Earlier this week, I took a look back at my SAM blogs from 2015. Given my professional past, and a strong interest in advocating for and developing ISO SAM standards and a better approach to audits, I’m always interested to learn which SAM topics are of most interest to our valued readers. Apart from people, process, and technology – the fundamental pillars of any successful SAM program, other popular subject areas include audits (we know many of you have been audited multiple times) and the cybersecurity issues that arise from unlicensed or unused software.
The SAM articles you loved in 2015
- Why It Asset Management SAM Is Fundamental To Enterprise It. This article stood out after reading a report stating that 72% of IT budgets are doing nothing more than keeping the lights on. I spoke to the need for transformation and offered five reasons why IT Asset Management is crucial for any organization.
- Adobe v. Forever 21: An Update And Three Thoughts For SAM Managers. A reader asked about the status of the Adobe v. Forever 21 lawsuit via our Ask SAM portal. I researched that case and in doing so, offered three thoughts on what this case, and audits, mean to any SAM manager.
- Do I Need A SAM Program If I Have SCCM? As I attend events and speak to end-user organizations, I constantly got this question in 2015. Let’s put this one to bed. Yes, both SCCM and SAM are needed. SCCM provides inventory and usage data but does not manage licenses, or provide automated methods to optimize an organization’s software portfolio. 1E AppClarity, on the other hand, uses inventory and usage information from SCCM to manage software compliance, reclaim and license demand reports that create more value for your organization.
- Software Asset Management Sam Doesn’t Have To Be Hard – Here’s Why. This one particularly hit home for me – especially in light of my work on the ISO SAM working group. We are all busy – with new challenges hitting us from all sides every day. End-User organizations can spend millions of dollars each year on IT – but do a poor job managing those assets. In this article, I offered three areas showing how SAM can deliver value back to the organization.
- Top 5 Software Audit Tips From SAM Expert Peter Beruk. Many of you know that I used to work with and for software vendors – I also sent out the first ever audit letter. In this article, I outlined five areas that a SAM Manager must consider when receiving their next audit letter.
- Cyber Security And Unused Software Making The Connection. I was inspired to write this after seeing an article in the Wall Street Journal titled Cyber Security in the Wake of Sony, and tying that content into 1E’s Benchmarking Study showing that on average, 37% of all installed software is unused or rarely used software. As unused, it does not get patch updates – leading to cyber security concerns.
Participating fully in the SAM community
One of the factors I feel contributes to the popularity of these posts is that they are frequently inspired by real-life events – an interesting customer discussion, an industry event, or reading an interesting article that tickled my creative side.
In 2016, I’m going to be writing more about SAM processes including the ISO 19770 Standard (I am the Secretary of that working group and have been involved since 2008), audits, and tips as well as how 1E AppClarity can dramatically reduce risk and costs for your organization. I’d like to encourage our readers to get in touch using the contact points below to suggest SAM articles or content that is of interest to you.
A key motivation behind my posts is the feeling that as a member of the SAM community, it is important to share information in a way that benefits others. I hope you will see the wider 1E team and me helping you reach your goals – and remember, if you have a confidential question, you use our Ask SAM form, or contact me privately.
