Make your organization leaner and more cost-efficient with Software Asset Management

Recently, software usage in organizations across the world has witnessed unprecedented growth. There’s enough proof that you require more software assets to run your business in this digitally flexible era. But it also means the need to maximize each software’s potential without wasting time, effort, or money is just as important. According to the latest study by a top research firm, having an efficient SAM system will decrease your company’s IT and operational costs by up to 30%.

Software asset management (SAM) helps reduce licensing costs and better optimize your software assets. Given the emergence of remote work capabilities to enable business continuity, many organizations continue to grapple with complicated software journeys. In that sense, SAM can remove some of the roadblocks caused by complex pricing models and irrelevant functionalities.

Let’s look at a few benefits that your organization could reap by smartly leveraging software license management.

Reduce Software Licensing Costs

Not every software upgrade or update is mandatory. A strong argument can be made that some slow down software performance or even prevent you from accessing it! However, you end up doing so in order to use the latest version – without being fully aware of which parts of the software are updated or upgraded. It can lead to unnecessary, time-consuming, and expensive repercussions. For smarter software license management, you must only upgrade software licenses that are genuinely required for the organization. In some cases, you will have to downgrade or transfer the software to ensure either compatibility or avoid wasteful spending.

Streamline the Helpdesk

A helpdesk aims to simplify the lives of internal users within the organization; to accelerate their understanding of the processes, services, or products that they may be using. Unfortunately, the fact is that 50% of the helpdesk’s time is spent on troubleshooting common issues and carrying out mundane tasks like obtaining system configuration details! With a future-proofed software asset management framework, you can reduce or eliminate these costs.

Lessen Unapproved Software Usage

Another major software roadblock is unauthorized usage. When any software is a part of the organization’s technology ecosystem,  improper access has the propensity to harm the business – causing even monetary losses and legal issues. With a detailed SAM process, you can make sure that only approved users are allowed to access and work on it - thereby preventing unauthorized software usage.

 Cut Down Business Losses and Legal Risks

Software Asset Management is also a prerequisite for meeting the regulatory standards on software requirements. If not, your organization will not non-compliant with the vendor’s license agreements. It can significantly increase business risks - leading to serious legal implications. With SAM, you get a clear picture of all the software across your organization, which includes a deep understanding of the scope of each software’s compliance in relation to your technology landscape.

Stronger Relationships with Software Vendors

Every software vendor comes with their unique set of challenges. Some may charge hidden fees, while others force you to digest hard-to-understand terms and conditions. The need of the hour is to build the right negotiation skills. To enable that, you should be clear about all the software licenses in your organization, as well as the need, type, and duration of each software. Once you convey these details to your vendor, it could lead to a smoother vendor relationship - from software procurement to deployment and support.

Conclusion

As evidenced, Software Asset Management or SAM brings many notable advantages to your organization. From the business perspective, it helps cut down unnecessary IT expenditure and optimize workforce productivity.  With an effective SAM, you can also smarter plan your software updates or upgrades, free your helpdesk from repetitive tasks, cut down support fees, and take charge of your licensing contracts.

Furthermore, SAM can also empower you to improve your negotiation skills so that you can help build a better and more long-term relationship between your organization and software vendors.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Health-Fitness/12701-Make-your-organization-leaner-and-more-cost-efficient-with-Software-Asset-Management.html