Network Inventory
A network inventory involves collecting data on all hardware and software installed across your network. In most cases, a network inventory also includes connected devices such as printers, routers, and switches. Ideally, computer inventory data is reconciled with purchasing or lease details so that license compliance, IT spending, and lease expirations can be simultaneously tracked and associated to specific network assets.
Although it is possible to conduct a network inventory manually, it is typically a very tedious, non-scalable process with vast margins of error. Furthermore, as the network evolves and new hardware or software is added, physical inventories become out of date very rapidly. By deploying commercial network inventory software that performs the process in a completely automated manner, you can save significant amounts of time and human resources.
Network inventory software generally gathers application data such as software title, version, product ID, file size, date, path, and so on. A network inventory also includes hardware details such as machine name, CPU type, CPU speed, manufacturer, memory, available disk space, serial number, etc. It is best if the network inventory product also allows purchasing information to be imported. This would include details such as number of licenses, maintenance or lease expiration dates, serial numbers, purchase order information, and more.
Network Inventory Made Easy
Express Software Manager is powerful network inventory software that gives you visibility and control over your organization’s network assets. With an emphasis on software license management, Express Software Manager lets you track the inventory and usage of your organization’s network assets so you can stay compliant with your license agreements, avoid purchasing and supporting software that’s not being used, keep tabs on equipment, and make better IT decisions overall.
Keith Phillips, Systems Engineer, Attorneys' Title Insurance Fund
