ManageEngine AssetExplorer

Basic Information

• Model: ManageEngine AssetExplorer
• Version: Build 7000 and newer are currently supported. Older builds, specifically 6994 and earlier, have reached End of Life.
• Release Date: Initial product installation videos date back to 2020.
• Minimum Requirements: Varies significantly based on the number of scannable nodes. General requirements include server-grade processors, SSD storage, and sufficient RAM.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Server: Windows Server (2019, 2022, 2025), RedHat Linux (7 and above), Ubuntu (20 and above, including 24.04 Pro), CentOS (8 and above), Debian (10 and above), Rocky Linux (9.5, 8.6).
  • Client Access: Web browsers including Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.
• Latest Stable Version: Users are recommended to upgrade to build 7000 or newer for continued updates and support.
• End of Support Date: ManageEngine provides updates and security patches; however, no support is provided for specific versions after their announced End of Support date.
• End of Life Date: Builds 6994 and earlier have reached End of Life (EOL).
• License Type:
  • Free Edition: Fully functional, restricted to 25 nodes, never expires.
  • Annual Subscription License: Fee-based, non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license for a subscription period, including updates and upgrades.
• Deployment Model: On-premise and cloud offerings are available.

Technical Requirements

• RAM:
  • For 2,000-10,000 nodes: 16GB.
  • For 10,000-30,000+ nodes: 16GB (with recommendation for separate remote servers for every 30k nodes).
• Processor:
  • For 2,000-10,000 nodes: 1.7GHz to 2.4GHz, 10MB to 12MB Cache, 4 to 8 cores (e.g., Intel Xeon Scalable Bronze/Silver, Intel Xeon E Family).
  • For 10,000-30,000+ nodes: 2.4GHz to 3.0GHz, 12MB to 20MB Cache, 6 to 8 cores (e.g., Intel Xeon E Family).
  • For 30,000+ nodes: 3.0GHz to 4.5GHz, 12MB to 30MB Cache, 10 to 20 cores (e.g., Intel Xeon Scalable Gold/Platinum).
• Storage:
  • For 2,000-10,000 nodes: 1TB SSD.
  • For 10,000-30,000+ nodes: 2TB/3TB SSD.
  • Minimum 1GB free space required in the installation folder for AssetExplorer and Endpoint Central.
• Display: Recommended screen resolution is 1366 x 768.
• Ports: Standard network ports for web access and agent communication (HTTPS/SSL).
• Operating System: Windows Server (2019, 2022, 2025), RedHat Linux (7+), Ubuntu (20+, 24.04 Pro), CentOS (8+), Debian (10+), Rocky Linux (9.5, 8.6). Non-GUI Windows machines (server core installation) are not supported.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: ManageEngine AssetExplorer demonstrates scalable technical requirements, adapting to varying IT asset inventories. The use of SSD for storage and server-grade processors highlights its design for performance and responsiveness in enterprise environments. The recommendation for separate remote servers for large node counts indicates a distributed architecture capability to manage load. Compatibility with a wide range of modern Windows Server and Linux distributions ensures broad applicability. The reliance on Endpoint Central agents for scanning implies network connectivity and agent deployment are key considerations.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Build 7000 and newer are recommended for ongoing support and updates.
• OS Support:
  • Server: Windows Server (2019, 2022, 2025), RedHat Linux (7+), Ubuntu (20+, 24.04 Pro), CentOS (8+), Debian (10+), Rocky Linux (9.5, 8.6).
  • Client Access: Modern web browsers including Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.
  • Agent-based Scanning: Windows, Linux, and macOS machines via Endpoint Central agent.
• End of Support Date: Zoho provides updates and security patches, but support ceases for specific versions after their announced End of Support date.
• Localization: The help documentation offers accessibility settings for various needs, including ADHD Friendly, Astigmatism, Blindness, Color Blindness, Dyslexia Friendly, Epilepsy Safe, For The Elderly, Low Vision, and Motor Disabilities.
• Available Drivers: AssetExplorer utilizes the ManageEngine Endpoint Central agent for scanning Windows, Linux, and Mac machines. This agent is often auto-installed with AssetExplorer.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: ManageEngine AssetExplorer offers robust compatibility with current server operating systems and major web browsers, ensuring broad deployment options. The mandatory agent-based scanning through Endpoint Central provides comprehensive asset discovery across diverse client OS environments. The clear End of Life policy for older builds emphasizes the importance of keeping the software updated for continuous support and security. While explicit localization for the user interface is not detailed, the extensive accessibility features in its help documentation suggest a commitment to user experience.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • AES-256 encryption for sensitive data storage.
  • Bcrypt algorithm for user password storage.
  • SHA-256 for encryption.
  • Data transmission over HTTPS and SSL for client connections and database communication.
  • Granular role-based access control.
  • Comprehensive audit trails for user actions.
  • Failover server support for availability.
  • Periodic database backup with password-protected backup files.
  • Password-protected file attachments.
  • Configurable password policy (minimum length, character requirements, history).
  • Security response headers to prevent XSS and clickjacking attacks.
  • Antivirus scanning for file uploads (ICAP protocol).
• Known Vulnerabilities: AssetExplorer is designed to be free from common issues such as local/remote file inclusion, access restriction bypass via origin spoof, clipboard data stealing, remote code execution (RCE), Zip Slip vulnerability, content sniffing, clickjacking, and reflected XSS.
• Blacklist Status: No information found regarding blacklist status.
• Certifications: No specific security certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2) are explicitly mentioned in the provided data, though it supports compliance for audits.
• Encryption Support: AES-256, bcrypt, SHA-256, and SSL/HTTPS for data in transit and at rest.
• Authentication Methods:
  • Integration with Microsoft Active Directory and LDAP-compliant directory services.
  • Local authentication mechanism with bcrypt.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) with SAML 2.0 support.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) via Email Verification or Google Authenticator (and other TOTP apps like Microsoft Authenticator, Duo Mobile).
  • Enforced password resets for local authentication.
• General Recommendations:
  • Promptly install updates and security patches.
  • Adhere to security best practices and configure the software as suggested in security recommendations.
  • Enable password protection for file attachments.
  • Configure and enforce a strong password policy.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication for user logins and admin configurations.
  • Exempt AssetExplorer directories from antivirus scans if running on the same system to prevent performance issues.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: ManageEngine AssetExplorer implements a comprehensive set of security features, including strong encryption for data storage and transmission, robust authentication mechanisms like 2FA and SAML SSO, and granular access controls. The proactive measures against common web vulnerabilities and the emphasis on regular updates and security best practices indicate a strong focus on data protection. While specific security certifications are not listed, the built-in features and recommendations aim to help organizations maintain a secure IT asset management environment.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not publicly available for ManageEngine AssetExplorer.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Scalability: Designed to scale for organizations managing up to 30,000+ scannable nodes, with recommendations for separate remote servers to minimize central server load for very large deployments.
  • Asset Discovery: Automates asset discovery and scanning through agent-based and agentless methods, aiming for accurate and efficient data capture.
  • Proactive Maintenance: Enables real-time monitoring and analytics for asset health, usage, and maintenance history, supporting proactive interventions and trend identification to reduce downtime.
  • Database Performance: Recommends enabling Read Committed Snapshot Isolation (RCSI) for MSSQL databases to prevent lock issues and maintain optimal performance.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to software; however, server hardware requirements scale with node count, indirectly influencing power consumption of the hosting infrastructure.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to software.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: ManageEngine AssetExplorer is compared to alternatives such as Asset Panda, ServiceNow Asset Management, Ivanti Neurons for ITAM, TeamDynamix Sassafras, Device42, and Setyl. It is praised for its detailed reporting capabilities and seamless integration with other IT management tools.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: ManageEngine AssetExplorer is engineered for scalability, supporting a wide range of IT environments from small to large enterprises with thousands of nodes. Its performance is optimized through automated discovery and proactive maintenance features, which contribute to reduced downtime and efficient asset utilization. While specific benchmark figures are not provided, the architectural recommendations for large deployments and database optimizations suggest a focus on maintaining high performance under load. User reviews generally highlight its effectiveness in managing IT assets efficiently.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Strengths:
  • Comprehensive asset management throughout the entire lifecycle, from purchase to disposal.
  • Accurate inventory management and automated asset discovery (agent-based and agentless).
  • Robust software license management and compliance tracking.
  • Customizable reports and dashboards provide valuable insights into asset utilization and compliance.
  • Ease of use and user-friendly interface.
  • Effective tracking of asset lifecycles and integration with other IT tools.
  • Centralized repository for hardware specifications, software versions, purchase orders, and maintenance history.
  • Proactive asset management capabilities, identifying aging assets for timely upgrades.
• Weaknesses:
  • Can have a steep learning curve due to its wide range of features and functionalities.
  • Mobile app has limited features, which can hinder on-the-go asset management.
  • Report customization could be improved.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Tracking major computer equipment across an organization.
  • Storing vendor information and managing contracts.
  • Utilizing the purchase order module for procurement processes, tracking spending, and comparing vendor prices.
  • Monitoring and managing assets in a network, including periodic scans and updates.
  • Ensuring software license compliance and tracking unauthorized software usage.

