I'm curious about what tools others are using to document their IT environments, specifically for on-premises setups. I need something that can run Nmap and is free and open-source (FOSS). It would also be great if it has a web front-end. Any suggestions?
5 Answers
We actually use Confluence for our documentation. It's cloud-based and free for the first 10 users. After that, it's around $7 per user monthly. We transitioned from on-prem to cloud a while back because maintaining the on-site server became a hassle. There are definitely ways to integrate Nmap data using plugins or the API, but it doesn't come with that feature right out of the box.
They do offer decent discounts for nonprofits, but the original pricing can be a bit steep. I just wish they hadn't phased out the free on-prem options for nonprofits; those were fantastic if you could handle the maintenance.
You might also want to take a look at LibreNMS or give NetDisco another shot.
Honestly, sometimes the best solution is to go back to basics—grab a pen and paper! Check the MAC address tables on your switches and keep a spreadsheet. I’ve tried several tools, but nothing has been perfect. You'll often find something that gets you close, but you'll have to do a lot of manual cross-referencing.
Have you checked out NetDisco? I haven't used it myself, but it utilizes SNMP to gather MAC and ARP tables, which can help map out your network effectively.
You should definitely check out Bookstack. I’m running it in a Docker container, and it's pretty handy for documentation.
Confluence kinda reminds me of SharePoint but with extra steps. Haha, I’ve been told I have to become an expert in it soon, whether I like it or not! Just gotta keep that paycheck coming!