Open source management and services firm OpenLogic has launched a new free download, Discovery, that will enable users to create and maintain an inventory of the open source software used on their systems.

Part of the initial success of open source in the data center – driven by Linux and Apache – came from its deployment by IT administrators without the knowledge of the CIO or IT director, but while that approach may have reduced purchasing and maintenance costs it leads to an administrative headache.

The new OpenLogic Discovery product is designed to identify 5,000 versions of the 900 or so open source software applications used by enterprises today. It is available for Windows, Linux, and Sun Solaris systems. The company is also offering JumpStart Inventory, a service that involves scanning and analysis by OpenLogic. The analysis identifies not just what open source software is installed but also how many installations, and identifies which of the open source packages found have passed OpenLogic’s 42-point certification process as well as which open source licenses are used.

JumpStart inventory is free for up to 500 machines, and with pricing for the service then starting at $5,000.