Server & Application Monitor

Basic Information

SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor (SAM) is a comprehensive monitoring solution designed for application and server performance management.

• Model: SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor (SAM)
• Latest Stable Version: SAM 2024.4, released on October 16, 2024.
• Release Date: October 16, 2024 (for version 2024.4).
• Minimum Requirements:
  • SolarWinds Platform Server OS: Microsoft Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, or 2025. Windows Server 2012 R2 is supported for upgrades from earlier SAM versions. Desktop operating systems like Windows 10 or 11 are for evaluation environments only.
  • Database: Microsoft SQL Server 2016 SP1 or later. SQL Server Enterprise 2019 CU4 or later is recommended for extra-large deployments. Supports SQL Server Express, Standard, and Enterprise editions.
• Supported Operating Systems (for monitoring):
  • Servers: Microsoft Windows Server (various versions including 2003, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019), AIX, HP-UX, Linux, Solaris, UNIX.
  • Cloud: Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), Microsoft Office 365.
• End of Support Date: End-of-Life (EoL) dates are typically announced for older versions. For example, SAM 2022.3 has an EoL date of March 7, 2025, and SAM 2020.2.6 had an EoL date of May 18, 2024. Users should consult official SolarWinds resources for the latest version's EoL.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly specified; typically aligns with End-of-Life dates.
• License Type: Primarily licensed by the number of component monitors. Tiers range from 150 component monitors (AL150) to unlimited (ALX). Licensing is available as subscription or perpetual.
• Deployment Model: Supports on-premises, cloud (e.g., AWS, Azure), and hybrid environments. It can be deployed on physical or virtual servers.

Technical Requirements

SolarWinds SAM's technical requirements scale with the size and complexity of the monitored environment.

• RAM:
  • SolarWinds Platform Server: 16 GB (recommended for typical deployments), 32 GB (for larger environments).
  • Database Server: Requires sufficient RAM, often exceeding the application server's needs for optimal performance in large deployments.
• Processor:
  • SolarWinds Platform Server: 4 CPU cores (recommended for typical deployments), 8 CPU cores (for larger environments).
• Storage:
  • SolarWinds Platform Server: 100 GB SSD.
  • Database Server: Dedicated RAID 1+0 hard drives are strongly recommended for data files (.mdf, .ndf) and transaction logs (.ldf). Solid State Drives (SSDs) are recommended for all components due to intense I/O requirements.
• Display: Access to the web console is standard for management and monitoring.
• Ports:
  • Core Platform Communication: TCP 17777 (Information Service protocol), TCP 17778 (SWIS API).
  • SAM Specific: Ports 4369, 25672, 5672 for RabbitMQ messaging. RPC ports 1024 (TCP, bidirectional) for Windows node communication.
  • Monitoring Protocols: SMTP (25), DNS (53 UDP), HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), SSH (22). WMI uses port 135 and dynamic ports.
• Operating System:
  • SolarWinds Platform Server: Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025.
  • Database Server: SQL Server 2016 SP1 or later on Windows Server 2019 or later.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

SolarWinds SAM demands robust server and database infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and scalability. The emphasis on SSDs and specific RAID configurations for the database highlights the I/O intensive nature of monitoring large environments. A comprehensive understanding of required network ports is essential for proper communication between the SAM server, polling engines, and monitored endpoints. The system is designed to scale, with hardware requirements increasing proportionally to the number of monitored elements and the frequency of polling.

Support & Compatibility

SolarWinds SAM offers extensive support and compatibility across diverse IT infrastructures.

• Latest Version: SAM 2024.4.
• OS Support:
  • SolarWinds Platform Server: Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025.
  • Monitored Systems: Supports a wide range of operating systems including various Windows Server versions, Linux, AIX, HP-UX, Solaris, and UNIX.
• End of Support Date: End-of-Life dates are published for specific versions, such as SAM 2022.3 (EoL March 7, 2025). Users are encouraged to transition to the latest versions for continued support.
• Localization: Information regarding specific localization support is not available in the provided data.
• Available Drivers/Agents: Primarily uses agentless monitoring. Optional agents are available to extend monitoring capabilities to remote locations and cloud services. SAM integrates with a vast array of applications and systems through over 1200 out-of-the-box monitoring templates and supports custom monitors.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

SolarWinds SAM demonstrates strong compatibility with a broad spectrum of operating systems, applications, and cloud platforms, making it suitable for heterogeneous IT environments. The extensive library of monitoring templates and the flexibility to create custom ones ensure comprehensive coverage. Regular updates maintain compatibility with evolving technologies. The availability of both agentless and agent-based monitoring provides deployment flexibility.

Security Status

SolarWinds has significantly enhanced its security focus following past incidents, emphasizing secure deployment and operational practices.

