This is the most practical, comprehensive, and authoritative guide to software and IT asset management on the market. Many industry experts contributed to this major revision of the original ITIL SAM Guide (Software Asset Management,2003) to reflect the changing world of processes, technology (e.g. cloud, BYOD, and tools), standards, and much more. It is essential reading for anybody involved in the acquisition, development, operation, management, use or retirement of IT assets.
This guide can help organizations achieve major benefits in risk management, cost reduction, enhanced security and improved service delivery. It will facilitate the integration of SAM/ITAM with service management and information security management while linking to organizational objectives. To do this, the guide gives structured and clear explanations of complex topics, with frequent real-life examples, key messages, and checklists.
KEY BENEFIT UPDATES
Organizations will benefit from costs savings, risk management, licence compliance, and enhanced security, thereby improving the value delivered to customers
Cost-saving opportunities outlined
Metrics for SAM and ITAM included
Updated standards and completely rewritten from the first edition
Numerous real-life examples, key messages and checklists highlighted throughout the text
Aligned to all recent best practice guidance
Appendices with practical guidance
References to ITIL Practitioner
Emphasizes sustainability for a SAM/ITAM programme
This revised guide is a must have for any professional or organization that works with Software Asset Management or IT Asset Management.The investment now made in IT Assets within an organization is huge so needs to be managed correctly throughout its life-cycle. Failure to do so will result in overspend, being under-licensed and facing fines from auditors. This guide will help you understand the fundamentals of IT Asset Management, how to implement ITAM within your organization and how to realize the ITAM benefits from day 1
--David Foxen, Consultant
This is a great all round ITIL SAM guide into best practices.
If you are a novice regarding software asset management this is the perfect tool that provides a comprehensive assessment of each area you need to consider. There are some good explanations throughout which give clarity to the aspect discussed with relevance to the "real world" (which is very important). The diagrams are clear and well spread throughout the text. There are even some great templates newer SAM teams can use as a basis in the appendices.
As someone that has been in the field for several years this is a good guide to remind you of every point that you may have overlooked in your current role. It is a great reference point for any asset management project and is keenly something that I would have to hand on my desk.
It touches on outsourcing and cloud computing, these are common day issues which makes the book feel like is it is very current.
I feel that it is quite a unique book in this field as it s fairly difficult to get a good SAM text book. Courses as well as text books seem to be lacking in the market place when it comes to SAM, so this is an essential guide clearly written by experts in the ITIL and SAM field that would be valuable to any SAM team or individual.
--Jennette King, ITSM Consultant
