What Is Device42?
Device42 is an IT management and data center operations solution. It helps organizations manage their IT infrastructure and operational data. Using Device42, businesses can automate the discovery of IT assets across multiple environments, ensuring accurate visibility into their infrastructure.
The platform offers tools including asset management, IP address tracking, and power and environmental monitoring. This enables organizations to optimize operations, enhance governance, and drive higher efficiency.
Source: Device42
Table of Contents
ToggleKey Features of Device42
1. IT Inventory and Asset Management
Device42 provides a centralized repository for tracking all hardware and software assets. This enables IT teams to maintain up-to-date records of their entire technology stack, facilitating better decision-making and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Furthermore, the platform supports automated asset discovery, which simplifies the tracking of new and existing assets. Real-time updates ensure that the IT inventory remains current, reducing manual tasks and the potential for errors.
2. CMDB
The Configuration Management Database (CMDB) in Device42 stores detailed information about all IT assets and their configurations, enabling easier management and troubleshooting of IT environments.
With the CMDB, businesses can visualize relationships and dependencies among hardware, software, and services. This is vital for effective change management and incident resolution, and can reduce downtime and improve service delivery.
3. Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
Device42’s DCIM capabilities provide tools for managing data center resources. It helps businesses plan, manage, and optimize the physical infrastructure of their data centers, including power, cooling, and space management. This ensures efficient use of data center resources while minimizing downtime.
DCIM capabilities also include features for environmental monitoring and power management. These features help data center operators identify potential issues before they escalate, ensuring proactive maintenance and operational continuity.
4. Application Dependency Mapping
Application dependency mapping in Device42 reveals the dependencies within and between software applications in the IT environment. It provides IT teams with a view of how applications interact with physical and virtual resources, which is important for risk management and troubleshooting.
Dependency mapping is especially important during system upgrades or migrations. By understanding dependencies, IT professionals can plan changes more effectively, ensuring minimal impact on business operations and service availability.
5. Cloud Recommendation Engine
Device42’s Cloud Recommendation Engine analyzes current infrastructure usage to make suggestions about optimal cloud configurations. This tool enables cloud migration planning by providing insights into cost, performance, and security considerations.
The engine uses real-time data and predictive analytics to recommend whether workloads should be moved to the cloud or optimized on-premises. This helps organizations make informed decisions about cloud investments.
Related content: Read our guide to Device42 Pricing
Device42 Limitations
When evaluating Device42, it’s important to be aware of the following limitations, reported by users on the G2 platform.
Steep Learning Curve
New users of Device42 may find it difficult to use without prior experience or training. The interface and navigation have a steep learning curve, which can delay initial productivity and makes the platform less accessible to users without extensive IT experience.
Limited Reporting Capabilities
Device42 does not offer an option to export reports detailing changes to subcomponents linked to devices, such as CPU and memory modifications. Although this data is available within the application, the inability to export it limits the utility of Device42 for tracking and documenting hardware changes over time, which is important for audit and compliance purposes.
Additional Costs for Essential Plugins
Some key plugins and features are not included in the base package of Device42, requiring additional purchases. This can lead to unexpected costs for organizations that might assume these core features are included in the initial licensing fee. As a result, businesses might face higher than anticipated expenses to fully utilize Device42.
System Performance Issues
Users have reported that Device42 can sometimes operate slowly, which can hinder workflow efficiency. This slow performance might be particularly noticeable during complex operations or when the system is handling large volumes of data.
Notable Device42 Competitors and Alternatives
Here are a few alternatives you should consider when evaluating Device42.
Faddom
Faddom is an ADM tool that visualizes your on-premises and cloud infrastructure in as little as one hour without agents. Immediately see all your servers and applications and how they are dependent on each other.
- Faddom is agentless and doesn’t require credentials
- It is cheap, starting at $10K/year
- Map the entire environment in real-time, updating 24/7
- Quick: One person can map the entire organization in an hour
Learn more about Faddom or start a free trial by filling out the form on the sidebar!
