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TNI 3.5.0: ESXi scanner improvements
Greetings to everyone who reads the Softinventive blog and wishes to receive first-hand information about our software’s new features!
Today, the Total Network Inventory team introduces a major update, TNI version 3.5.0. This update significantly expands the functionality concerning ESXi virtual servers. And as you can see, much has been reworked and improved:
- NewObtaining information about services on the ESXi server.
- NewObtaining firewall information from the ESXi server (ESXi version 5+).
- NewObtaining software information from the ESXi server (ESXi version 6.5+).
- NewObtaining information about licenses from the ESXi server.
- NewGrouping ESXi server devices by PCI class.
- NewObtaining information about the ESXi server’s serial number.
- NewESXi agent version that was used to perfrom the scan can be displayed in a report.
- NewObtaining information about the manufacturer, model and serial number of routers when scanning via SNMP.
- ImprovedESXi server scan engine reworked.
- ImprovedAsset pinger operation.
- ImprovedSystem error logging engine.
- FixedObtaining information about the Network File System type on the ESXi server.
- FixedObtaining information about ESXi server’s processors.
- FixedObtaining and updating the Hostname field when scanning the ESXi server.
- FixedObtaining information about the size of repositories on the ESXi server.
- FixedMethods of using the PingerLib and ADLib libraries changed.
- FixedPinging methodology when changing the “Handling of dynamic IP addresses” setting.
- FixedDisplay of information about unscanned assets.
- FixedUpdating of ESXi server hostnames after rescanning.
- + Many small improvements in ESXi and SNMP scanners.
Let’s review in a bit more detail.
The data collection and analysis engine has been redesigned and substantially improved as a result. TNI 3.5.0 is fully compatible with the latest versions of ESXi server. ESXi 4, 5, 6, 6.5 are officially supported. The collected dataset was also heavily expanded: now you can get information about the installed hardware and software, firewall, services, serial number, ESXi licenses and other miscellanea that will give you a complete picture of the scanned ESXi server.
We have thoroughly tested all kinds of configurations and can say with confidence that the chance of obtaining the information from an ESXi server is now almost 100%!
We would also like to mention another important change, namely the SNMP scanner upgrade. Now the information about the manufacturer, model and serial number of most devices can be collected without the need to enable the full SNMP scan in the program settings.
And so I bring this blog post to a close.
Until the next one!
TSD 2.1.0: New uninstallation capabilities and more improvements
Dear readers of our blog! Today’s post is all about the new version of Total Software Deployment. In this update, we bring you the expansion of the existing functionality and enhancements that will give you additional freedom when using the program. The new TSD will give you the ability to uninstall more software of various types, and any installer can now be updated right in the Software passport. Here is more or less the full list of changes:
- NewAbility to uninstall any software that stores a silent uninstall string in the registry. This string is collected when the assets are scanned using the updated scan agent.
- NewSoftware installer can be updated from its passport.
- NewContext menu in the list of installed software (includes a new ability to rescan assets directly from the list).
- ImprovedTest run algorithm and recording algorithms for Macro and System shot methods.
- ImprovedTest run’s result is now saved for the entire duration of a TSD session.
- ImprovedSoftware passport’s Language field was replaced with a more useful Note.
- ImprovedNew system of notification about trial version and license limitations.
- ImprovedAdvanced search queries can now be used in the Software passport’s search string and in System shot results.
- ImprovedIn the list of installed software, a new recommendation will be shown (to rescan a device if it was scanned using an old version of the agent).
- ImprovedIf the connection is lost during deployment or uninstallation, a correct warning will be shown instead of an unexpected error.
- ImprovedIf the Windows installer is already busy on the remote computer, deployment and uninstallation will wait for it to finish for 10 minutes.
- ImprovedConfiguration of waiting for the installer’s child processes. A separate configuration will now be saved for each method.
- ImprovedAdvanced mode of the MS Office configuration file editor (it’s now possible to specify any Product ID).
