Understanding the Basics of SAMSoftware Asset Management, or SAM, is a series of business processes for managing your company’s software assets. SAM offers a range of benefits – for instance, it helps you keep control of what software (and software licences) you own, which devices your software is deployed on, and which upgrades your organisation qualifies for. To help you take the steps necessary to achieve best practice SAM, The Microsoft SAM Programme comprises downloadable guides, webcasts, case studies and links to Microsoft SAM Partners who can help you implement The Microsoft SAM Programme in your business. 1-2-3-4 GuideOften, SAM can be accomplished through four easy steps: 1. Perform a Software Inventory
Start by making a survey of all the software installed on your company’s PCs, workstations, servers and other devices, and collect the information in a report. You can do this manually, or automatically with a
software inventory tool.
2. Match Software with Licences
The next step is to match your licence documentation to the software you’ve got. This makes it easy to see if you’re over- or under-licensed for any software titles.
3. Review Policies and Procedures
Next, you need to review and/or write policies and procedures that staff can use to ensure proper Software Asset Management. Sample topics may include software acquisition, deployment, use and recovery.
4. Develop a SAM Plan
The final step is to establish an ongoing plan, create a library for your media licences and keep your company’s documentation up to date.
SAM Business Benefits| • | Keep your information safe by ensuring you have the most up-to-date software and security patches | | • | Boost business performance by having the most efficient deployment of software | | • | Increase productivity with the latest software versions | | • | Improve satisfaction by ensuring staff have the software they need to do their jobs efficiently | | • | Obtain peace of mind in knowing you are compliant with your software licences | | • | Show ROI on your current and future software investments |
SAM Financial BenefitsSAM can save you money in many ways: | • | Organisations using SAM no longer spend money on software titles that are not necessary to their business | | • | With SAM, your licence inventory allows you to efficiently deploy software covered by existing licences rather than buying new licences | | • | SAM encourages you to standardise software where possible. This reduces incompatibility issues, cutting the support time needed to resolve them. | | • | SAM allows you to take advantage of volume licence savings through a centralised software and licence-acquisition resource |
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If you find aspects of SAM challenging, you may want to turn to an experienced and qualified SAM Partner.
If you find aspects of SAM challenging, you may want to turn to an experienced and qualified SAM Partner.
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