Software Asset Management (SAM) audits should not be approached from a purely technological perspective. While SAM tools are essential, the audit will need to follow a fairly straightforward process. Use the steps described in this note as a framework for constructing the enterprise’s own SAM method.
SAM Process Guidance
The SAM project is best performed under the guidance of the key software asset stakeholders in the enterprise. The software audit team should include representatives from the office of the CIO (responsible for enforcement and monitoring, at the least) and CFO (in cases where IT doesn’t hold purchasing authority). In rare cases an enterprise may involve the legal team, but most software contracts are standard and do not require specific legal guidance.
Before laying out the steps for a successful software audit, the audit team, with guidance from senior executives, will need to identify the enterprise’s goal for the SAM process. This goal will then inform the frequency required of the SAM audit. Most enterprises follow one of these basic patterns:
