How NetPorta started

I did not originally write NetPorta to sell it. I am a system administrator, the “IT person for everything”: I look after networks, servers, workstations and users for several customers. I needed to know quickly what is plugged in where, which device sits on which port, whose warranty is ending and what has changed in the network. And I did not want to dig it out of spreadsheets by hand every time.

So I wrote a simple tool that shows it all on one map. Step by step I added what I needed in my own work:

• more switch and firewall vendors;
• inventory and tracking of warranties and licences;
• alerts and a Zabbix integration;
• managing branches from one place.

NetPorta grows out of an administrator's everyday practice, not from behind a desk. Every feature is there because I needed it myself with real customers.

The basics get forgotten

While building NetPorta I ran into plenty of challenges and had to learn a lot. But I enjoy new technology, so I enjoyed the whole journey. And one thing was confirmed for me once again: when new technology is introduced, the basics are often forgotten.

Are your IT devices in order? Do you know what is connected to your network, where it is and when its warranty ends?