Keeping track of software and licenses has traditionally been a compliance requirement. However, many organisations struggle with this, from knowing what software they have, to what licenses they are or are not using, to knowing if their software is up to date or outdated.
By Matthew Poulter, SAM business unit manager at First Technology National
Businesses need to understand that there is a level of risk if they do not have a handle on their software licensing and how it works. This can lead to overspending; paying for licenses that they may not be using, or potentially have software in their environment that is unlicensed. Software Asset Management (SAM) can assist businesses to know what they have, what they are using and how best to apply their software licenses.
What is SAM?
SAM isn’t necessarily a product or service, but rather a set of best practices that involves assessing, managing, and optimising a business’ software and licensing. The licensing of software is often a business’ most costly and valuable IT infrastructure component. Unlike hardware, you cannot touch or see software licensing, and as a result, a set of disciplines is required to manage it.
SAM combines various methodologies, best practices and technology to effectively evaluate and control an organisation’s software. There is no single predefined approach; there are however, suggested guidelines and frameworks which businesses should employ in order to ensure they know what software and licenses they have and how to get the most out of them without wasting money.
SAM myths
Many organisations erroneously assume that SAM is an audit engagement run on behalf of software vendors. They believe that SAM is a punitive exercise whereby punishment and fines will be levied if the business is found to have unlicensed or illegal software, or underutilised licenses. The reality is that SAM should be used as a vehicle to ensure you are properly informed about your software estate, and this is an organisation’s first and most effective defence against any kind of punitive audit.
Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often targeted and may find themselves surprised, because they think their IT department (in-house or outsourced) has managed their software and licenses, however, the IT department often architects the hardware but fails to include software and licenses into their plans. Putting in a SAM practice ensures the business is correctly licensed.
SAM is an intentional exercise, practice or discipline that manages some of your business’ most valuable assets. There are many business benefits it offers.
The business benefits of SAM
Apart from the obvious benefits; license compliance and mitigation of risk, SAM can also assist with better decision making.
In some cases, businesses enter into an agreement with a software vendor and make an upfront commitment for licenses. This seems like a great decision because of potential discounts and other benefits. The unfortunate thing is that sometimes, businesses don’t end up getting around to deploying the software they have purchased right away. In this way, businesses can then find themselves in possession of licenses which they are not using.
When businesses understand their environment, it puts them in a better position to negotiate with software vendors. They are less likely to be sold unnecessary products or licenses and, knowing their exact needs, they can demand better price points based on actual rather than presumed quantities. Implementing SAM can help inform you to make insightful licensing decisions.
SAM helps organisations to know what they have so that they don’t overspend or waste expensive software investments.
Where to start
It’s best for businesses to engage with a SAM specialist who understands what to look for and where to look. They can then help the business to conduct an assessment of their software assets, then, very importantly, build a strategy around managing them.
It’s important to know that SAM is a continuous process and not a once off exercise. SAM is a way of working, and businesses should constantly update their processes in accordance with the technology they have deployed. Having a SAM partner on board can help manage this process seamlessly so that your organisation can focus on its core business.