Summary

ManageEngine AssetExplorer is a comprehensive IT Asset Management (ITAM) platform designed to provide end-to-end control over IT assets across their entire lifecycle, from procurement to disposal. It excels in automated hardware and software asset discovery, inventory management, and robust software license compliance, which are critical for cost efficiency and audit readiness. The platform offers flexible deployment options, including on-premise and cloud, and supports a broad range of Windows Server and Linux operating systems. Its technical requirements scale with the number of managed nodes, utilizing server-grade hardware for optimal performance.

Security is a strong focus, incorporating AES-256 encryption, bcrypt for passwords, HTTPS/SSL communication, granular access controls, audit trails, and multiple authentication methods including 2FA and SAML SSO. ManageEngine actively addresses common vulnerabilities and provides recommendations for secure configuration. While specific performance benchmarks are not detailed, the system is built for scalability, supporting thousands of nodes, and emphasizes proactive maintenance and database optimization for sustained performance.

User feedback highlights its strengths in comprehensive asset tracking, ease of use, and effective integration with other IT tools. However, some users note a steep learning curve due to its extensive features and express a desire for more robust mobile app functionality and improved report customization. AssetExplorer is particularly recommended for organizations needing to track computer equipment, manage vendor contracts, streamline procurement, and ensure software license compliance.

Overall, ManageEngine AssetExplorer stands as a reliable and effective solution for managing IT assets, offering a powerful toolset for organizations seeking to optimize asset utilization, reduce costs, and maintain compliance within their IT infrastructure. Its strengths in discovery, inventory, and security make it a strong contender for enterprise ITAM needs, though potential users should consider the learning curve and current mobile app limitations.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.