Step 1: Initiating the Conversation

What is SAM?

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In a nutshell, software asset management (SAM) is an overall process that lets your customer

• Know what software is in use
• Know what licenses have been acquired
• Know how to properly manage software installations and acquisitions on an ongoing basis

This knowledge will help your customer make smart purchasing decisions, avoid purchasing software they already own, and save money by lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) for their software titles.

While software inventory and tracking are integral parts of SAM, so are the policies, procedures, technologies, procurement, delivery, deployment, and support of a company's software assets. They all come together into an overall SAM plan.

	Introductory Letter Update this template and send it to your customer. DOC (24 KB) HTML Email Letter If you'd rather send an email about SAM to your customers, these templates are a good starting point. View HTML File The Initial Conversation Use this script to help you with your first SAM conversation with your customer. DOC (30 KB) | PDF (79 KB) Software Asset Management Quick Guide Share this sheet with your customers — it contains basic information on SAM. PDF (907 KB) The Business Value of Software Asset Management More detailed information on why SAM makes business sense PDF (765 KB)