Software Asset Management

Software licenses are business assets, just like the computers, tables and other equipment in your office and should be managed as such. Software Asset Management (SAM) is a series of business processes for managing your company's software assets. SAM helps your organization determine what software license you own, where the software is deployed, and for which upgrades your organization is eligible. To know more about SAM, visit the SAM India site.

Benefits of SAM

SAM gets your business organized, but the most compelling reason to integrate SAM is because of the cost savings.

• Keep your information safe by ensuring you have the most up to date software and security patches
• Improve business performance by having the most efficient deployment of software
• Obtain peace of mind in knowing you are compliant with your software licenses
• Show ROI on your current and future software investments
• No longer spend money on software that are not necessary to your business
• Efficiently deploy software covered by existing licenses rather than purchasing new licenses
• Standardize software whenever possible to reduce incompatibility and communication issues leading to reduced support time
• Take advantage of volume license savings through a centralized software and license acquisition resource

Implementing SAM for your organisation is a simple 4-step process. Initially, it involves some amount of work, but once done, you can be sure that your software assets are much better managed for a long time into the future.

Create a list of all PCs, servers and software installed on them. LAUNCH TUTORIAL View tips for creating an Inventory Tools you can use to automate software inventory Download Inventory Template

Once you've got your inventory ready, match all licenses you have for software in your company with the inventory. At this stage, you should also review whether all the software really needs to be used in your organisation, or you might end up purchasing licenses for unwanted software. LAUNCH TUTORIAL Tips for Reviewing Licenses Download Templates to record the license review process

Set policies for software acquisition, inventory, usage as well as disaster recovery. Communicate these policies throughout your organisation. Ensure that there is a sound procedure for purchase of boxed software and volume licenses. LAUNCH TUTORIAL Tips for setting policies Download Policy Templates

Standardise software across the organisation to reduce acquisition, management and support costs. Set a schedule for software inventory and include a plan for spot-checks. LAUNCH TUTORIAL Get Help with developing a SAM Plan Download SAM Plan Templates

Click here to view SAM Frequently Asked Questions.