In today’s world of financial uncertainty, streamlining every aspect of an organization is even more important; and for IT expenditures, Software Asset Management (SAM) is a must. The idea that it is complicated and expensive to manage software assets is a misconception, but by employing a SAM programme, an organization can enjoy cost reductions in the simplest and most cost-efficient ways possible.

SAM 101

At its most basic definition, SAM is the implementation of a set of processes and, policies which help an organization determine what software they have installed. Then, applying their existing license agreement terms and establish if there is a discrepancy between what they are entitled to and what they actually have installed.

SAM lets an organization avoid the pitfalls of under licensing and lays the foundation for effective, efficient license compliance. This management process also combats the opposite, which is being over licensed and suffering unnecessary additions to cost. To achieve these goals, re-allocating or retiring unused software is done in part.

Where SAM is Best Used

Because of the frequent average employee turnover levels as well as software upgrades, and due to the fact that PCs are retired over time, the scenarios where SAM is employed constantly changes. Like all policies, SAM’s potential is reached when all employees understand and adhere to SAM processes, policies, and procedures. By training and educating employees and staff as needed, the holistic management of software licenses becomes a breeze.

SAM is also best used when knowledge is built in-house whenever possible, while a SAM service provider can manage the process before transferring skills to a designated SAM team or specialist. When the board discloses the potential savings to be made and methods of risk mitigation, the project may soon be approved.

When looking to implement SAM, two tools are needed to execute it according to best practices:

Automated discovery tool. This establishes which software is installed on the company’s network and creates updated inventories that help alert IT staff of copies that need renewed licenses.

License management tool. This tool provides information such as user name, seat, server and client access in order to aid in decision making. Some of these tools offer convenient user interfaces through the web and can manage not just computers in the LAN, but also on the wireless front.

Summary

When a SAM programme is implemented fully, it reduces software as well as operational and support costs over time. It allows IT departments to bring savings to the company in terms of software license spending and infrastructure costs. Faster app deployment, improved version management and user satisfaction are also some of the specialized boons that SAM brings. Gartner, a leading IT research and advisory company, states that introducing an efficient SAM programme can potentially reduce IT costs by up to 30 percent for the company, while a return on investment can be expected within the first year of implementation.

Optimizing the costs of running an organization involves scraping off excess costs, especially for outdated or unused software that could slip under the radar. Without an effective SAM campaign, businesses risk being inefficient, spend unnecessarily on IT, and wasting budgets that could go toward other endeavors that can optimize the business. Finally, SAM also helps avoid potential costs related with non-compliant software, and the legal ramifications that come along with it.

If you’ve read through all this info and are interested but don’t know where to begin, shoot us an email and we’d be pleased to help you out. GSPC offers Managed SAM Services and the kind of software mentioned above, all from the Cloud.