentrate on important tasks instead of routine maintenance.

Who Is It Recommended For?

We recommend NinjaOne for managed service providers (MSPs) and internal IT teams looking for a user-friendly yet powerful tool that can scale with their business needs. It is well-suited for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises, due to its scalability and the ability to manage thousands of endpoints effortlessly.

Pros:

Top-Rated RMM Software: NinjaOne has been rated the #1 RMM software on G2 for four consecutive years, reflecting its superior ease of use, IT management capabilities, and automation features.
Enhanced Insight and Control: Provides users with comprehensive visibility and control over their IT systems, facilitating proactive support and rapid issue resolution.
Reduced Workflows: Minimizes complexity in technicians’ workflows, allowing them to focus on critical tasks rather than routine maintenance.
Native Documentation: The platform includes a comprehensive IT documentation solution for storing process details, credentials, and device relationships, all integrated within NinjaOne.
Unlimited Scalability: NinjaOne’s cloud-based infrastructure is designed to be fast, secure, and infinitely scalable, accommodating the management of anywhere from 50 to 150,000 endpoints across various operating systems and devices.
Fast, Intuitive UI: The user interface is designed for ease of use, enabling technicians to navigate quickly and efficiently.

Cons:

Potential Cost for Small Teams: For smaller teams or organizations, the per-device pricing model could be less cost-effective compared to flat-rate or tiered pricing options offered by other RMM solutions.
Learning Curve for New Users: Despite its intuitive interface, new users may still experience a learning curve, especially if they are transitioning from a different RMM platform with different workflows.

Additional Notable Product 1: NinjaOne Endpoint Management

NinjaOne Endpoint Management enables organizations to automate essential endpoint management tasks and centrally oversee endpoints. Once NinjaOne’s Endpoint Management software agents are installed on your devices, you can monitor, support, and control all internet-connected endpoints. These agents collect crucial data on device health, security, and performance, which is sent to a central console. You can view and manage all your endpoints from one place, ensuring you stay on top of important alerts. A free trial is available on request.

Key Features:

Patch Management: Automate the patching process for Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints, as well as over 200 third-party applications.
Hardware and Software Inventory: Access comprehensive, up-to-date details on all devices within your IT environment, including hardware specifications, software inventory, and real-time performance data.
Software Management: Create and deploy all-in-one software installation packages across multiple devices.
Endpoint Task Automation: Streamline and automate repetitive tasks such as application installations, patching, device setup, and maintenance. Auto-Remediation: Automatically detect and resolve endpoint issues like stopped services, missed reboots, and missing applications using condition-based script deployments.
Security Features: NinjaOne includes security features like vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, and two-factor authentication to safeguard endpoints from threats.
Remote Control: IT professionals can remotely access and control endpoints, facilitating troubleshooting and support.
Integration with Other Tools: The platform integrates with popular IT tools, such as help desk systems and security solutions, providing a comprehensive management environment.

Why Do We Recommend It?

We recommend NinjaOne’s Endpoint Management software because it offers enhanced visibility and control over your endpoints through a unified platform. Its automation capabilities streamline repetitive and time-consuming tasks, accelerating endpoint remediation processes. By using NinjaOne, your IT team gains a reliable tool that reduces manual effort, allowing them to focus more on critical IT management tasks.

Who Is It Recommended For?

NinjaOne Endpoint Management is recommended for IT teams, MSPs, and businesses of all sizes needing efficient, centralized management of diverse IT environments.

