Spong

Spong is a software package designed for systems and network monitoring. Unlike commercial packages such as Tivoli, OpenView, and UniCenter, it does not compete with them. Spong is not SNMP based and uses TCP based messages for communication. Spong is written in Perl and can be run on almost every major Unix and Unix-like operating system.

One of its key features is its client-based monitoring capability. It allows monitoring of CPU, disk, processes, logs, and more. It also has the ability to monitor network services such as SMTP, HTTP, PING, POP, DNS, among others. Another important feature of Spong is grouping of hosts. It allows you to group different hosts such as routers, servers, workstations, and PCs.

Spong includes rules-based messaging when problems occur, and it is configurable on a host-by-host basis. Users can choose to display results via text or web-based interface. It also has a history of problems and verbose information to help diagnose issues.

One of Spong's strengths is its modular programs. They make it easy to add or replace check functions or features. Spong also has the ability to emulate Big Brother BBSERVER, allowing Big Brother Clients to be used.

In the latest release, many new plugins and bugfixes have been added. Overall, Spong is a simple, yet effective, software package that helps monitor systems and network services effectively.