A very simplified view is that typically, software asset management is seen as an expensive method of ensuring you have a software licence and the true value of the business intelligence you can attain from an effective SAM solution has not been articulated in a way that clearly sets out the problems, consequences and mapped to a solution.

Common problems that exist in organisations that have not implemented SAM

Non-compliance

• Knowledge gaps i.e. What licences you have against what is actually required.
• Is the organisation at risk of using unlicensed software?
• Regulatory compliance (if applicable) is difficult/impossible to maintain

Application proliferation

• Multiple applications all providing the same function
• Different business units with the same functional requirements unilaterally purchasing different software packages
• Results in escalating cost both financially and administratively
• Under used software, whether this is caused by unnecessary installation or by lack of knowledge on how the application works.
• Recycling of software license’s is missing

Increased costs for hardware deployments

• Knowing what applications a user requires is key to planning both hardware refreshes and implementing critical software updates.

Consequences of an un-managed software estate include,

• A bloated estate, with more software vendors and versions than is needed.
• Increased risk of security breaches.
• Increased risk of a vendor software audit with associated costs and reputational damage.
• Increased effort for any change management, such as increased testing.
• Decreased ability to make strategic software decisions. (See: Application Governance)
• Limited ability to save costs by optimising software:
  • Consolidate different software vendors.
  • Rationalise software versions.
  • Enhance value by swapping out for more cost-effective software.
  • Remove un-used software.

What are the benefits, and do they align to your objectives in the coming year?

Implementing a SAM solution from a supplier that understands the problems of asset management coupled with the intricacies of governance and hardware refreshes, will present the following benefits,

• Significant cost savings

Gartner: ‘Organisations can save 30% of their software budget in year 1, then 10% each year thereafter’ 

• A smaller, rationalized application estate
  • Reducing support costs
• A clear view of licensing position and future upgrade path
  • Reducing future budgetary needs
• Business intelligence enables decision making and provide the platform for successful change being delivered.
  • Hardware deployments are streamlined
  • Global PC updates are proactively managed