F5 Networks has launched iHealth, a web-based remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool that helps enterprises and channel partners to proactively manage corporate application performance. Is this yet another RMM tool for MSPs? Yes and no. Here’s why.

Generally speaking, the best-known RMM tools for MSPs are platform independent — meaning that they can monitor and remotely troubleshoot a range of systems — third-party desktops, servers, networking equipment and so on. In stark contrast, F5 Networks‘ iHealth is designed specifically for F5’s Application Delivery Networking (ADN) and BIG-IP deployments.

F5 says the iHealth tool is a web-based application that offers monitoring, automated analysis, data access and trouble shooting. Customers and partners that participate in F5 maintenance agreements can leverage iHealth for free.

iHealth also features:

More Moves Coming

MSPmentor is watching the RMM market closely and we expect some big IT companies to make noteworthy moves within the next few weeks and months. Two prime examples: Sources say Cisco Systems is developing some sort of remote monitoring tool for SMBs running unified communications systems. Also, Microsoft continues to beta test Windows Intune, a remote monitoring and management platform for mobile devices, desktops and servers running Windows.

Additional reporting by Joe Panettieri. Sign up for MSPmentor’s Weekly Enewsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center. And follow us via RSS, Facebook, Identi.ca; and Twitter. Plus, check out more MSP voices at www.MSPtweet.com. And read our editorial disclosure here.