Software Asset Management Implementation
The term software asset management "SAM" is often confused with a licence review or audit.
SAM is not an audit but is in fact a set of ongoing processes, policies and procedures designed to allow enterprises to effectively manage, control and protect software assets through all stages of their lifecycle.
Implementing an effective software asset process can be difficult as many enterprises lack the required level of internal expertise and awareness of ever changing software usage rights.
As a consequence of this complexity IT, procurement and management teams can shy aware from the implementation of SAM, leading to increased financial and legal exposure.
Smart Licence aims to support enterprises reduce this complexity and assist with the rapid implementation of an effective and commercially beneficial software asset management program.
As the majority of enterprise's now face the challenges of the current economic environment making the business case for the deployment of a SAM program have never been more important.
With IT budgets in decline or static, enterprises need to avoid legal risk and cost implications associated with software non compliance and to prevent waste / redundancy associated with unused software and replicated purchases. By implementing an effective SAM process Smart Licence can help reduce unnecessary software spend and avoid business continuity risks associated with non compliance.
SAM Implementation Deliverables
Software Asset Management Optimisation Workshop
One of the key reasons why SAM programs fail to get implemented correctly is because they become overcomplicated relative to the needs of an enterprise.
Understanding the needs of our clients is paramount in the development of a joint vision of roadmap to support with the development of an effective SAM program. In order to facilitate this we begin each SAM engagement with a SAM optimisation workshop, designed to understand how software assets are currently being managed and how Software management needs to be optimised relative to the needs and organisational structure of our customers.
Inventory tool implementation and optimisation
Having an accurate understanding of what software is deployed, where and how often it is used is essential. Smart Licence will support with the deployment and implementation of a trustworthy inventory tool. Alternatively should your organisation already have an inventory analysis tool in place we will work with you to get the most from your existing investment.
Actual Licence Position development
Smart licence will compile a list of all physical licence entitlements, calculate usage rights and map to physical and virtual deployments. The end result of this process will be an actual licence position designed to highlight under & over licensing
Process, Policy and Software Asset Management Deployment Workshop
Using best practices from the ITIL SAM best practice and ISO 19770-1 our consultants will work with your organisation to develop a set of highly effective policies & processes specific to your enterprise, designed to mitigate the risk of non compliance.
When implementing SAM it is essential to have a strong set of policies to insure the success of the implementation. Smart Licence will work with you to develop a customised set of software management policies. The development of processes will include software deployment management, change management, contract & media management, verification, procurement management and contingency planning for mergers and acquisitions.
SAM health check and Performance Management Benchmarking
At an agreed time Smart Licence will benchmark your SAM implementation against ITIL and ISO best practices. This service will insure the long term success and return on investment from your software asset management implementation. Our health check service also includes an update to key stake holders on any licensing program rule changes.
Post Implementation Support
We recognise one of the main issues surrounding SAM is the complexity associated with licensing program rules and process management. Our SAM implementations come with a service level agreement backed support service for IT departments and Procurement managers. A dedicated Project Manager will be assigned to your account for ongoing SAM and product use rights support removing the complexity from IT.