You are here: AssetStudio™ > FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does AssetStudio™ work?
- How does the agent communicate with the server?
- Can I track assets that are not on the corporate network?
- Can I track warranty or other information that cannot be picked up by the agent?
- I have a number of computers that are not on the network?
- What operating systems does the agent support?
- Can the agent be used on Linux, Unix and MAC systems?
- How much data does the agent upload to the server?
- How often does the agent contact the server?
- Do I need to purchase a Microsoft SQL Licence?
- We don't have the skills in house to use the Software Delivery module.
- None of our staff understand Microsoft Licensing. How would we ensure we are capturing the correct information in the Licensing and Compliance module?
1. How does AssetStudio™ work?
AssetStudio™ Server administration is carried out through a web interface and all data is stored within a SQL database. There is an agent less System Discovery Service to identify networked computers. The Client Management Service automatically deploys the agent (Inventory Client) to discovered systems. The Inventory Client provides a full Hardware and Software Inventory and uploads the information to the AssetStudio™ Server.
2. How does the agent communicate with the server?
Client / Server communication is configurable to use either http port 80 or SSL, https port 443.
3. Can I track assets that are not on the corporate network?
Yes, the AssetStudio™ Server can be hosted in a corporate DMZ as a secure SSL website. The Inventory Client will upload its information over SSL either through a proxy server or via a direct connection. Once the Inventory Client is deployed the system will continue to upload its inventory wherever it has an internet connection.
4. Can I track warranty or other information that cannot be picked up by the agent?
Yes, User-defined fields allow you to enter and report on any information you like.
5. I have a number of computers that are not on the network?
There is a manual Inventory Client that can be run from a USB key or other removable storage device. A full inventory of the system can be taken in less than 1 minute. A flag within the database allows simple identification of standalone computers.
6. What operating systems does the agent support?
The Inventory Client supports Microsoft Windows NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista and 2008.
7. Can the agent be used on Linux, Unix and MAC systems?
An agent has been developed to support Solaris and Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora and Red Hat) systems. This is currently in beta testing within our customer base with an expected release date of 01/08/2008.
8. How much data does the agent upload to the server?
A system inventory profile is typically less than 6KB
9. How often does the agent contact the server?
This is fully configurable. The Inventory Client can be set to upload its profile as often as you like. The default setting is every 120 minutes (2 hours).
10. Do I need to purchase a Microsoft SQL Licence?
No, AssetStudio™ will run quite happily on SQL 2005 Express Edition.
11. We don't have the skills in house to use the Software Delivery module.
AssetStudio™ Software Delivery is simple and intuitive and can be used without any training. A set of useable packages is supplied with the system. Certero provide an application packaging service for organisations that do not have the skills to create application packages.
12. None of our staff understand Microsoft Licensing. How would we ensure we are capturing the correct information in the Licensing and Compliance module?
SAM Frameworks Essentials for SAM contains resources for Microsoft licensing that will help you understand license entitlement for all Microsoft products and what's needed to gather the inventory metrics to establish your true license and inventory levels.
If you would like more information about AssetStudio™ then please contact us using the details at the top of this page or fill in our Online Enquiry Form.
