System Information Rerporter
Just found a system information reporter called aida32. Only for windows though. I don't know how often your windoze system has to be re-installed but once a year seems to be the max for mine before it starts acting up. So the big thing is trying to get a list of apps that are installed on there, as well as backing up all the files that have my configuration info. for my programs that I use everyday, mainly SecureCRT (if you like putty you'll love this, costs $$ though). Aida seems to fit the bill for this reporting, it appears to also have some network capabilities, might be worth looking into for small companies that can't afford M$ SMS system or other similar apps.
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32
Belarc is also another reporting tool that can gather sys information and put it into a nice report form for you.
If you have any other cool backup or system information gathering software post it up....
FYI.....