Solarwinds Kiwi CatTools - Backup Utility for Devices
What are SolarWinds Kiwi CatTools?
I don't usually start a review with a negative, however, it will save time if you
realize that this backup utility is not for file systems, but it is for
configuration settings on hardware devices. Having cleared up that
the purpose of CatTools is to back up devices such as, Cisco routers,
Nortel switches and ASA firewalls, I can now move forward and encourage
you to try a
free download of Kiwi CatTools.
The main benefits of these freeware CatTools are storing current and previous
versions of your hardware configuration settings, and providing a
central GUI where you can monitor information settings, and if
necessary, make changes.
So, here is Guy's challenge. If you download Cat Tools, then it
will not only take care of back up, but also it will show you something
new about your the hardware on you network. I could give you a
money back guarantee - but CatTools is already free! No, I just
make a techie to techie challenge, one of these features will help you:
Sooner or later something will go wrong with a router or a
firewall, but CatTools will send you an alert that keeps you one
step ahead of the hackers, or the users!
When troubleshooting, the ability to compare past and present
configurations will save time in finding the change.
One day the roll-back facility will restore a working
configuration and save your bacon.
Impress your manager, or cover your back, by distributing
reports (provided by CatTools) of how well your devices are
configured.
I'll bet that you will find another feature of CatTools that I
don't use, but will be just what you need. (Bulk Changes are
too bullish for me).
The download, unzip, and the program's install are truly easy.
Furthermore, if CatTools works on a 64-bit Windows Server 2008 machine
then you will have no problem installing on any current Windows 32-bit
server or desktop operating system.
Your only real setup decision is whether to run as application or as a
Windows service. I chose to install the Kiwi CatTools as a
service, and selected the default of LocalSystem account.
Incidentally, if you need to manually configure or restart the service,
it appears under 'K' for Kiwi and not amongst the 'Cs'.
CatTools is designed to back up configuration information about the
various devices on your network, but first you have to provide
information to the utility. The 'Devices' tab has a pick list of
common network hardware, you then fill in the details such as the IP
address, port number and connection method. The only difference
between the free and licensed version is the increase in the number of
devices you can monitor from 5 to unlimited.
Talking of devices, over 60 are supported out of the box, and believe
there is a facility for advanced users to create a custom device.
I have heard of few problems with CatTools, the only glitches come from
upgrading to version 3.3.14 from previous versions. The solution
is to uninstall, and reinstall.
Appriase SolarWinds Kiwi CatTools - Watch This Video!
Orion Network
Configuration Management
If you want something bigger, more scaleable than Cattools, then try the
Orion NCM (Network Configuration Manager)
NCM will assist you in creating consistent settings for routers and
other network devices with config files. For example, you can
ensure that only the correct firewall ports are open.
Not only
will you be able to monitor all manner of data vales, but more importantly,
NCM provides the tools to restore settings in the event that someone
makes a mistake, but you cannot quite pin-point the error. For
example, you can upload
scripts to correct problems with community string, passwords or other
device settings. See more on Orion NCM.
Summary of SolarWinds Kiwi CatTools Freeware
In this review of Kiwi CatTools I would emphasise that it really is easy
to download and setup. The benefit is that you will have peace of
mind that your configuration data for routers, switches and
firewalls is
safely backed up. An added bonus is that through trying this free
utility you will learn more about the settings of your network hardware.
Additional Free and Trial SolarWinds Network Software
These are programs which I have enjoyed evaluating on my
network. Some are completely free, while other downloads are trial
versions of the full product. I think SolarWinds have a great
strategy, namely, supplying a free gadget, which may be all a small
company need, yet providing a big-brother suite of programs for
larger organizations.
Guy Recommends:
SolarWinds' NPM - Network Performance Monitor
SolarWinds' performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages,
making it easy to see what's working, and what needs your attention.
This utility guides you through creating network maps; it also helps
identifying whether the
root cause is faulty equipment, or resource overload. Give NPM a try.
