Features > Software Dictionary
Web based smart dictionary
Accurate software detection is a key function of any inventory tool - but it's a moving target. Your dictionary must be constantly refined and extended to identify new applications with the least effort on your part. How is this best achieved?
iInventory's unique automated dictionary system updates itself from the iInventory web servers when you use the console. The dictionary accurately matches the files found on your Windows* workstations and servers to applications. The dictionary currently contains over 120,000 signatures for more than 28,000 applications.
Importantly, it will also anonymously report back the characteristics of any unrecognized file signature found on your system (unless you choose not to use this option). These are examined by dictionary staff and used to expand the dictionary.
This advanced system means the master dictionary grows steadily with help from every user, far outweighing the resources that a single developer could devote to dictionary development. In this way each user contributes to improving the accuracy and scope of the dictionary to benefit the entire iInventory community.
* Mac and Linux use alternative methods more suited to their operating system design.
User editable
Your local software dictionary is completely editable. As well as defining your own applications its an easy matter to replace existing references with your own.
Add your custom software
Although iInventory includes a substantial software dictionary it is unlikely to include specialist or custom applications developed for your organization. Fortunately its a simple matter to add them so that they are included in your reports:
- Define them to the dictionary yourself using console tools, or
- Have us add them to the dictionary for you!
If you have any questions about defining software, or would like to encourage us to add an application to the dictionary more quickly please email dictionary@iinventory.com.
