IT Asset Management Helps In Improving Cost Control

Posted by Certero on February 14th, 2014

With a change in the value proposition and software investments overtaking the value of the hardware infrastructure, technology that offers both traditional IT Asset Management (ITAM) and Software License Optimization (SLO) is gaining in popularity.

Whilst the traditional ITAM tools are able to accurately discover what’s installed on the network, the license optimization solutions ensure that installed software is maximized so that you buy only the software you need. Further,  with infrastructure investments such as Virtualized environments aimed at reducing costs, the licensing implications are often overlooked leading to large, unbudgeted software costs.

By integrating all the data related to your hardware and software inventory, usage, entitlements, and purchases, Express Software Manager helps you seamlessly track and manage your IT assets from purchase through retirement. With reporting designed to answer real IT and business questions related to your organization's IT assets, you'll no longer waste time muddling through mounds of data that raise more questions than answers.

ITAM vs. SLO

IT Asset Management (ITAM) and Software License Optimization (SLO) tools can be used independently or can be complementary. Trying to use an ITAM tool for license management can cause difficulties due to the limited license management functionality. AssetStudio® encompasses both ITAM and SLO through modules dedicated to the specific functionality.

Customers that already have traditional ITAM tools deployed in the organization can be reluctant to deploy another Discovery and Inventory tool. However, in order to cover the discipline of Software License Optimization (SLO) they need to purchase a separate tool.

AssetStudio® can be configured to take feeds of Discovery and Inventory data from any ITAM tool such as Microsoft SCCM, Symantec Altiris, LANDesk Inventory Manager and Front Range Discovery.  This allows customers to take advantage of their existing investment in a Discovery and Inventory tool but also to ensure they are prepped for Software License Optimization (SLO).

With the success of the Software License Optimization (SLO) outcomes premised on the Inventory data, it is critical to ensure that this information is current and highly accurate. AssetStudio® uses a software recognition database (SRDB) covering the key software vendors and includes vendor SKU’s to ensure software deployments are identified accurately and the precise version & edition and licensing metrics can be matched to software license purchases. Many ITAM tools do not cover Virtualization but this is critical for understanding license mobility in virtual environments.

Out of the box Software Asset Management tools such as AssetStudio® are suitable for SME’s to large conglomerates with wide company operations in various branches and in multiple nationalities.

One can find various types of software asset management tools online by the leading IT and software service providing agencies. These online software service vendors offer a wide range of solutions to their clients all over the world at affordable rates. One can also get an instant quote and pricing online by visiting the official website of the software asset management tool providers.

About the Company:

Certero is a leading specialist in Software Asset Management, PC Power Management and Password Reset solutions and Services. Based in Australia and with international Partners we provide innovative solutions to help our customers drive out complexities and costs with a rapid Return on Investment in the region of 4-6 months.

Many of our service offerings have been aligned to the ITIL Software Asset Management (SAM) lifecycle which affects all core aspects of IT service provision. Through our own products and those of our partners, significant business benefits can be realised from the services we offer. From licensing advice to an ongoing licence compliance program to implementing a SAM initiative, Certero Microsoft certified Licensing and SAM Consultants can provide you with the expertise you need.