Device42 auto discovery Features, process, and alternative
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Device42 auto discovery: Features, process, and alternative

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Managing your IT infrastructure can quickly become complex as new devices are added or go unnoticed. Device42 auto discovery simplifies this by automatically identifying every asset in your environment, whether physical or virtual. It also ensures you have complete visibility into your network, servers, software, and other devices.

Many organizations can improve efficiency by uncovering hidden assets and gaining better control of their IT resources using Device42. However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective and scalable alternative, Virima is a great option. 

Virima’s IT discovery tools detect IT assets across your network and provide near real-time insights. Virima’s flexible pricing allows you to start small and expand without the high costs often associated with platforms.

In this post, we’ll explore how Device42 auto-discovery works, its key features, and its benefits. We will also explore why Virima could be the smarter, scalable alternative for your IT management needs. 

Overview of Device42 auto-discovery

Device42 auto discovery is a tool that automatically finds and tracks IT assets. Further, it scans your network to detect hardware, software, and configurations. This helps create an accurate inventory of your infrastructure. 

Key features of Device42 auto discovery

Key features of Device42 auto discovery include:

  1. Comprehensive coverage

The Device42 auto discovery process covers many environments, such as:

  • Network devices: Identifies switches, routers, and their settings.
  • Virtual servers: Gathers data from hypervisors like VMware and Citrix.
  • Cloud resources: It also finds assets from major cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platform.
  1. Scheduled and on-demand discovery

Users can schedule Device42 auto discovery jobs to run regularly or trigger them as needed. Consequently, this flexibility keeps the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) updated with minimal manual effort.

  1. Remote Collector (RC)

The Remote Collector lets users run discovery jobs across different network segments safely. This feature is significantly helpful in secure environments where direct access is limited.

  1. Job Cloning

Users can quickly duplicate Device42 auto discovery jobs. This saves time and avoids manual re-entry for different environments.

  1. Exclusion Lists

Users can also add devices to a global exclusion list to prevent their discovery. The list automatically applies to new jobs.

  1. Application dependency mapping

Device42 auto discovery automatically maps dependencies between application components and infrastructure. Consequently, this feature helps you visualize relationships and impacts across your entire IT landscape.

Benefits of Device42 auto discovery

Device42 auto discovery feature provides many benefits for organizations aiming to improve their IT management. Here are the main advantages of using Device42 cloud discovery:

  1. Boosted productivity
    Device42 auto discovery saves IT teams’ time on manual inventory tracking. By automating this process, employees can later concentrate on important tasks instead of documenting changes. 
  2. Enhanced IT disaster recovery plan
    Device42 auto discovery improves disaster recovery planning by offering near real-time visibility into network assets and their connections. Thus Device42 AWS discovery minimizes recovery times from days to just a few hours.
  3. Regulatory compliance
    Device42 auto discovery helps maintain compliance with various regulations by documenting all network assets and their relationships. This feature later streamlines audits and helps organizations respond quickly to compliance needs. 
  4. Cost savings
    Device42 auto-discovery jobs accurately track software licenses and identify unused assets. This also helps organizations avoid unnecessary costs associated with licensing fees and underused resources.
  5. Streamlined incident management
    Organizations using Device42 cloud discovery have seen significant improvements in incident management. Some reported a 30% faster resolution time for IT issues. Overall, this efficiency from Device42 AWS discovery leads to considerable cost savings each year.

Drawbacks of Device42 auto discovery

Here are some drawbacks of Device42 auto discovery:

  • Account credentials: Using production account credentials for Device42 auto discovery scans can lead to lockouts and outages. Users should set up a separate account to avoid these issues.
  • Complex learning curve: Device42’s wide range of features can overwhelm new users. Thus, it leads to a steep learning curve and lower adoption rates.
  • High cost: The tool can be expensive for small and medium-sized businesses, especially if they do not utilize all its features.
  • Challenging navigation: New users might struggle with Device42 discovery because its interface and features are complex.
  • Limited reporting features: Device42 SNMP discovery lacks strong reporting options. It cannot export detailed reports on component changes, such as CPU and memory.
  • Maintenance: Device42 auto discovery requires regular updates and maintenance, which can take time and additional IT resources.

Virima: A cost-effective alternative to Device42 auto discovery

For those seeking a cost-effective and scalable alternative to Device42 auto discovery, Virima offers a comprehensive platform.

1. Automated asset discovery

  • Comprehensive scanning: Virima uses over 100 extendable probes for both agentless and agent-based discovery. Further, this feature helps organizations automatically find physical and virtual machines, including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments. 
Device42 auto discovery alternativeAn example of an unauthorized device identified during a discovery scan performed by Virima.
An example of an unauthorized device identified during a discovery scan performed by Virima.

  • Near real-time updates

Automated asset discovery continuously monitors assets. Organizations can also schedule scans to maintain an updated inventory without manual effort.

2. Cost savings

  • Reduced manual effort: Automating asset discovery saves organizations time and resources spent on manual tracking. As a result, teams can focus on priorities instead of routine tasks.
  • Improved resource use: Automated discovery reveals underused resources, helping organizations optimize asset utilization and reduce over-provisioning costs.

3. Growth potential

  • Flexible deployment: Virima’s discovery tools scale with company needs. Whether adding new cloud services or integrating hardware, Virima adapts easily. Its agentless scanning simplifies incorporating new assets without extensive changes.
  • Dynamic service mapping: Integrating Virima service mapping with discovery tools provides clear visuals of asset dependencies and relationships. This integration is vital for scaling operations, showing how changes in one area impact others.

4. Integrations with ViVID and NVD

  • Enhanced visualization: Virima service mapping through Virima Visual Impact Display delivers dynamic visuals of application dependencies and infrastructure relationships. This integration also enables IT teams to assess the impact of changes or incidents quickly.
  • NVD integrations for vulnerability management: Virima integrates with the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), allowing organizations to identify vulnerabilities during the discovery process. This integration also helps prioritize remediation efforts based on severity.

Overall, Virima’s powerful discovery capabilities simplify asset management while providing critical insights that drive cost savings and flexibility.

Choose the right discovery: How Virima stacks up over Device42 auto discovery

Overall, Device42 auto discovery offers features that help simplify IT asset management. Its automated process identifies hardware, software, and network components, giving you clear insights into your IT environment.

However, Virima stands out as a great alternative. With its advanced discovery tools and easy-to-understand visuals, Virima delivers more flexibility. Virima is cost-effective, making it suitable for businesses focused on performance and budget.

To learn how Virima can improve your IT management, schedule a demo today for more information.

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