Software asset management (SAM), where an organisation tracks its software assets throughout their entire lifecycle, is crucial to ensure software is used legally, efficiently, and compliantly with regulations. SAM focuses on helping businesses understand the terms of their software licensing, track and audit licenses to ensure compliance, and negotiate cost efficiencies with vendors.
Formally known as the IT Infrastructure Library, the ITIL is a globally recognised framework for delivering and managing results-driven IT services that align with business objectives. This covers the entire lifecycle of IT services, from strategy to continual refinement.
Software asset management (SAM) is classed as an essential technical management practice under ITIL 4. Therefore, this is a crucial aspect of your IT services to prioritise to ensure your IT costs are optimised, compliance fines are avoided, and your IT infrastructure is aligned with your business strategy. The financial benefits of SAM cannot be overstated; Celerity worked with Surrey County Council on its software licence management, helping the council achieve 20% cost savings on its software.