Version 8.0 of Neon Softwares LANsurveyor makes quick work of documenting small and midsize networks, and it also scans for changes.
In my tests, LANsurveyor highlighted network changes, making it easy for me to see new devices such as wireless access points and new computers.
Although change/add/move reports are handy in their own right, Neon Software is touting the new scanning and reporting feature as a security enhancement. I suppose it is, but IT managers in small and midsize shops will likely find it more useful if they use continuous scans to keep track of equipment moving onto and off of the network.
I liked the way LANsurveyor diagrammed my test network. I have a fairly broad range of equipment, including a ZyXel ZyWall 100 firewall, which LANsurveyor quickly identified. It even added equipment to my network map with the appropriate logo.
LANsurveyor also had no trouble mapping my managed switches, including a collection of Cisco Catalyst 2900 XL and 3550s.
LANsurveyor Enterprise Edition includes a continuous-scan option ($249 for LANsurveyor Workgroup and Management Station editions, or $149 if purchased before Jan. 31) and is available now.
Go to www.neon.com for more information.