What is real user monitoring?

Real user monitoring (RUM) is a technique that provides insights into user experiences by capturing real-time, client-side data from users interacting with web properties. Unlike traditional performance monitoring, which focuses on server-side metrics, RUM offers a user-centric perspective by analyzing browser events such as page load times, errors, and user interactions. It is a vital component of digital experience monitoring (DEM) and helps businesses optimize user satisfaction, resolve issues swiftly, enhance conversion rates, and make data-driven decisions. The process involves data capture through embedded JavaScript tags, data processing for actionable insights, and data visualization for quick interpretation and problem-solving. RUM is beneficial across various industries, from ecommerce to mobile apps, by improving user experiences and optimizing website performance. While RUM provides comprehensive real-time insights, it poses challenges like generating baselines, handling vast data, and limited visibility into user context. New Relic's RUM solution offers a platform for capturing and analyzing these metrics, aiding in proactive performance optimization and seamless user journeys across digital platforms.