Pros:

Centralized Management: NinjaOne offers a unified platform to manage and monitor endpoints across your entire network.
Enhanced Visibility and Control: Provides a unified platform that offers comprehensive visibility and control over all your endpoints.
Effective Asset Lifecycle Management: Supports IT asset management throughout the entire lifecycle, from requisition to retirement.
Increased Productivity: Frees up your IT team to focus on critical management tasks by handling routine operations reliably and efficiently.
Monitoring and Alerting: Monitor devices in real-time and receive automatic notifications when issues arise, enabling quicker remediation and minimizing end-user impact.
Scalability: The platform can scale to accommodate networks of various sizes, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Cons:

Variable Cost: The cost can vary based on your organization’s specific IT needs and the additional optional features you select, such as ticketing, backup, and remote access.
Monthly Subscription Model: The subscription model may not be ideal for all organizations, especially those seeking a one-time purchase or more predictable pricing.

Additional Notable Product 2: NinjaOne Patch Management

NinjaOne Patch Management software enhances security by automating the process of identifying, evaluating, and deploying patches across all devices without the need for additional infrastructure. It provides a centralized platform for managing and securing endpoints, whether on or off-network, and supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

Key Features:

OS Patching: Automatically patch hundreds of common business applications across Windows, macOS, and Linux to address known vulnerabilities.
Patch Automation: Streamline patch identification, approval, and deployment with zero-touch automation for faster, more efficient patching.
Remediation Tools: Use built-in remote terminal, registry editor, and remote access tools to address patching and other device issues easily.
Reboot Management: Enhance patch compliance and user experience with automated reboots that improve consistency and efficiency.
Vulnerability Data: Access detailed visibility into endpoint security with per-patch data including KB articles, CVE bulletins, and CVSS scores.
Alerts and Notifications: Receive instant notifications via email, SMS, Slack, and other channels about pending or failed patches for quicker remediation.
Patch Reporting: Easily generate reports on patch compliance, failed deployments, and known vulnerabilities with a click of a button.

With NinjaOne, you can automate OS and third-party application patching, improve efficiency, and achieve real-time visibility into patch compliance. Known for its stability and reliability, NinjaOne’s solution significantly reduces the time spent on patching, allowing IT teams to focus on other critical tasks. If your current patch management system is slow and cumbersome, NinjaOne offers an effective alternative that simplifies the patching process. A free trial is available on request.

Why Do We Recommend It?

We recommend NinjaOne’s patch management software because it offers a fully cloud-based solution that eliminates the need for additional infrastructure or VPNs. Its intuitive tools make patching fast, stable, and straightforward. If you’re looking for a tool that simplifies and accelerates the patching process, NinjaOne is an excellent choice.

Who Is It Recommended For?

NinjaOne patch management is recommended for organizations struggling with slow, inefficient, or complex patch management systems. It is ideal for those looking to automate OS and application patching across Windows, macOS, and Linux, and who want to significantly reduce the time spent on patching.

Pros:

Powerful, Intuitive Patching Dashboard: Identify vulnerabilities and deploy patches at scale across servers, workstations, and laptops to minimize your attack surface.
Patch Activity Log: Increase transparency and reduce support calls by tracking who approved or rejected patches and when these actions occurred.
90% Faster Patching: Utilize zero-touch automation and flexible scheduling to significantly reduce the time spent on patching tasks.
Cloud-First, Agent-Based: Achieve better compliance for remote endpoints with cloud-based patching that doesn’t require a company network, domain, or VPN.
Preemptive Patch Approval: Approve patches in advance to prevent zero-day vulnerabilities and automatically block problematic patches to avoid service disruptions.

Cons:

Per-Device Pricing: NinjaOne’s flexible, per-device pricing model may become costly for organizations with many endpoints.
Potential for Increased Costs: As your needs grow or if you require additional features, costs may increase, impacting budget predictability.

Wrap-Up

NinjaOne has established itself as a significant player in the IT management landscape, thanks to its innovative solutions and commitment to addressing the needs of IT professionals. From its early beginnings to its current offerings, the company has demonstrated a keen ability to adapt and evolve in line with technological advancements. By focusing on user experience and continuous improvement, NinjaOne has created a product suite that meets the demands of modern IT environments. For businesses seeking a reliable and comprehensive IT management solution, NinjaOne offers a compelling option with its flagship and notable products.