IT TECH
UPDATES
How to Get Started with Software Asset Management
Technology is essential to running your business on a daily basis, from handling funds to interacting with customers. However, how frequently do you examine the software resources that support these operations? Are you making the most of your IT stack? Or do you waste time and money using tools that don’t work well?
SAM, or software asset management, is useful in this situation. For small to medium-sized enterprises, software asset management is essential because it simplifies compliance, lowers expenses, and optimizes your software inventory. We’ll examine software asset management in more detail in this post, along with its benefits to your company and practical implementation strategies.
What is Software Asset Management ?
The process of locating, monitoring, and optimising the use of software inside a company is known as software asset management. SAM is a key component of your overall IT asset management strategy and includes the deployment, use, inventory, maintenance, and disposal of software assets.
Software asset management tracks who uses it, where it is utilized, and what software is installed. It also entails keeping an eye on software prices, making sure license requirements are met, and getting rid of unnecessary software.
Why Do We Need Software Asset Management?
Wondering if you need to implement SAM in your organization? Here are 6 reasons to implement software asset management:
- Compliance –
Ensuring compliance with software licensing agreements is crucial to avoid costly legal disputes. SAM helps organizations track software usage and ensure compliance with licensing agreements.
- Increased visibility –
By giving you more insight into your software assets, software asset management enables you to make wise choices regarding the use and cost of your software. Businesses may make sure they are aware of all software assets and the license agreements governing them by conducting routine software audits.
- Cost savings –
SAM can reduce software costs by identifying and eliminating unnecessary software licenses. It can also help organizations negotiate better deals with vendors by providing accurate data on software usage.
- Inventory management –
Up to 29% of IT firms today spend extra time attempting to balance inventories and assets or resolving out-of-warranty situations. SAM enables businesses to monitor their software inventory and guarantee effective software usage. This can lessen the chance of under- or improper usage of software.
- Software Optimization –
SAM helps businesses optimize their software usage by identifying underutilized or redundant software and eliminating it. This can save costs and improve organizational performance and productivity.
- Security –
IT security includes the management of software assets, which is crucial. Businesses may lower the risk of security vulnerabilities and breaches by keeping track of their software assets and updating them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting a software asset management (SAM) program is crucial for any organization looking to effectively manage their software licenses, reduce costs, and avoid legal issues. To get started, it’s important to conduct a thorough software inventory and categorize your assets based on their usage. Regularly updating your inventory and monitoring license compliance are key components of a successful SAM program. Additionally, implementing software discovery tools, automating processes, and regularly reviewing vendor contracts can help streamline your SAM processes. By following these steps and incorporating best practices, you can ensure that your organization has a solid SAM program in place.