SAM FAQ
What is SAM?
Why should my company spend money on SAM?
I think SAM is a worthwhile investment, but I need to convince my CIO. How can I do this?
I already have a Network Discovery tool running. Doesn't this mean I already have SAM in place?
Isn't SAM just the software company's way of making more money?
How long will it take to get SAM up and running?
What is SAM?
SAM is Software Asset Management - it covers the full life-cycle related to software and licensing, including purchase, deployment, maintenance, management and retirement.
Why should my company spend money on SAM?
Software and Licensing is an asset, similar to any other type of asset your company might have such as PC Hardware, a desk or chair.
One example of managing this is if your company loses a PC, desk or a chair, it is quite likely that it will cost your company to replace it - even if it is covered by insurance. Consequently, it makes more sense to make every effort to 'not lose' the asset in the first place by knowing exactly what it is, and where it is at all times.
Similarly, with Software & Licensing, if your software assets are tracked and maintained it is easier to ensure they are not lost or misused so that they may be managed and deployed more effectively.
I think SAM is a worthwhile investment, but I need to convince my CIO. How can I do this?
The easiest way to do this is to provide the CIO with a list of benefits that your company will achieve by implementing a SAM program. This could include:
- being able to control software costs by knowing what you have, what is used and when to buy or not to buy
- better purchasing power with software vendors, because you'll know exactly what you have and use
- protecting your company's reputation
- minimising your company's (and its Directors') risk of financial and legal exposure if you are found to be under-licensed, or if illegal software/licences are found.
It will depend on your individual company, so if you need further assistance with this please feel free to contact us at sam@smartpath.com.au
I already have a Network Discovery tool running. Doesn't this mean I already have SAM in place?
While this is an important part of a SAM program, it only identifies part of what you need to know. That is, while it tells you what software is running on your network, it doesn't cover what may be installed offline, and it is unlikely to store information about what licences you have purchased.
Isn't SAM just the software company's way of making more money?
Software companies obviously have a vested interest in ensuring software licence compliance, however it doesn't always make them more money. Your company may learn that you actually have more licences than you need, which means that you may not need to purchase licences for some time.
How long will it take to get SAM up and running?
This depends on many factors, including the size and structure of
your organisation, what internal and external resources you have
available to you, and how far along you already are. Contact one of
our SAM specialists who can hep you determine how far along you are.
