What is the MB and VW equivalent of BMW INPA/ISTA?

[imbalance]

Are there any software floating around the internet which help you work with mercedes and volkswagen? Like a malware-free BMW INPA was openly available at one point and it is still around if looked in the right place along with ISTA. I know volkswagen has something like VCDS but I have never found a "free" version.

[Grenadier_45]

VAG group - VCDS

Not sure what would substitute STAR if that's still the system Mercedes still use

[Belle427]

Hooky vcds was all over Facebook the last time a friend looked.