Server management/tracking software?

[xyle_one]

I am now the sysadmin now for a web dev company. It is a bit of a clusterfuck at the moment and I am trying to get it all organized. I am looking for something to help keep track of all of my servers. My first thought was to write my own, but maybe I could save some time by using something that already exists? How do you keep your machines organized? We have 5 servers for our internal apps and sites, plus around 100+ servers for clients spread across different providers.

I would like to be able to quickly record actions that I take on the servers, such as installing packages, setting firewall rules, or updating configurations, and get quick access to root passwords, admin passwords, ip addresses, links to services like cacti, plesk, etc.

[Basher52]

Agree, that could come in handy some days.
I do think I saw something like this, hmm, months ago but can't recall from where
It was an application that could do some/mush/all of these things.

[xyle_one]

Well I did start writing something, but it is not very developed.

I will keep looking. I guess I don't really know what to search for though!

edit:
It's basically inventory management...

[Basher52]

If I find it again, I'll write the link here

[Basher52]

I'll make a new post just to let you see that I posted...
Can't really recall if this is what I remembered but...

Code: Select all

https://savannah.nongnu.org/projects/docoll
http://download.savannah.gnu.org/releases/docoll/

Oh... btw.. Think I didn't read your post correctly.
"I would like to be able to quickly record actions that I take on the servers"
Are you looking for a logging function? not a management application like I first thought it to be.

[xyle_one]

Yeah I guess I should be more clear. I am looking for something with logging functions, password storage, misc notes, and server inventory. I want someplace to keep track of servers, root and admin login information, web server control panel logins, account numbers and provider information, and to be able to log actions that have been taken on the servers.

I'm just going to write my own. Between CakePHP and some ui frameworks I should be able to get exactly what I need up and running in no time The logging stuff could be automated, for the most part, like parsing yum install logs, secure log for logins, etc.

I just want one place to go for all of this information.

Thanks for taking the time to look for something

[Basher52]

Stil haven't found that I was thinking about but I think that was more of a management program, not a logging application.
Think I'm lost with this one

[xyle_one]

It's ok! I was not being very clear, because I am still not totally clear on what I need. This is actually a much larger issue that is not as easily tackled.

What I really have here are several distinct tasks. Password management, Inventory management, and Issue Tracking. Between those 3 I will cover just about everything I need.

Thanks for taking the time to look for something, and trying to decipher my poor descriptions and requirements

So, having said that, does anyone know of a good web based password management system I could host in-house?

[Basher52]

I'll have a look for that too

....and by that you do mean that instead of writing all the passwords for all the servers down in like a spreadsheet or such manually.

[xyle_one]

lol, yes! That is basically how it works is in this office now

[Basher52]

I found some stuff that you can check out.

http://lastpass.com/
http://www.keepassx.org/
http://www.teampass.net/

http://www.device42.com/ for centralized password management, inventory tracking and other stuff like Data center and IP management. It does not do issue tracking.

Hope some of these will help

[xyle_one]

Nice! Thank you!

[Basher52]

Anything you liked?
if so, which one and why

[xyle_one]

Oh, I haven't really had a chance to explore them yet. I have been really sick with the flu! I am finally feeling better though, so I will definitely take a look at these. I use KeePassX to manage my passwords and really like it. There is a password expiration that will remind you to keep your passwords updated frequently which is pretty handy. I keep my password db in dropbox so I have it on my computer at work, home, and my ipad.

[Basher52]

btw, if you test one of the apps or some/all of them and if you have the energy, you think you could post some info what you think of it/them?
The info might be useful in the future I think