Software asset management is a business tool used to control the software used within an organization. Usually a tool used within the information technology department, most software asset management programs help with a wide variety of functions involving software, including buying, using, and maintaining it. Its general goal is to reduce the cost and labor involved in managing the software that is used within a company. The features included in this type of management software differ based on the type of company, the type of software being managed, and the requirements of the software used in the organization.
Some of the many functions usually included within a software asset management program include software inventory, monitoring, and access control. Depending on the type of organization using the software asset management, this tool can be used for a variety of purposes within a business. It can help ensure that the right parts of the business have the software needed to do their jobs. This type of software can also assist in training workers to use the software they need.
One of the most vital functions of a software asset management program is facilitating the deployment of new software. In business, software deployment occurs when a new type of software is added to business function. This means getting the necessary software to the right people, making sure they know how to use it, and making sure that it works. Deployment functions in a software asset program include testing for errors and identifying and addressing user problems when the software is put into action.
A software asset management system is a vital tool in an organization that uses many different types of software in daily business. Without a software asset management system, an information technology professional must perform its functions manually, which can turn out to be a massive task. As human function often comes with human error, relying on a person to perform all of these tasks opens the process up to mistakes, in addition to making it a lengthier and more costly process.
Software used in business is often specialized and costly. Using this type of tool can help a company keep on top of what software it has and what software it needs to ensure continued efficient business processes. It can also reduce costs related to piracy or malicious alteration by unauthorized parties.
A company operating without asset management for its software can also open itself up to security problems if users without security clearance to use a piece of software are able to access it. As a result, this type of software can significantly reduce the number of staff members needed to accomplish the same software management goals. It can also reduce the number of service or production interruptions caused by errors in human software asset management.
