Article Top 12 Benefits of Software Asset Management
By Insight Editor / 6 Feb 2017 / Topics: Software
Failure to properly manage your software licenses can be costly. The U.S. Army paid $50 million in penalties after installing unlicensed applications in 2013 — a warning for all organizations of the costs of improper software asset management.
It’s no secret that today’s business environment depends on a variety of software to function effectively and securely.
Despite this, many companies are forecasting stagnation in their IT budgets with an average projected spend of $294,081 in 2017 (relatively equal to the previous year).
While these figures encompass total IT expenditures, companies are constantly looking for ways to control their technology budgets — the majority of which is taken up by the deployment and management of software and its licensing agreements.
To mitigate IT costs, organizations are taking advantage of a host of managed services designed to help control the rising costs associated with purchasing and management technology.
Key among them is Software Asset Management (SAM), a set of IT practices designed to manage software usage by an organization.
Controlling and optimizing your software usage to align with your business goals while maintaining licensing compliance can be a time-consuming process.
SAM services take this burden away from you; ensuring you have the proper software assets to support your operations.
Let’s look at twelve key benefits of Software Asset Management solutions and how they can help your organization.
1. Cost Savings and Optimization
SAM helps determine your exact needs and usage requirements while ensuring the software is procured in the most cost-effective licensing agreement.
Ultimately, your organization will benefit from having the ideal number of software deployments, confirming that you’ll always have enough licenses without having any sitting idle.
With this method, companies can cut software spending costs by as much as 30%. How? By reducing maintenance costs or re-harvesting and deploying licenses via SAM processes.
2. Budgeting
Software costs become more predictable and easier to forecast with a proper SAM solution. You will have new insights into how your licensing needs align with your overall business goals.
This model allows you to plan budgetary requirements with software acquisitions and focus your resources on your business strategy rather than technology operations.
3. “Best-Fit” Licensing
Only buy what you need and gain better insights into your organization’s software requirements.
A SAM solution will guarantee your organization is appropriately licensed, in addition to being aligned with your entitlements, roadmap, and compliance needs.
4. Security Risk Reduction
Control what is deployed on your network and reduce vulnerability. Different Software Asset Management models mitigate this risk by ensuring that all software is properly configured to prevent conflicts, network breaches, viruses, or other malware.
If you’re in the market for new security software, Insight's many partners, such as Symantec, Trend Micro, McAfee and ESET can also provide you with premium, best-fit options at the most competitive price possible.
5. Elimination of Waste and Redundancy
Thorough software reconciliation, one important step in any good SAM plan, will show software that’s not being used but is still being maintained. That software can then be removed and used elsewhere along with its associated license.*
*Please note that certain license agreements may limit the transfer of software. Check your agreement(s) before transferring software.
6. Volume Discounts
SAM gives you a better understanding of how many and what types of licenses are needed. Should you buy on a per-person, per-PC basis, or look into volume license acquisition? Your SAM plan will tell you exactly what you need and save you money when it comes to purchasing your licenses.
7. Integration of Other Managed Services
Companies like Insight offer software application management services with 24/7 support and national coverage for all your application issues, including self-service portals for onboarding employees and instruction on how to use new applications.
You’ll never have to worry about problems with your software thanks to support solutions that help ensure that your operations continue uninterrupted.
Services such as Evolve provide businesses with everything they need to run their technology operations in a cloud-based environment, offering a choice of hardware and software as well as features such as Skype for Business on a per-user basis.
Integrating SAM with IT managed services can make a massive dent in the amount of time and resources spent on managing software usage.
8. Education
Gain invaluable optics and learn more about the software you use, how it’s licensed, what benefits you’re entitled to and what exactly you’re paying for.
This insight from certified and experienced licensing experts can help you optimize your investment, take advantage of correct licensing options, and reduce costs.
9. Benefits to All Employees
Software that functions as it should, and is trouble free, will result in better overall employee morale. A centralized SAM program will also cut down on individual training for managers and lower the costs associated with it.
10. Reduction in Liability Risks
A proper software asset management program limits your legal liability due to poor licensing practices and helps prevent any potential damage to your reputation that could arise from a lawsuit.
11. Future Benefits
SAM gives you better insight into your future software needs. Instead of buying all the newest software and updates available, you’ll be able to decide exactly what software is needed and when you’ll need it.
12. Empowerment
Engage in business-driven discussions with software publishers to acquire the right technology that will enable efficiency and productivity.
Solution and service providers, like Insight, are partnered with the leading software vendors and work closely with these brands to provide the latest products in the most efficient way possible.
As you’re never stuck with outdated software or hardware, SAM gives you the agility you need to stay on top of the game. Version control can be easily managed, ensuring you always have the latest editions of your mission-critical applications and that you have the proper software to support your business goals.
You’ll benefit from economies of scale in your software purchases while reducing the need for in-house configuration, testing, and ongoing maintenance.
Conclusion
Software Asset Management processes harness a wide variety of tools and practices to ensure that your software works for you as effectively as possible.
Having an effective SAM solution in place not only helps you manage costs and mitigate risks, but it will also maintain flexibility and agility while bringing in predictable cost structures that are easily budgeted.
Ultimately, leaving your licensing management to SAM experts frees you from managing the complexities of your software and lets you focus on achieving your organizational goals.
We provide flexible Software Asset Management and Managed IT Services designed to support your company’s operational needs. Contact us to discover how we can help you reduce costs, secure your network, and maximize your technology’s efficiency.
