| Product type |
Hardware/software inventory
|
| IT requirements |
Windows NT/2000 or XP for discovery server; clients can be Windows 95 or later; AIX, Sun Solaris, HP-UX and SuSE Linux clients also available. SQL Server required for inventory database (runtime MSDE version included)
|
| Functionality profile |
Hardware and software inventory across a range of client platforms
|
| Usability profile |
An easy product to install and use (and not just by IT staff); the Web Edition, in particular, gives business managers fast access to asset and compliance information too
|
| Price |
from £700 (25 users)
|
|
 |
A dedicated hardware and software inventory tool, the latest version of Centennial Discovery not only identifies the hardware and software on the network but also its physical location, via a unique LANProbe utility.
|
Detailed information on the discovered hardware and software is stored in a central database, with automatic categorisation and grouping of the data plus the ability to monitor software usage and licence compliance.
A straightforward Windows-based console is used to manage the main discovery server, offering flexible scheduling of audits plus comprehensive reporting and querying tools. Alerts can also be configured to tell you when configuration changes are made, or even when a device is moved.
Multi-platform support is another plus, and the Centennial software can be evaluated free of charge before buying. There’s also an optional Web Edition that adds browser access and a range of extra tools such as an upgrade-costing wizard and direct links to vendor Web sites.
| Product type |
SNMP Network monitoring
|
| IT requirements |
Windows Server 2000, Windows 2003 Server or XP; SQL Server required (MSDE database engine included)
|
| Functionality profile |
Automatic discovery of network devices and graphical mapping of the network topology; device availability can then be monitored, with limited remote management of devices also possible
|
| Usability profile |
One of the simplest network monitoring tools around, WhatsUp Professional is quick to install and easy to use; its lack of integration with other management tools is the only real issue
|
|
 |
A very straightforward and usable network discovery and mapping tool, WhatsUp can be used in-house by small businesses or -- through support for SSL encrypted remote access -- as an out-sourcing tool. To this end, the Professional version also employs an SQL database to store topology information, enabling it to manage networks with thousands of devices. |
A choice of discovery methods is provided, including SNMP, ICMP and Network Neighbourhood scans with the option to also scan for active network services. Discovered devices can then be grouped and monitored using graphical topology maps, with optional device list views also available.
The usual facilities to drill down and obtain more information, configure alert thresholds and so on are provided, with comprehensive reporting another key feature. Administrators can also send messages to local users from the central console and both reboot and switch off devices remotely where applicable.
| Product type |
Inventory and software distribution tool
|
| IT requirements |
Windows Server 2000 required, with SQL server available to host inventory database; clients require Windows 98 or above (Windows 2000 or later needed for latest advanced client)
|
| Functionality profile |
Hardware and software inventory tool, plus software distribution; specific security patch management features and good support for mobile users
|
| Usability profile |
A relatively straightforward product to use, with wizards to help with most management tasks; well suited to SME use and can be scaled to handle larger enterprise networks
|
| Price |
£725 for SMS 2003 with 20 client access licences (CALs)
|
|
 |
Microsoft’s SMS can’t really be described as a management suite, but it does provide a lot more functionality than some point solutions. It's basically a hardware and software inventory tool that can also be used to distribute security patches, updates and new applications to client systems. Indeed, it could equally be classed as a patch management tool. |
SQL Server is required to host the inventory database, and this can be dynamically queried to determine suitable targets for software distribution tasks.
The 2003 release has been enhanced with a smaller advanced client that features enhanced support for WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) and full integration with Active Directory. The new client is also bandwidth and location aware, using the Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) to distribute updates; this is a real boon when it comes to mobile users and low-bandwidth wireless links.
On the downside, SMS is Windows only. However, third-party add-ons are widely available, and some of these support other platforms. Microsoft also offers 'solutions accelerators' or blueprints, based on ITIL best practices, detailing the best way of using SMS tools for new application installation, patch management and so on.
More point solutions
|
| Vendor |
Highlights |
Multi-platform |
Integration
with other tools |
|
| Alloy Software |
Cross platform inventory management tools |
yes |
yes |
| Altiris |
Range of point solutions, including inventory and software distribution; this vendor also sells integrated management suite solutions |
yes |
yes |
| CastleRock |
Specialist SNMP network mapping and reporting tools |
yes |
no |
| Citrix |
Online GoToMyPC product which allows remote control of PCs over the Internet |
no |
no |
| LANDesk |
As well as a management suite, LANDesk offers a range of standalone server management, network inventory and other point solutions |
yes |
yes |
| NetSupport |
Specialist remote control, inventory and helpdesk tools |
no |
yes |
| OpenNMS |
Open source network monitoring project (www.opennms.org) |
yes |
yes |
| PrintAudit |
Tools to monitor and charge for both local and network printing |
no |
no |
| RealVNC |
Popular remote control tool available free of charge or paid-for with additional functionality |
yes |
no |
| SANmelody |
Specialist SAN management software for multi-vendor Fibre Channel and iSCSI SAN deployments |
yes |
no |
| SolarWinds |
Range of network monitoring tools focused on hardware performance management |
yes |
no |
| SunBelt Software |
Server management and network monitoring tools |
yes |
no |
|
