Spiceworks: Free Network Manager with Improved Scanning and Troubleshooting Capabilities
Spiceworks – A Free Network Manager
The program’s scanning capabilities have been improved, allowing administrators to schedule scans based on the needs of their network. Administrators can also take advantage of the program’s full support community to troubleshoot issues.
The program provides a host of useful utilities, including ping, trace router, nslookup and more. However, the initial setup may be a bit overwhelming for new users.
Detection of Cloud Services
Among the many utilities included in Spiceworks, there is one that can detect cloud services, making it a good choice for companies looking to track shadow IT and ensure security compliance. It also provides tools to map networks, create reports and perform a variety of other tasks, including inventorying devices, troubleshooting IT issues and tracking disk space, software installs and printer toner levels.
Its browser-based interface combines network inventory, device management and help desk features into a single tool. It can scan hardware in minutes and provide inventory information, as well as streamline hardware-related infographics like install software reports and MAC address mapping.
Detection of Hardware Issues
Catch issues before your users do with easy-to-use network monitoring software. Use Spiceworks to get real-time status updates for business critical web applications and services hosted in your datacenter or in the cloud.
It detects and alerts on disk space problems, device outages and configuration changes – and it even works with SNMP-compatible switches and routers. A full help desk module lets you create service requests and track them until they’re resolved.
Like other network management tools, it has its faults. For example, it doesn’t fully monitor virtual servers and it has its fair share of ads (ebook ads, routers, Blackberrys and printer toner ads, to name a few). Still, for small businesses with limited monitoring requirements, Spiceworks is a good option.
Detection of Software Issues
Using Spiceworks, administrators can track devices on the network and see their inventory information. This includes serial numbers, MAC addresses and the status of printers.
The tool also scans software. It collects data by examining registry hives on machines and by using WMI. This allows the system to identify all Windows software installed and even collect hotfix information.
Various alerts can be set up to keep an eye on disk space, device status and more. The program also has a full help desk that enables users to submit service requests and track them until they’re resolved. Spiceworks also offers a contract manager that helps administrators organize IT vendor contracts in one place.
Detection of Network Issues
Network management software can detect and alert administrators to network problems. It can also track performance and availability of network devices. It can also provide detailed reports on network inventory and hardware configuration. It can also help to prioritize alerts and notify the right person.
Network monitoring tools should be agnostic toward original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). A tool that only supports one variant of a specific piece of network hardware can lead to vendor lock-in, making it harder for enterprises to explore alternatives and make upgrades. A good network management tool should support a variety of protocols and be capable of using them to scan networks for devices and servers.
Detection of Security Issues
Monitor network hardware and devices with this free tool. Track and report on everything from serial numbers for printers to software licenses and usage. Spiceworks also scans servers, tracks free disk space and other critical data points, so you can keep on top of your infrastructure.
It can monitor servers and SNMP-capable devices, and offers real-time updates on your entire inventory. Users can also get notifications for critical web applications and services. It is easy to use and offers a graphical display. Users can identify sluggish networks and overwhelmed systems and devices, often before users start calling. Alerts are sent via email or in-app messages.
Detection of Troubleshooting Issues
When applications go down or are slow (and users let you know), the Spiceworks Connectivity Dashboard shows you in real time a matrix of locations that are having problems. This speeds up troubleshooting by allowing you to determine whether the problem is caused by an ISP, your internal network or the web application itself.
Spiceworks discovers and reports back software information including software suites, Windows services, hotfixes and more. This information helps you stay on top of software licensing, monitor for frowned-upon programs and more.
Click the “Troubleshoot Devices” button from the Tools drop-down menu on the Inventory Online home page or from the widget in the inventory dashboard. A new window will open that allows you to ping the device, run a series of commands and check its current status.