- ImprovedAlgorithm that obtains information and icons from the installer file is now able to work with very large files.
- FixedError when copying the deployment log file.
- FixedRestoration of the software storage from backup if it becomes corrupted.
- FixedError when loading the network storage.
- FixedErrors that may occur when working with the Macro editor.
- FixedError when importing the MS Office configuration file (in the Silent method).
- + Many other fixes and improvements.
A few more details about the main points:
We’re continuing to add to the list of programs that can be uninstalled with Total Software Deployment. So as not to stick just to MSI packages, version 2.1.0 introduces support for remote uninstallation of any types of packages that provide a quiet uninstall string. These include: Inno Setup, most Windows installer XML packages, some NSIS Setup packages, and also other, less known types.
Furthermore, a new mechanism will verify that a certain installation file is gone from the program folder after uninstallation. If the file is still present, then TSD will immediately let you know and offer to rescan the computer so you can see if the program was successfully uninstalled. Very convenient and reliable!
We’ll continue to delight you with further expansion of both the deployment and uninstallation functionality. After all, isn’t getting rid of software in a convenient fashion as important as making new installations?
Another new helpful feature is the ability to easily update the software version using the editor. Before, the only available option was to add the latest version as new software. Now this can be done right in the Software passport. Just point TSD to the new version of the installer, and the job is done. This lets you keep the settings in the Software passport and in the Silent method intact. However, packages recorded using Macro or System shot will not be saved in order to avoid any possible installation errors on a different version.
That’s all for today. We wish you an easy time in dealing with the software on your network!
P.S. Total Network Inventory 3 has also been recently updated. The full list of changes can always be found in the “Help – Check for Updates” window.
TNI 3.4.5: Active Directory Synchronization Functionality
Hello to all!
The latest update for Total Network Inventory 3 is out. As we promised, it’s the reworked Active Directory synchronization module. The synchronization process becomes more convenient and informative, and more tweaks can be made.
As usual, before diving into details, we offer you the full list of changes and improvements:
- NewAbility to synchronize computers and users with a different domain.
- NewAuto-picking passwords for logging into the domain during AD sync.
- NewA window with preliminary results allowing to view and control the synchronization (when launching manually).
- NewSynchronization results are logged to a text file.
- NewAbility to schedule synchronization with AD.
- ImprovedAD synchronization algorithm.
- ImprovedSynchronization settings were optimized.
- ImprovedCorrect handling of renamed devices during synchronization.
- ImprovedDetection of the current and root domains at startup.
- ImprovedThe process of automatic synchronization at startup and on a schedule is invisible to the user.
- + Some other fixes and improvements.
Auto-sync on a schedule
As you probably know, synchronization with AD could only be initiated manually or when the program itself is started. Yes, we agree with you that this is sometimes not enough. And that’s why a new method was added: automatic synchronization on a schedule. Simply set up the Scheduler, and the program will synchronize with AD exactly when it suits you!
We’d like to point out that synchronization at startup will be disabled after you update. But worry not, you can either enable this setting again, or switch to only using the Scheduler.
Preliminary synchronization results
New capabilities will be available when you start the synchronization manually. You’ll be able to preview the changes as shown here:
In this window, you can browse the proposed changes and choose what elements should be updated. Don’t want to move devices? Uncheck it. Want to update information for specific computers? Select only those. Synchronize users only? Easy. All done quickly and conveniently.
Other improvements
Another new helpful feature is trying different logins for AD. If TNI fails to start the synchronization using the current user’s credentials, the program will automatically try to find the correct login from among those listed on the Edit – All logins tab.
Also, all synchronization operations will from now on be logged to adsync.log which is located in the following folder: C:\ProgramData\Total Network Inventory 3
And another thing we ought to highlight: now it’s possible to synchronize with a domain that the current computer does not belong to.
Update your TNI and enjoy the new features. See you next time!
- Softinventive products:
- Total Network Inventory Standard
- Total Network Inventory Professional
- Total Network Monitor
- Total Software Deployment