Avoiding overspending is a common pitfall when managing diverse IT environments that combine on-premise software, cloud apps, and SaaS. Software Asset Management (SAM) is evolving beyond basic inventory audits, presenting new challenges and complexities. Kumaravel Ramakrishnan, ITSM marketing director at ManageEngine, emphasizes the importance of expertise in navigating the “grey area” of SAM, especially as it integrates with contextual and enterprise service management tools.
SAM tools are crucial for monitoring software deployments, license use, compliance status, and managing costs by tracking software licensing and usage. The shift towards managing SaaS applications with unique licensing models requires advanced tools that centralize and automate workflows for license approval, procurement, deployment, reconciliation, and compliance checks.
Ensuring SAM success involves understanding specific business outcomes and use cases, rather than blindly following vendor incentives. Eric Helmer, CTO at Rimini Street, highlights the importance of aligning changes with desired outcomes to avoid unnecessary disruptions and overspending. It’s essential to assess existing assets and capabilities before pursuing new implementations, as organizations often underutilize software features they already possess.
Gartner analysts stress the need for clear objectives and targeted use cases when implementing SAM tools, alongside effective stakeholder engagement across various departments. Achieving visibility and control over a growing number of SaaS applications requires strategic planning, data analysis, and collaboration beyond traditional IT functions.
Managing complexity in heterogeneous environments involves leveraging platforms that bridge data diversity and enable streamlined workflows. Simon Morris, VP of solution consulting at ServiceNow, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing desired business outcomes, aligning technology with organizational goals, and facilitating smarter partnerships to drive cost savings and improve user experiences.
In conclusion, successful SAM implementation involves a combination of expertise, clear objectives, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and leveraging advanced tools to optimize software usage, reduce overspending, and maximize value from IT investments.