ServiceNow
ServiceNow is an IT Service Management (ITSM) platform designed to improve delivery of IT services in organizations. It employs AI and machine learning to accelerate issue resolution and accelerate innovation. It aims to simplify IT operations by removing complexities and consolidating disparate IT services and tools, providing a unified enterprise automation platform.
Key features include:
- Single system consolidating IT services: ServiceNow centralizes all service instances into one system, enhancing overall management efficiency and user experience.
- AI and machine learning Integration: Uses AI to speed up problem-solving and improve service delivery, including integration of generative AI through Now Assist.
- Configuration management database (CMDB): Maintains an up-to-date record of IT service dependencies and relationships, essential for continuity and compliance.
- Digital product release: Automates readiness and provides comprehensive visibility into product releases.
- Knowledge management: Facilitates efficient knowledge sharing and collaboration across the organization, boosting business efficiency.
- Incident management: Features intelligent routing and built-in collaboration tools to restore services quickly.
Source: ServiceNow
IBM Maximo Asset Management
IBM Maximo Asset Management is an enterprise asset management (EAM) solution designed to optimize the performance, lifespan, and return on investment of critical assets. Incorporating a range of applications, including computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), it enables management of physical assets from procurement through to decommissioning. Based on IBM’s three decades of experience, it provides industry-specific extensions to meet the needs of organizations in multiple industries.
Key features include:
- Comprehensive asset lifecycle management: Manages the entire lifecycle of assets, from acquisition to retirement.
- Cloud-Based EAM System: Provides essential data for decision-making related to cost control and budgeting in asset management.
- Advanced analytics and KPIs: Utilizes financial and performance analytics to extend asset life cycles and improve return on assets.
- Predictive maintenance capabilities: Supports both preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and enhance asset reliability.
- Customizable workspaces and dashboards: Features configurable dashboards and workspaces that focus on critical tasks and data, tailored to specific operational needs.
Source: Maximo
Asset Panda
Asset Panda is a versatile cloud-based asset management and tracking platform designed to adapt to various business environments and streamline the way organizations manage their valuable items. From IT equipment and software licenses to physical assets like vehicles, the system provides a comprehensive solution for tracking everything significant to a business.
Key features include:
- Flexible asset tracking: Tailored to accommodate unique business needs, allowing for the tracking of everything from computers to contracts without altering existing workflows.
- Comprehensive asset information: Consolidates action histories, warranty information, user manuals, and photos in one centralized location.
- Integration capabilities: Enhances asset management efficiency by integrating seamlessly with other tech stack components, creating a unified system for all asset data.
- Rapid implementation and onboarding: Offers quick setup and onboarding support from a team of experts.
- 24/7 support: Provides around-the-clock email support with guaranteed responses within 24 hours.
AssetSonar
AssetSonar is an IT asset management software designed to maintain, track, and manage IT assets, ensuring organizations remain audit-ready at all times. The platform offers end-to-end visibility into the IT infrastructure, allowing for quick actions and management across hardware and software assets, licenses, and IT services.
Key features include:
- IT asset management: Provides tools for hardware asset management, software asset management, and software license management.
- Configuration management database (CMDB): Integrates a CMDB to support the organization’s IT framework, ensuring all asset data is centralized and easily accessible.
- Advanced reporting and analytics: Delivers detailed reports and analytics, providing insights into asset utilization, performance, and lifecycle management.
- IT Service Management (ITSM): Includes ITSM capabilities to manage service requests, incidents, and changes effectively within the IT landscape.
- Network discovery and data consolidation: Automates the discovery of network devices and consolidates device data for improved asset intelligence and management.
Source: AssetSonar
Learn more in our detailed guide to Device42 competitors
Conclusion
In evaluating Device42 and its alternatives, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your organization. Each platform offers unique features that cater to different aspects of IT asset management and infrastructure optimization. Whether you prioritize comprehensive dependency mapping, asset lifecycle management, or flexible asset tracking, there’s a solution that aligns with your operational goals and challenges.
Learn more about Faddom for IT asset discovery and management