subject: What Is Software Asset Management? [print this page] Software Asset Management, often abbreviated or identified by the acronym SAM, is the practice of managing software used in business productivity. In brief, SAM is the cataloguing and organising of software used in the course of doing business.
What is Business Software?
Business software are computer programs and other operating information for the purpose of tracking inventory, raw materials, office supplies, accounting, client files and any other collection necessary to do business.
What is the Importance of Business Software?
Technology is rapidly evolving. Along with it is the ability to be more productive with less labour. Software allows a business to do just that: reduce labour costs and increase productivity, thereby increasing profit margins. Because of these vast benefits, software should be managed to maintain a high level of productivity.
What is Software Asset Management?
Software asset management or SAM, is a programme which optimises full use cycle of software assets from the time of purchase to installation. It is also beneficial for maintenance and upgrades until the time of retirement. SAM allows a business to keep track of which software programme is running on specific machines, keeping confusion to a bare minimum. SAM also ensures that all software licenses are up to date.
Why is SAM Important?
A good SAM programme will do several things for a business to its benefit:
* Risk reduction. With SAM, a business' software is always up to date and licensed. This is important because software must be up-to-date to perform at its peak. Moreover, licenses that are not covered are not eligible for support services by the software manufacturer. Unlicensed software is also illegal.
* Money savings. SAM either reallocates or eliminates underused software licenses. It limits overhead with supporting and managing software. SAM also allows a business to avoid non-compliance costs.
* Hardware safety. Good SAM programmes protect desktop and notebook computers by only downloading, genuine, licensed software. This prevents virus, malware, spyware and other harmful components from being installed on a machine.
* Being periodically informed. SAM programmes keep a company up-to-date on the latest software manufacturer news and products. This allows a business to take advantage of the latest software manufacturers have to offer.
* Meeting end-user obligations. Software programmes come with "user agreements". Any deviation from this agreement, such as not using the software for the purpose intended voids any guarantees and/or warranties.
* Instilling confidence. Any potential partners and customers will be assured businesses with a solid SAM will only be using the best licensed software available.
* Manufacturer support. SAM only allow licensed software to be utilized on a business' machines. As such, the business is entitled to customer support by the manufacturer. Not only will manufacturers not give support to unlicensed software, they will report such use to the appropriate authorities.
With proper software asset management, a business can feel confident it is relying on the latest editions and have the full support of the manufacturer. Without a working SAM, businesses will fall behind the competition and loose its ability to operate efficiently.
