The modern world is filled with various types of technology that can be used to simplify and automate processes. One such technology is software asset management (SAM) which can be used to manage and track software licenses, software updates, hardware, and other assets. SAM has become an important part of business operations due to its ability to save time, reduce costs, and improve performance. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of SAM and how it can be used to help a business achieve its goals.
Software asset management is a process for managing and tracking software licenses, software updates, and other IT assets. It helps a company to plan, organize, and control its software assets in order to ensure that the company is compliant with legal requirements, that it is using the most cost-effective software licenses, and that it is up to date on software updates. SAM also helps to reduce the time and effort required to manage software assets, allowing a company to focus its resources on other areas of business.
The first step of SAM is to identify and inventory the software assets that a company has. This includes not only the software licenses but also any hardware, updates, and other assets that are related to the software. Once the assets have been identified and inventoried, they can then be organized into categories, such as by type, version, and platform, to make them easier to manage. This categorizing will also help to identify any areas where the company may need to purchase additional licenses or hardware in order to stay compliant.
Once the assets have been categorized, the next step of SAM is to track and monitor the software assets. This can be done manually or with a software program that will provide automated tracking and reporting. The tracking and monitoring of software assets will allow a company to stay up to date on software updates, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and save money by not purchasing unnecessary licenses. As a result, a company can ensure that it is maintaining the highest levels of security and performance.
Another important aspect of SAM is asset optimization. Asset optimization is the process of ensuring that the company is using the most cost-effective software licenses and that any hardware or software that is no longer needed is removed from the system. By optimizing the software assets, a company can reduce costs and improve performance.
The final step of SAM is to review and audit the software assets. This is done to ensure that the company is compliant with all legal requirements and that the software assets are being used in the most efficient way. By performing regular reviews and audits, a company can ensure that its software assets are being managed correctly and that any issues or concerns are being addressed in a timely manner.
Software asset management is an important part of any business’ operations. It helps to ensure that the company is compliant with legal requirements, that it is using the most cost-effective software licenses, and that it is up to date on software updates. SAM also helps to reduce the time and effort required to manage software assets, allowing a company to focus its resources on other areas of business. By following the steps outlined above, a company can ensure that its software assets are being managed correctly and that any issues or concerns are being addressed in a timely manner.
