What is software asset management?
Software Asset Management, or managing software assets, is a continuous process, not something that happens once. It involves planning, tracking, and adjusting every software that is produced in a way that aligns with business needs, and it reduces unnecessary waste of time and costs.
What is SAM (Software Asset Management)?
Software Asset Management is the process of optimizing software use across an organization. It makes sure that the company is not overspending on licenses they’re not even going to use or risking legal trouble from using unlicensed software. Just like an accountant manages a company’s funds and budgets, SAM manages the company’s software inventory, what they use, how it’s used, and where it is installed.
There are many industries that use SAM, from small businesses to large corporations. The ones that benefit the most from it are the industries of manufacturing, corporate, IT, health services, rental services, military, property/facilities, etc. Usually, there is a role called “Software Asset Manager” or “Software Asset Analyst” either within the IT department or specialized SAM teams, unless the company chooses to go for external consultants.
SAM is not a one-time process. It has an ongoing lifecycle, with some parts being permanent. It includes a variety of methods such as software discovery, software inventory, compliance auditing, license tracking, contract management, and optimization analysis. These usually happen either continuously or at set intervals, depending on the company’s size and needs.
Some of the most commonly used tools for SAM are SCCM (Microsoft’s System Center Configuration), Flexera, and IBM BigFix. These tools help to automate software discovery, license tracking, and managing contracts, and lastly, ensure compliance.
Related terms you should be familiar with
- Asset Management Software
It covers the tools that help to track digital and physical assets in a company. It focuses on more than just software, it can also include hardware, inventory, and contracts.
- Asset Manager Software
This kind of software is used by IT teams and SAM pros to monitor the usage of the software, manage the licenses, and also detect potential risks. It’s the tool that supports decision-making in the scope of management.
- Software Asset Management Tools
These are the actual tools that are either open-source or commercially available that help companies implement SAM. Some can focus on tracking licenses, while others offer cloud integration or vendor audits.
- Software Asset Management Lifecycle
The lifecycle represents all the steps that are reviewed, from the moment the software is purchased until there is no use for it. It includes steps such as planning and inventory, verification and compliance, optimisation, maintenance and monitoring, renewal and disposal, etc.
- Software Asset Management Services
These services are offered by either vendors or consultants to help businesses with their software asset management program. These services may include audits, license reconciliation, or building reliable SAM strategies.
- Software Asset Management Market
It includes all the vendors, tools, and services that help companies manage their software. It is a growing space as the businesses recently move to either hybrid or cloud environments.
- Software Asset Management Solution
It covers a portfolio of best practices and tactics combined with the recommended software in order to have an efficient SAM. It includes many things, from purchasing and deployment to maintenance and disposal.
Now that we know what software asset management is, it’s becoming clearer that SAM isn’t only about tracking licenses. It’s also about control, saving costs, improving security, and compliance. The benefits of software asset management include reduced and controlled spending, fewer auditing risks, and better planning for the companies’ future needs.
This is where PacKit comes in. With features such as Intune, MECM, and PSAppDeployToolkit, PacKit helps companies with their software deployment and packaging. It becomes easier to track, assign, and update software packages.