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Prohibited Software
- Jorge Caamano
- Last updated
Importance of Software Inventory
In the context of IT management, software inventory is crucial for several reasons:
- Visibility and Control: It provides a clear picture of all the software installed across your network. This allows you to identify unauthorized applications, outdated versions, and potential security risks. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about software deployments, upgrades, and licensing.
- Efficient Management: A well-maintained inventory streamlines IT processes. You can easily locate specific software versions, identify dependencies between applications, and automate tasks like patching and updates. This saves IT staff time and reduces the risk of errors.
- Improved Security: Software inventory helps you identify vulnerabilities by highlighting outdated applications with known security flaws. You can then prioritize patching or upgrades to mitigate these risks. Additionally, it helps detect unauthorized installations that could be malware or unwanted programs.
- Cost Optimization: By tracking software licenses, you can ensure you are not paying for unused software or exceeding license agreements. This helps optimize software spending and avoid compliance issues.
- Standardization and Compliance: Software inventory helps ensure consistency across your IT environment. You can enforce policies around approved software versions and configurations, promoting standardization and making it easier to meet regulatory compliance requirements.
- Disaster Recovery: In case of a system outage, having a software inventory allows for faster recovery. You can quickly identify the specific software versions needed to restore functionality on affected systems.
In summary, software inventory provides the foundation for informed decision-making, efficient management, and improved security within your IT infrastructure.
How can a software inventory report be created?
An inventory report can be created by taking a physical inventory by going to each computer and manually listing the installed software, then compiling the list into a spreadsheet. This method is time-consuming and may work for a small number of devices, but as the number increases, an automation system like NinjaOne is the best solution.
How can I see the software inventory in NinjaOne?
1. Go to the device dashboard and select the device from which you want to view the software inventory.
2. Click on Software. The list of all installed software on this device will be displayed.
Can I generate a software inventory report in NinjaOne?
NinjaOne allows you to create a Software inventory report that provides software name, version, publisher, number of devices with this software installed along with the device names. The scope of this report is per organization. To generate this report, follow the next instructions:
1. Go to Reporting.
2. Click Create at the right of the screen. Select Summary Report.
3. Fill Out the report name and the Description.
4. On Target type, select Organization. On Create from template, select Blank, then click on Create. (See below screenshot for reference).
5. On the Default Report Filters section, fill out the Organization, location, group (if any) and the target date for this report.
6. Click on Customize. The Sections dialog box appears.
7. From the drop down, select Software Inventory and click OK. The dialog box closes.
8. Click Save on the upper right of the screen. Then close. Your report is ready. And the list is visible.
Next Steps
Software Inventory FAQs
What is software inventory?
Software inventory is the list of all the software installed on one or more devices. It includes software name, version, and vendor. Moreover, depending on the scope, it can encompass one single device, a device group, or a complete organization.
What is software inventory collection and management?
Software inventory collection and management is the process of identifying, tracking, and organizing software applications and licenses within an organization’s IT infrastructure. It involves maintaining a complete record of all operating systems and applications used by the organization. This practice is essential for businesses that rely on many software applications to support their operations.
Why is software inventory important for MSPs?
Software inventory plays a crucial role for MSPs in several ways:
- Identification of hardware and software assets: By maintaining a complete inventory, MSPs can effectively track and manage their clients’ technology assets. This ensures timely upgrades, replacements, and optimized resource utilization.
- Efficient disaster recovery: By tracking device software inventory, rebuilding a device after a catastrophic event is simple.
- Leverage software inventory for compliance and security: MSPs can use software inventory information to ensure license compliance, enforce security policies, and detect unauthorized software.
- Selecting the right software inventory tool: MSPs should consider factors such as scalability, flexibility, integration, and user feedback when choosing a software inventory tool.
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