Network assessment software

[Amfony]

Hi all -- I made a post in the wrong thread re: network assessment and will re-post here. Hope this isn't construed as post-whoring.

Its regarding inital network assessment software. Effectivley - what do you use?

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54207

Many thanks
Anthony

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

As you move into supporting business clients, hopefully you've selected an RMM package to assist you in doing this. Most of the decent RMM packages will have a "probe" you drop on the network, set credentials in it (like a domain admin account)...and let it loose on the network for a while, and then collect its report after a while.

 

[Amfony]

ha! I guess i got one of the other type of RMMs then!

Thanks buddy
Anthony

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Yeah they're important if you want to support SMBs.....

A popular entry level one is GFI.
We use N-Able, one of the big original ones...pricier but lots of features.
CentraStage is another newer one.

They give you the tools you need to manage business clients. Remote access, often integrated antivirus, integrated backup, inventory/asset tracking, mobile device management, alerting, detailed reporting of many different metrics.

 

[angry_geek]

The software is a handy tool. It will give you a quick snapshot of the network. There are some caveats. If all the machines are domain members, it's cake. If you have a mix of workgroup machines, osx devices, et al, then you will only retrieve limited information as you won't have admin abilities on all devices. I typically run the probes, check incoming ports on the firewall, look at password policies, gpos, backup methods, etc. The software is a good tool, but it shouldn't be your only tool. Nothing beats looking at the devices. Obviously, in large environments, you won't put hands on every machine. Just look at a random sample. Also, be sure to interview some staff. What problems have you noticed? What would make your job more efficient? How is the lob software? You get the idea.