How does Inspector differ from the other Network Detective modules?

Inspector is designed to perform deep dive data collection and generate reports that supplement those you receive with our other IT assessment and compliance modules. All modules and appliances use non-invasive, non-intrusive scanning techniques to collect data across the network.

The scanners that come with our IT assessment modules typically take less than an hour to run and can be run as self-extracting executables directly from a thumb drive. However, the specialized collection programs with Inspector, which include Layer 2/3 discovery and internal vulnerabilities scans, can take many hours or, in some cases, more than a day. In addition, some of the scanners are designed to run in a Linux environment.

Inspector is delivered as a virtual appliance that can be easily downloaded and installed on a virtual machine or physical appliance. The appliance is then attached to a specific network and left to run over the extended period of time necessary to complete the comprehensive deep dive scans.

Inspector also includes built-in remote scheduling and automated report generation so it often makes sense to leave one permanently attached to client networks requiring more security and management.

If I want Inspector, do I still need the other Network Detective modules? 

No. Inspector is sold as a separate software subscription that includes deep dive internal vulnerability scans and detailed Layer 2/3 discovery and diagrams. These reports are not available through our other IT assessment modules.

Some service providers purchase Inspector subscriptions just to get these reports, but the ideal scenario is to use Inspector to supplement your regular assessments by including these reports with the ones that come with the other modules.

Inspector also includes built-in remote scheduling and automated report generation so it often makes sense to leave one permanently attached to client networks requiring more security and management.

If I already have Network Detective and subscribe to Inspector, do I need a separate RapidFire Tools account and separate Network Detective software application?

No. In fact, you should avoid creating multiple RapidFire Tools accounts. All of the Network Detective components are completely integrated. If you already have Network Detective, you can upgrade your subscription to add one or more Inspectors directly from inside the Network Detective application by clicking on the “upgrade” button. Once you upgrade and install Inspector, you will access and manage each appliance directly from inside the Network Detective application, and the new reports it generates will be added to the relevant report tabs. For example, Layer 2/3 diagrams and related reports will appear with the Network Assessment reports and internal vulnerabilities scans will appear with other Security Assessment reports.

Do I need a separate inspector appliance for every client?

That depends upon the scope of your services for a given client. We do recommend having a dedicated Inspector installed at each of your major client sites so that you can run regular internal vulnerabilities scans and generate new Layer 2/3 diagrams to document any changes to the network. Once attached to a client network, you can remotely schedule and run the Inspector reports, as well as the reports from any other subscribed Network Detective module.

Alternatively, you are able to download Inspector onto a physical appliance (or have us do it for you) and then bring it to as many of your own client sites as you like, and rotate it around as needed. Each time you set up the appliance at a new site, you will need to configure the device for that network. However the system will remember your settings the next time you return.

Is there any reason why I would need multiple inspectors?

Yes. If you have larger clients with expansive networks and a lot of employees, the scans will take longer, the file size of the discovered data will be significantly bigger, and you’ll want to run your assessments more frequently. Additionally, leaving a dedicated appliance installed at the client site will eliminate the need for you to make special trips to the client site just to do the assessments. You can set up and run the assessments, and collect the resulting data remotely. It’s easier to justify having your client pay for the appliance if it’s dedicated to their network and part of a service you are delivering around it.

When I place the order, am I buying the physical appliance?

No. Inspector is a downloadable software appliance. You can optionally install as a virtual machine on an existing remote server, or install it on a “local” computer that you tote around from site to site. You can also choose to have Inspector pre configured on a small form computer from RapidFire Tools and your Inspector will come pre-installed and ready to use. In that case, we own the appliance, like a cable box to a cable TV subscription.

What happens if something goes wrong with the box itself?

If you subscribed to the hardware from RapidFire Tools, it would be fully covered for any service issue and we would be responsible to repair or replace the unit in the event of a failure.

What happens when my subscription ends, or if decide to cancel? 

Like all RapidFire Tools products, Inspector comes with an unconditional 30-day 100% money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the service for any reason, let us know within 30 days and receive a full refund. If your order included a subscription to the hardware, you must also return the unit to us or be charged for its loss. There is no restocking fee. If you do not cancel, at the end of your annual subscription you will have the option to renew. If you do not renew, your software appliance and operating system will cease to function and you must return the hardware to us or be charged for its loss.

Does my subscription include free software updates? 

Yes! We are committed to expanding the functionality of the Inspector software appliance, and you can expect regular updates and improvements to the appliance itself, as well as updates to the devices and network data that the software can discover plus periodic new reports. These updates will be automatically pushed to all of your appliances that are attached into an active network, whether physical or virtual. We will also notify you about all updates through our monthly RapidFire Tools New & Noteworthy newsletter.

Can I resell Network Detective Inspector?  

No. We do not sell the software appliance itself so you cannot resell that, but we encourage you to create and offer new internal network security and reporting services based on the reports generated by the appliance, and sell those services to your clients.

Is there a volume discount available for Inspector? 

Yes. Our bulk discounting program starts with a minimum order of 50 units. Contact our sales team for pricing.

Who pays for shipping if I want a physical appliance and how long will it take to get it?  

We offer free shipping and handling with all orders. Standard shipping is via the USPS Express Mail or UPS Ground. Depending upon your location, you can expect to receive your Inspector appliance pre-installed on the server from us within 2-7 days of your order. You may request expedited delivery by FedEx 2-day or Next-Day air. See our order form for current pricing. However, when returning a unit to us, you will be responsible for shipping costs.

How do I set up a return of the Inspector server I purchase from you? 

Simply send an email to support@rapidfiretools.com with the subject line: Inspector Server Return. Provide us with your RapidFire Tools account number and reason for the return. We will reply with an RMA # and return shipping label for you to print out and use for the return shipping.

What virtual machines does Inspector work on? 

To ensure the best experience possible with the delivery of the virtual appliances, we have targeted Hyper-V as the initial platform of choice. Hyper-V is readily available on most Windows Operating Systems starting from Windows 8.1 (on the desktop) and Windows 2012 Server and newer. It’s also offered free from Microsoft with their Hyper-V Edition, making it highly accessible. Also, Hyper-V virtual machines are standardized and the platform has the same scripting mechanism to install, which helps to ensure delivery of a high quality product.

We are considering support for a VMware virtual appliance, but due to the realities of multiple variants and platforms ranging from older ESX, to ESXi, to vCenter, to vSphere and the mass number of versions that are deployed, we’ve decided to make that a future project.