Corporate Software Inspector: Complete Guide to Protecting Your Business Software
Every company uses many software programs. Some are from Microsoft. Many are from other vendors. All of them need updates. If these programs are not updated, they can be unsafe. Hackers often use old software to attack businesses.
Corporate Software Inspector (CSI) was made to solve this problem. It helped companies find weak software, understand the risk, and install fixes. CSI was first built by Secunia. Later, Flexera bought it and made it part of their product family. In 2018, CSI got a new name: Software Vulnerability Manager (SVM).
This guide explains what CSI was, how it worked, and why it was important.
What Is Corporate Software Inspector?
CSI was a vulnerability and patch management tool for businesses.
It helped IT teams:
Find vulnerabilities (security holes) in software.
Rank risks so the most serious ones could be fixed first.
Apply patches (updates) quickly and safely.
Prove compliance for audits and regulations.
Main Features of CSI
CSI included many useful tools for IT and security teams.
1. Vulnerability Intelligence
Data came from Secunia Research.
Covered more than 20,000 applications.
Gave trusted, verified alerts with fewer false alarms.
2. Scanning and Assessment
Agent-based scanning: Installed on computers for deep checks.
Agentless scanning: Checked systems without installing software.
Worked on Windows, macOS, and Linux (RHEL).
Smart groups helped organize devices for targeted checks.
3. Patch Management
Pre-made patches for common apps (like Adobe or Java).
Patch wizard to create custom updates Gramhir Pro.
Connected with Microsoft tools:
WSUS (Windows Server Update Services)
SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager)
4. Lifecycle Management
CSI followed a full cycle:
Assess – scan systems.
Prioritize – decide which risks matter most.
Mitigate – install patches or use workarounds.
Verify – confirm the problem is fixed.
Report – create compliance and risk reports.
Deployment Options
CSI was flexible. Companies could choose how to set it up:
| Option | Description | Best For | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud | Hosted by Flexera | Fast setup, no servers needed | Internet access |
| On-premises | Installed in the company’s own data center | Companies with strict control needs | RHEL server |
| Virtual appliance | Pre-built virtual machine | Easier than full on-prem install | Virtualization system |
CSI also worked with Secunia PSI (a free tool for personal use). This helped track devices outside the office, such as employee laptops.
Reporting and Compliance
CSI made reporting easy.
Dashboards showed the current security state.
Risk reports helped focus on the biggest problems.
Patch history showed when fixes were applied.
Compliance reports supported audits for rules like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
Pricing and Licensing
CSI used a per-device model.
Here are some examples:
| Year | Source | Price Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | SC Media | $3,375/year | 1 user, 100 devices |
| Later years | Flexera | “Contact for quote” | Price varied by company size |
This made CSI affordable for small groups and scalable for large enterprises.
From CSI to SVM
In May 2018, CSI was renamed Software Vulnerability Manager (SVM).
Why the change?
The word “Inspector” suggested it only checked software.
The word “Manager” showed it could handle the full process: find, fix, verify, and report.
Flexera added more automation and reporting in SVM.
| Product | Status | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Software Inspector (CSI) | Retired | Scanning and patching |
| Software Vulnerability Manager (SVM) | Current | Full lifecycle management |
Why CSI Was Important
CSI solved real problems that IT teams faced every day:
Too many patches → CSI automated the process.
Third-party risks → Covered non-Microsoft apps, often missed by other tools.
Audit pressure → Reports made compliance easier.
Team silos → Gave IT and security teams the same view of risks.
Benefits for Companies
Companies that used CSI gained:
Lower risk of attack by fixing software quickly.
Faster patch cycles with ready-to-use updates.
Better compliance with built-in reports.
Less manual work thanks to automation and Microsoft integration.
Lessons from CSI
Even though CSI is gone, its lessons are still useful today:
Detection is not enough. Companies need tools that also fix problems.
Third-party apps matter. Attacks often start there, not in Microsoft Office.
Automation is key. Manual patching does not scale in large businesses.
Compliance must be built-in. Reports save time during audits.
FAQs
Q1. What is Corporate Software Inspector?
Corporate Software Inspector (CSI) was a tool for businesses to find software vulnerabilities, apply patches, and manage compliance. It later became Software Vulnerability Manager.
Q2. Who created Corporate Software Inspector?
CSI was first created by Secunia, a company known for vulnerability research. Later, Flexera acquired Secunia and continued the product under its own brand.
Q3. What does Corporate Software Inspector do?
CSI scans company systems, finds weak or outdated software, provides trusted patch information, and integrates with tools like WSUS and SCCM to deploy updates.
Q4. Is Corporate Software Inspector still available?
No. In 2018, Flexera renamed Corporate Software Inspector to Software Vulnerability Manager (SVM). SVM is the current version of the product.
Q5. What are the benefits of Corporate Software Inspector?
The main benefits of CSI were faster patching, lower security risk, easier compliance reporting, and reduced IT workload through automation.
Q6. How much did Corporate Software Inspector cost?
Pricing was based on the number of devices. For example, in 2014, the cost started at around $3,375 per year for 100 devices. Later pricing was custom quotes.
Conclusion
Corporate Software Inspector was more than just a scanner. It helped companies find risks, fix them, and prove they were safe. By linking intelligence, automation, and compliance, CSI showed what modern vulnerability management should look like.
Today, the product lives on as Flexera Software Vulnerability Manager (SVM). But the lessons of CSI remain the same: good security tools must help companies see problems, fix them fast, and show proof of safety.
