In today’s tech-driven world, businesses are dependent on software to get things done quickly. However, keeping track of all those software licenses can be tricky and expensive. This blog post will show you how using Software Asset Management (SAM), especially with ServiceNow SAM, can help companies reduce money and avoid trouble and challenges by managing their software licenses better.
What is Software Asset Management (SAM)?
The ServiceNow SAM application automatically evaluates, tracks, and manages software licenses, compliance, and optimization. However, purchasing new and unused software rights and managing entitlements allocations can be reclaimed anytime. SAM is the visibility and control of software licenses and processes through their life cycle.
Saving Money and Being Efficient with ServiceNow SAM
SAM helps the organization by providing a clear vision, such as the actual amount paid by the organization for software versus the amount saved by the organization.
Software licenses are the rules you follow when playing a game or using an app. If you break these rules, you might get into trouble. For companies, not following software license rules can lead to legal issues, like fines. SAM helps companies keep track of these rules and make sure they’re not breaking any. It enables the organization to save them from legal problems.
Think about how much easier it is to find a book in a well-organized library compared to a messy one. Good SAM practices are like organizing a library. They help companies keep track of all the software they have, making it easier and faster to manage everything. This saves time and effort, allowing employees to focus on more important tasks instead of getting lost in a mess of software licenses.
ServiceNow SAM is a tool that helps companies manage their software licenses better. It helps keep track of, optimize, and automate the management of software licenses.
Also, read about Discover How ServiceNow SAM Transforms Business with Clarity.
Tips for Using ServiceNow SAM to Manage Software Licenses
Leverage ServiceNow SAM to streamline your software license management, ensuring you maximize value and maintain compliance. These tips will help you effectively track usage, optimize resources, and automate tasks for better efficiency.
Tracking Licenses
Tracking licenses is like keeping a list of all the games you own and how often you play them. ServiceNow SAM keeps a detailed record of all a company's software licenses and monitors how they are being used. This way, companies know exactly what they have and can avoid buying more than needed.
Making the Most of What You Have
Optimization is like making sure you get the most out of your smartphone by using all its features. ServiceNow SAM looks at how software is being used in a company and suggests ways to use it more efficiently. For example, it might find that some software isn’t being used much, and it is recommended to reallocate those licenses to where they’re needed most.
Staying Compliant
Imagine having a friend remind you when your homework is due, so you don’t get into trouble. Compliance management in ServiceNow SAM works similarly. It provides reports and alerts to ensure that companies are following all the rules of their software licenses. This helps companies avoid fines and other legal issues.
Automating Tasks
Automation is like having a robot do your chores for you. ServiceNow SAM automates many tasks involved in managing software, like tracking usage, generating reports, and ensuring compliance. This makes software management easier and more accurate, reducing the chance of human errors and saving time for employees.
Steps to Optimize Software License Management
1. Check What You Have: Go through all your software applications and licenses to see what’s being used.
2. Monitor Usage: Use ServiceNow SAM to track software usage across the company. This helps find licenses that aren’t being fully used and can be reassigned or eliminated to save money.
3. Group Licenses: Combine similar software licenses to optimize their usage. For example, if different departments use the same software, create a shared license pool to reduce the total number of licenses needed.
4. Negotiate with Vendors: Use data from ServiceNow SAM to negotiate better licensing terms with software vendors. Knowing actual software usage helps companies avoid paying for unnecessary licenses.
5. Automate Management: ServiceNow SAM automates many tasks, like issuing licenses and ensuring compliance, reducing the need for manual work, and minimizing errors.
6. Review and Update Regularly: Continuously check and update software licenses to ensure they match the company’s needs. This prevents overpaying for licenses that aren’t used and avoids legal risks.
Best Practices for Using ServiceNow SAM
To get the most out of ServiceNow SAM, follow some of these best practices, which are as follows:
- Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve, like saving money or staying compliant with licensing rules.
- Involve Key People: Get input from various departments such as IT and finance to ensure everyone is on board and understands SAM practices.
- Create a SAM Team: Put together a team responsible for managing SAM processes and ensuring they are followed throughout the organization.
- Develop SAM Policies: Create clear guidelines for buying, using, and retiring software to keep everything compliant and efficient.
- Provide Training: Teach employees about SAM practices and how to use ServiceNow SAM effectively to manage software licenses.
- Roll Out Gradually: Implement ServiceNow SAM in phases, starting with a small pilot program to iron out any issues before a full rollout.
Companies need a good way to use technology effectively and keep their software updated. They also must follow the rules, reduce cyber risks (like using unofficial IT systems), and protect their tech investments. It's important to keep track of how assets are used. If tech sits idle, isn't used correctly, or gets lost, it hurts profits.
For example, “if an organization does not have a proper setup of the software, they might renew $100 million for licenses, but required only $40 million.”
To do this well, every organization must use best practices for managing their software assets (SAM).
Also, read about Unleashing the Power of SAM Portal and Cloud Software.
Conclusion
In enterprise-level organizations, scaling ServiceNow SAM unlocks benefits like cost-effectiveness, efficient SAM, and mitigating risk. Software Asset Management is more than improving decision-making. It also improves resource efficiency and enhances vendor relationships. Protecting enterprises from financial and legal liabilities leads to cost savings in software management and helps in increasing productivity.
Let inMorphis be your partner in continuous improvement, driving your organization towards greater efficiency and resilience. Contact inMorphis today to experience ServiceNow SAM in a way that exceeds expectations.