Implement Software Asset Management
Go beyond tracking licenses to proactively managing software throughout its lifecycle.
- Organizations are aware of the savings that result from implementing software asset management (SAM), but are unsure of where to start the process.
- Poor data capture procedures and lack of a centralized repository produce an incomplete picture of software assets and licenses, preventing accurate forecasting and license optimization.
- Audit protocols are ad hoc, resulting in sloppy reporting and time-consuming work and lack of preparedness for external software audits.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- A strong SAM program will benefit all aspects of the business. Data and reports gained through SAM will enable data-driven decision making for all areas of the business.
- Don’t just track licenses; manage them to create value from data. Gathering and monitoring license data is just the beginning. What you do with that data is the real test.
- Win the audit battle without fighting. Conduct internal audits to minimize surprises when external audits are requested.
Impact and Result
- Conduct a current state assessment of existing SAM processes to form an appropriate plan for implementing or improving your SAM program.
- Define standard policies, processes, and procedures for each stage of the software asset lifecycle, from procurement through to retirement.
- Develop an internal audit policy to mitigate the risk of costly external audits.
Implement Software Asset Management
Start here – read the Executive Brief
Read our concise Executive Brief to find out why you should implement software asset management, review Info-Tech’s methodology, and understand the four ways we can support you in completing this project.
1. Assess & plan
Assess current state and plan the scope of the SAM program, team, and budget.
2. Procure, receive & deploy
Define processes for software requests, procurement, receiving, and deployment.
3. Manage, redeploy & retire
Define processes for software inventory, maintenance, harvest and redeployment, and retirement.
4. Build supporting processes & tools
Build processes for audits, identify tool requirements, and plan the implementation.
Member Testimonials
After each Info-Tech experience, we ask our members to quantify the real-time savings, monetary impact, and project improvements our research helped them achieve. See our top member experiences for this blueprint and what our clients have to say.
9.0/10
Overall Impact
$66,110
Average $ Saved
60
Average Days Saved
Client
Experience
Impact
$ Saved
Days Saved
County of Clark Nevada
Guided Implementation
9/10
$12,395
5
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Guided Implementation
9/10
$123K
120
eGov Jamaica Ltd.
Guided Implementation
9/10
$61,979
55
Hanon Systems
Guided Implementation
10/10
$2,355
10
City of Saskatoon, SK
Workshop
10/10
$47,500
20
Software Asset Management
Go beyond tracking licenses to proactively managing software throughout its lifecycle.
This course makes up part of the Infrastructure & Operations Certificate.
- Course Modules: 5
- Estimated Completion Time: 1-1.5 hours
- Featured Analysts:
- Sandi Conrad, Practice Lead, I&O Research
- Ken Weston, Senior Research Analyst, I&O Practice
Onsite Workshop: Implement Software Asset Management
Onsite workshops offer an easy way to accelerate your project. If you are unable to do the project yourself, and a Guided Implementation isn't enough, we offer low-cost onsite delivery of our project workshops. We take you through every phase of your project and ensure that you have a roadmap in place to complete your project successfully.
Module 1: Assess & Plan
The Purpose
- Assess current state and plan the scope of the SAM program, team, and budget.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Current state assessment
- Defined roles and responsibilities
- SAM budget plan
Activities
Outputs
Outline SAM challenges and objectives.
Assess current state.
- Current State Assessment
Identify roles and responsibilities for SAM team.
- RACI Chart
Identify metrics and reports.
- Defined metrics and reports
Identify SAM functions to centralize vs. decentralize.
Plan SAM budget process.
- SAM Budget Workbook
Module 2: Procure, Receive & Deploy
The Purpose
- Define processes for software requests, procurement, receiving, and deployment.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Defined standards for software procurement
- Documented processes for software receiving and deployment
Activities
Outputs
Determine software standards.
- Software standards
Define procurement process for new contracts.
- Standard Operating Procedures
Define process for contract renewals and additional procurement scenarios.
Design process for receiving software.
- SAM Process Workflows
Design deployment workflow.
Define process for non-standard software requests.
Module 3: Manage, Redeploy & Retire
The Purpose
- Define processes for software inventory, maintenance, harvest and redeployment, and retirement.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Defined process for conducting software inventory
- Maintenance and patch policy
- Documented workflows for software harvest and redeployment as well as retirement
Activities
Outputs
Define process for conducting software inventory.
- Standard Operating Procedures
Define policies for software maintenance and patches.
- Patch management policy
Map software license harvest and reallocation process.
- SAM Process Workflows
Define policy for retiring software.
Module 4: Build Supporting Processes & Tools
The Purpose
- Build processes for audits, identify tool requirements, and plan the implementation.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Defined process for internal and external audits
- Tool requirements
- Communication and implementation plan
Activities
Outputs
Define and document the internal audit process.
Define and document the external audit process.
- Audit response templates
Document tool requirements.
- Tool requirements
Develop a communication plan.
- Communication plan
Prepare an FAQ list.
- End-user FAQ list
Identify SAM policies.
- Software Asset Management Policy
Develop a SAM roadmap to plan your implementation.
- Implementation roadmap