Corporate Software Inspector: Full Guide to Features and Benefits
Unpatched software is one of the biggest risks for companies. Hackers often use old, insecure programs to enter networks. Security teams need tools to find these risks and fix them quickly, Corporate Software Inspector CSI was one of the first tools made for this job. It was created by Secunia and later owned by Flexera. In 2018, Flexera renamed CSI to Software Vulnerability Manager SVM. Even with a new name, the ideas behind CSI are still important today.
This guide explains what CSI is, how it works, and why it matters.
What CSI Does
CSI helps companies manage risks in third-party software (apps not made by Microsoft). Many attacks come from apps like browsers, Java, or PDF readers. CSI was built to:
Scan all apps on company computers.
Find vulnerabilities using trusted data.
Provide patches to fix these problems.
Reduce risks by keeping software updated.
Main Features
CSI had many features for IT and security teams.
Key features include:
Software scanning – Finds old or insecure apps Jacksonville Computer Network Issue.
Patch management – Connects with SCCM and WSUS to install fixes.
End-of-life detection – Warns about apps no longer supported by vendors.
Patch verification – Checks if updates worked.
Large software coverage – Over 20,000 programs tracked.
Supported Platforms
CSI worked on many systems.
| Platform | Support |
|---|---|
| Windows | Full support (PCs and servers) |
| macOS | Supported |
| RHEL (Linux) | Supported |
| Android | Mentioned by some sellers, not always official |
Applications covered:
More than 20,000 apps.
Included both popular and niche software.
Integrations
CSI’s biggest strength was how it worked with Microsoft tools.
SCCM plugin – Patch apps directly inside SCCM.
WSUS integration – Creates ready-to-use patch packages.
Patch templates – Makes patching easier and faster.
This saved time because IT teams did not need to learn new systems.
Vulnerability Data
CSI used the Secunia Research database. This was a trusted source of security data.
Benefits:
Accurate information.
Regular updates.
Fewer false alerts.
Clear reports and dashboards.
This helped teams know which problems were most urgent.
Deployment Options
CSI was offered in both on-premises and cloud versions.
CSI Cloud Edition 2017 highlights:
Used TLS 1.2 for secure connections.
Added Patch Template feature for WSUS.
Improved dashboards and reports.
The move to cloud matched wider IT trends at the time.
Pricing
Pricing for CSI changed over time.
| Year | License | Coverage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 user | 100 hosts | $3,375 per year |
Today, its new version (SVM) uses quote-based pricing. Companies need to contact Flexera for costs.
Related Products
CSI was part of a family of security tools.
| Product | Who it’s for | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PSI (Personal Software Inspector) | Individuals | Free tool for personal software updates. |
| CSI (Corporate Software Inspector) | Companies | Enterprise tool for patch and risk management. |
| SVM (Software Vulnerability Manager) | Companies | Modern version of CSI (since 2018). |
Strengths
CSI had many strong points:
Covered 20,000+ apps.
Used trusted data from Secunia Research.
Worked well with SCCM and WSUS.
Could detect end-of-life apps.
Had audit tools to confirm patch success.
Weaknesses
CSI also had limits:
Name became outdated after 2018.
Pricing was not always clear to buyers.
Worked best in Microsoft environments only.
Some platform support like Android was unclear.
Why CSI Matters
CSI showed that patching operating systems is not enough. Third-party apps are a big risk, and they need the same level of care. CSI combined:
Vulnerability scanning
Trusted intelligence
Easy patching workflows
This model became the standard for modern tools. Today, its successor SVM continues this work.
FAQs:
What is Corporate Software Inspector CSI?
Corporate Software Inspector (CSI) is a security tool that scans company computers for outdated or vulnerable apps. It helps IT teams fix problems by providing verified patches and updates.
Who created Corporate Software Inspector?
CSI was first developed by Secunia. Later, it became part of Flexera’s security products. In 2018, Flexera renamed CSI to Software Vulnerability Manager (SVM).
What is the difference between CSI and PSI?
PSI Personal Software Inspector: Free tool for home users.
CSI Corporate Software Inspector: Enterprise tool for large organizations, with advanced features, reporting, and Microsoft SCCM/WSUS integration.
Is CSI still available?
No. The product name CSI is no longer used. It was rebranded in 2018 as Flexera Software Vulnerability Manager .
What does CSI do for companies?
CSI helps companies by:
Scanning for insecure apps.
Detecting unsupported software end-of-life.
Delivering patches through Microsoft SCCM/WSUS.
Reducing cyber risks from third-party software.
Which platforms did CSI support?
CSI supported Windows, macOS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Some distributors also claimed Android support, but this was not always official.
How much did Corporate Software Inspector cost?
Older reports show CSI pricing started around $3,375 per year for 1 user and 100 hosts. Current costs for its successor (SVM) are quote-based.
Why is Corporate Software Inspector important?
CSI was one of the first tools to focus on third-party software vulnerabilities, not just operating system updates. This helped companies close a major security gap.
Conclusion
The Corporate Software Inspector was an important step in enterprise security. It gave companies the ability to:
Spot risks in apps.
Fix them with patches.
Use accurate data to decide what to patch first.
Find unsupported apps before they caused problems.
Although CSI no longer exists under that name, its ideas live on in Flexera’s Software Vulnerability Manager. The lessons from CSI still matter: patching software quickly and correctly is one of the best ways to protect a business.
