Overview of Software Recognition Service

• The Software Recognition Service (SRS) applies intelligence to data from an inventory solution. It recognizes, normalizes, and categorizes software installed in the environment.
• Applications defined in SRS can be recognized using several types of data such as .exe files, registry keys, binaries, and SWID tags. All commercially available software should be added to and managed in the Global SRS database, which is distributed to all our customers.

Quick links:

• Requesting applications to be added
  • Applications run via an Internet Browser
  • Virtual environments
• Adding Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) 
• What do I need to do after an application has been added?

Requesting applications to be added

• It is possible to request for an application to be added to the Global SRS database. Before doing so, please ensure that the application in question isn't already present in the database by following these steps:
   

1. Make sure that you have received the latest application updates via the Synchronize SRS database functionality in Snow Update Service.
   
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2. Search for the application in the Add License section of Snow License Manager, or in the Application definitions section of Snow Management and Configuration Center (Snow MACC):
   
   a) Add license (Snow License Manager)
   
   
   
    

• If the application cannot be found you can request that it is added by using the "Create Recognition Request (DIS)" form available when logged in via the Snow Support Portal.
  • If this is your first time using this form please watch our short overview video.

Applications run via an Internet Browser

• Locally hosted applications that are run or accessed via an internet browser should not be added to the Global SRS database.
• Instead, they should be declared as a Web Application locally in your Snow License Manager environment. 
• Cloud-hosted applications can be be added to the Global database by using the "Cloud Application Template.xlsx" (more details above).

Virtual Environments

• Virtual environments like Microsoft App-V have some slightly different prerequisites when it comes to recognizing software.
• For App-V version 4.x, the software can only be inventoried by the Snow agent when it is run. A drive (usually Q:) is mapped to a container with the files when launching the software. However, the package name can be captured even if the software is not run. In Snow License Manager, a report can be created that displays the machines that have a specific package. If someone on any machine has run it, we will display content and show what's within the package.
• For App-V version 5.x, the software can be inventoried since the files are located locally on the machine in a specific installation path.

Adding Stock Keeping Units (SKUs)

• Stock Keeping Units (SKU) provide advanced license intelligence.  They make the import of data and registration of new and existing license purchases simpler to achieve.  To add SKUs please refer to: FAQ: How do I import SKUs in SLM or SMACC?

What do I need to do after an application has been added?

• If you need any information on how to pull through the changes now that your application has been added please look at this page on our docs portal (especially the section called "Synchronize SRS database"): https://docs.snowsoftware.com/snow-update-service/en/index-en.html
• You may find that your system is configured to run on a schedule. Alternatively an update can be triggered manually within SUS if needed. In an ideal setup the automatic update will pickup the changes for you within 24 - 48 hours.