• Security Features: Supports secure configuration best practices. Uses HTTPS (Port 443) for secure web console access and encrypted RabbitMQ messaging (AMQP/TLS). Employs formal processes for employee access to company resources with audit trails.
• Known Vulnerabilities: The "Sunburst" security event in 2020 led to a heightened focus on security within SolarWinds.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for this type of software.
• Certifications: SolarWinds offers a SolarWinds Certified Professional (SCP) program for SAM, validating user expertise in the platform.
• Encryption Support: HTTPS for web communication and AMQP/TLS for internal messaging.
• Authentication Methods: Supports Windows authentication and mixed-mode SQL authentication for database access.
• General Recommendations:
  • Install the SolarWinds Platform server on a non-public, non-internet-facing server.
  • Avoid installing SAM on the same server as SolarWinds Access Rights Manager (ARM) or domain controllers (though agents can be installed on domain controllers).
  • Adhere to secure configuration best practices provided by SolarWinds.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

SolarWinds SAM incorporates standard security features like encryption for data in transit and robust authentication methods. The company has publicly committed to improving its security posture, especially after the 2020 security incident. Adherence to SolarWinds' secure configuration guidelines and best practices is crucial for maintaining a strong security stance for any deployment.

Performance & Benchmarks

SolarWinds SAM is designed for scalable performance in enterprise environments.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific numerical benchmark scores for SAM are not typically published, as performance is highly dependent on deployment size and configuration.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Capable of monitoring enterprise-scale environments with thousands of elements.
  • The web-based interface maintains responsiveness even under heavy loads.
  • Supports up to 50,000 component monitors per primary SAM installation (with 1 SAM server and 4 Additional Polling Engines).
  • A single polling engine can monitor up to 2,100 nodes using WMI.
  • Efficient management of polling engine loads is critical for maintaining system performance and scalability.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to software.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to software.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: SAM is recognized for its ease of use, extensive library of monitoring templates (over 1200), agentless deployment options, and deep application diagnostics. It offers strong integration capabilities with other SolarWinds products and third-party tools.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

SolarWinds SAM is a robust and scalable monitoring solution, capable of handling the demands of large and complex IT infrastructures. Its architecture, which includes the use of Additional Polling Engines, allows for distributed monitoring and increased capacity. Features like AppInsight and PerfStack aid in quickly identifying and troubleshooting performance bottlenecks. Optimal performance is achieved through careful planning, configuration, and continuous management of polling loads.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights SolarWinds SAM's strengths in comprehensive monitoring and ease of use, alongside some challenges related to complexity and initial setup.

• Strengths:
  • Provides real-time alerts and actionable insights, often cited as a "lifesaver" for identifying issues like high disk or CPU usage.
  • Offers agentless server monitoring, which is appreciated by application owners.
  • Features extensive out-of-the-box monitoring templates (over 1200) and allows for custom template creation.
  • Praised for its user-friendly web interface and ease of configuration for health monitoring.
  • Enables fast setup and quick return on investment (ROI).
  • Strong integration capabilities with other SolarWinds tools and platforms like ServiceNow for automated ticketing.
  • Offers deep visibility into application and server performance across various layers of the IT stack.
  • Scalable for large enterprise environments.
• Weaknesses:
  • Some users report a steep learning curve, especially for new administrators.
  • The initial setup process can be perceived as confusing and time-consuming.
  • The licensing model, based on component monitors, can be seen as complex or expensive by some users.
  • Requires significant tuning and customization to align with specific environmental needs.
  • Customer support quality can be inconsistent.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Ideal for system engineers, system administrators, and IT/service professionals in mid-size to large businesses and enterprises.
  • Suited for organizations needing to monitor critical servers and applications to maintain optimal performance and availability.
  • Effective in environments requiring deep insight into IT operations, real-time metrics, and automated alerting for faster troubleshooting.
  • Well-suited for hybrid cloud environments, including on-premises, AWS, and Azure deployments.

Summary

SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor (SAM) stands as a powerful and comprehensive enterprise asset management solution, excelling in monitoring the performance and availability of servers and applications across diverse IT environments. Its strengths lie in its extensive library of over 1200 out-of-the-box monitoring templates, flexible agentless and agent-based deployment options, and robust scalability features, including Additional Polling Engines. SAM provides deep visibility into the IT stack, offering real-time metrics, automated alerting, and application dependency mapping, which are critical for proactive issue resolution and maintaining service delivery. Users frequently praise its ability to deliver actionable insights and its strong integration capabilities with other SolarWinds products and third-party systems.

However, the platform presents some challenges, particularly for new users, with a reported steep learning curve and potentially complex initial setup. The component monitor-based licensing model can also be a point of consideration for organizations. Following the 2020 security incident, SolarWinds has significantly bolstered its security posture, emphasizing secure configuration best practices and encryption, though continuous vigilance and adherence to these recommendations remain paramount for users.

Overall, SolarWinds SAM is a highly recommended tool for mid-sized to large enterprises and IT professionals seeking a scalable, feature-rich solution for managing complex, hybrid IT infrastructures. Its ability to pinpoint root causes of performance issues and its comprehensive monitoring capabilities make it an invaluable asset for ensuring application uptime and optimizing IT operations.

Please note: 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.