Apple

Indispensable iPhone apps for the IT administrator

By // July 22, 2010, 1:27 AM PST // ensable

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  • An IT pro's on-the-go apps

    Working while mobile has become the norm for many IT administrators, and luckily, you can carry a surprising number of tools right on your iPhone. The following images showcase the handiest apps Michael Kassner has found for performing IT admin tasks.

  • Google Analytics App ($5.99 US and rated 4+)

    This application gives immediate access to Google Analytics, allowing prompt feedback on Web site traffic. Using this app is easier and quicker than the actual Analytics Web site.For more information, visit the Inblosam, LLC Web site.

  • LogMeIn Ignition ($29.99 US and rated 4+)

    I use LogMeIn extensively, yet I balked at getting this app because of the price. Then I thought why not use my iPhone instead of a notebook and expensive data card? All of a sudden, 30 dollars didn't seem like much. If you aren't convinced, LogMeIn offers a free trial of Ignition on its Web site.

  • iNetQCheck Pro ($4.99 US and rated 4+)

    There are many apps that test throughput speed, but iNetQCheck also examines connection quality. That is accomplished by determining packet loss, extended TCP delays, regulation events, and duplicate packets.

  • iNetQCheck Pro - Screenshot 2

    Lately, I have been using iNetQCheck a lot, due to the new iPhone's "Antenna Gate" issue.

  • MiComputer Pro ($0.99 US and rated 4+)

    This application saves considerable time by allowing IT pros to access information about client's computers quickly. In addition to what you see here, you can record data about the sound card, video card, power supply, printer, operating system, and additional software. You can include pictures if so desired.

  • SNAP ($1.99 US and rated 4+)

    Simple Network Area Prober (SNAP) locates all active devices on the network. It displays both IP and MAC addresses, as well as services of each device found.

  • SNAP - Screenshot 2

    Snap is a great tool for network administrators who need to keep track of devices. 9Bit Labs is responsible for this handy app.

  • WifiTrak ($0.99 US and rated 4+)

    WifiTrak scans for available Wi-Fi networks. The app displays a list of networks, prioritized from most usable (open and strongest signal) to least usable (secure and weakest signal). The application was developed by Bitrino, Inc.

  • WifiTrak - Screenshot 2

    WifiTrak shows a ranking of available networks and specifics for the mjvn network.

  • Network Ping ($3.99 US and rated 4+)

    Network Ping is a series of network tests (Ping, Ping a subnet, Traceroute, and Telnet) ported to the iPhone. I prefer this app over Network Utility Pro when it comes to Pinging. It remembers past queries. For more detailed information, check out MochaSoft's Web site. Here, you see the available utilities.

  • Network Ping - Screenshot 2

    Here, you can see the results of a trace route.

  • Network Utility Pro ($0.99 US and rated 4+)

    This one offers a lot of capability for one dollar: Ping, TCP/IP port scan, GeoIP lookup, and Whois query. All the utilities work well, with the exception of GeoIP lookup. It never provided the correct location. Here, it shows the available utilities.

  • Network Utility Pro - Screenshot 2

    Here are the results of a Whois query. For more details about Network Utility Pro, refer to Codepacity's Web site.

  • RDP Lite (Free and rated 4+)

    RDP Lite is a helpful application when dealing with networks containing Windows XP Pro, Vista, or Windows 7 computers. It allows remote access of workstations, solving all sorts of logistics issues. This is the configuration page.

  • RDP Lite - Screenshot 2

    Here is the he log-on window for RDP Lite, another application from MochaSoft.

  • SIO to Go (Free and rated 4+)

    Cisco has a project called Security Intelligence Operations. It is a global threat-monitoring network. Zeek Interactive, along with Cisco, developed an iPhone app that delivers SIO early warning intelligence, threats, and Cisco-built solutions. The app also allows you to check the reputation of an e-mail or Web site address.

  • SIO to Go - Screenshot 2

    This screen from SIO shows current security items of interest.

  • Speedtest Pro ($0.99 US and not rated yet)

    Speedtest Pro is a simple application for evaluating the bandwidth of the iPhone's 3G, EDGE, or Wi-Fi connection. Several bandwidth apps are available for the iPhone, but few register latency. Here is a completed test.

  • Speedtest Pro

    Here is a comparative history. This app was developed by Xtreme Labs.

  • Telnet ($1.99 US and rated 4+)

    Telnet allows the iPhone to connect to standard telnet servers running Linux, BSD, Solaris, OS X, Cisco, or Windows operating systems. I consider this a must-have application. Throughput Inc developed the client and recently released several improvements. This screen shows the setup page.

  • Telnet - Screenshot 2

    Here is an actual Telnet connection.

  • Network Swiss Army Knife ($2.99 and rated 4+)

    As one can surmise, this app has multiple capabilities. Being able to find what MAC address belongs to what device is my favorite. I may not use TCP/IP Reference often, but it's invaluable when I need answers fast.

An IT pro's on-the-go apps

Working while mobile has become the norm for many IT administrators, and luckily, you can carry a surprising number of tools right on your iPhone. The following images showcase the handiest apps Michael Kassner has found for performing IT admin tasks.

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By Selena Frye

Selena has been at TechRepublic since 2002. She is currently a Senior Editor with a background in technical writing, editing, and research. She edits Data Center, Linux and Open Source, Apple in the Enterprise, The Enterprise Cloud, Web Designer, and...