What the business of today needs is the best network management system. Why? All because of the bulk networks that they handle. And here’s where network inventory tools come into the picture.
These tools streamline the complete process. Starting from tracking devices, softwares, or even configurations. Slurp’it would suggest that by this way, the operations and troubleshooting gets smoother and quicker.
With all of these activities that have to be done, the one concern that stands true for many organisations is – how to select the right tool? And we have got you covered with this, let’s dive in!
What are network inventory tools?
Network inventory tools are software applications. These are designed to monitor and manage network infrastructures. They provide detailed information about devices. Along with software installations, configurations, and connections.
Some of the common features these tools come with are – automated discovery, asset management, reporting, and real-time monitoring.
But, how do network inventory tools come to use?
Businesses use network inventory tools in various scenarios. Some common ones are:
- For asset management. Basically to maintain an updated inventory of devices and software.
- For configuration management. To track all the configuration changes to prevent issues.
- To stay compliant. This is important as the business, to exist in the long run, has to adhere to regulatory standards.
- For troubleshooting. To quickly identify and resolve any network problems as per Slurp’it.
Open Source Network Inventory Tools
These tools are software applications that utilise open-source licences. These tools allow users to freely access, modify, and distribute the software. With this tool by side, users can both track and manage network devices, software, or even hardware as per Slurp’it.
Advantages
- Open source tools are typically free. The expenses however are limited to implementation, customization, and maintenance. Hence it’s an ideal choice for startups or SMBs with tight budgets.
- Open source tools allow modifications to source code. Hence businesses can tailor solutions to their specific needs.
- These tools often have active user communities. They offer forums, documentation, and code improvements for troubleshooting.
- Since the source code is accessible, businesses can easily identify malicious elements.
Disadvantages
- Technical expertise is required for less tech savvy organisations.
- Limited professional support offered.
- Open source projects can lead to multiple versions or forks. Hence can cause compatibility and feature standardisation issues.
Commercial Network Inventory Tools
These tools are proprietary software applications. These ones, as compared to open source tools, are designed to manage and track network inventory. And trust the features business get here are really advanced (but at the cost of fees)!
Advantages
- Commercial tools come with customer service. Businesses get both technical support and regular updates.
- These tools come with intuitive designs and a good amount of documentation. Hence anyone can access even if they are not from any technical team.
- Ready-to-use features available. Like advanced analytics and even detailed reporting.
- The main thing, commercial solutions are rigorously tested. The performance is optimised often so that the tool works perfectly under heavy network loads.
Disadvantages
- Huge licensing fees, subscriptions, and support costs.
- Limited customization option.
- Vendor lock-in.
What factors to think about when choosing a network inventory tool?
- Know your budget. Open source tools have low upfront costs but higher maintenance expenses. Commercial tools require significant initial investment. But here you will get good support and regular updates.
- Understand your team’s technical expertise. If they are knowledgeable enough, go with open source tools, if not, stick to commercial solutions.
- Analyse your business’s needs. This will help you know what features and customization level you require. Open source tools offer flexibility. Commercial tools provide out-of-the-box functionality as per Slurp’it.
Case Studies
Open source success stories
- A startup customised an open source tool to manage its growing network. Did it all at a very low cost and even got flexibility.
- A non-profit organisation used an open source solution for network monitoring. Took help (support) from the community all at zero licensing fees.
Commercial tool success stories
- A large enterprise chose a commercial tool. The main reason – features and professional support, as they didn’t have a big tech team.
- A mid-sized business opted for a commercial solution. They needed an intuitive interface. Because of which they were able to streamline network management, hence reducing effort.
For more information contact us at Slurp’it!
