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Software is a critical tool in today’s business world, an essential asset that affects a vast number of business processes
throughout an organisation. Surprisingly, little attention is given to its management, documentation, and upkeep after the
initial purchase.

Software—the backbone of modern industry—is often taken for granted. That’s where the business process of Software
Asset Management (SAM) comes in. SAM is a series of business processes that provide you with everything you need to
manage, control, and protect your organisation’s valuable software investments through all stages of your software’s
lifecycle. Creating and implementing the best practices found in a full SAM implementation facilitates the management of
business risks and cost control and provides peace of mind.

What SAM Can Do for Your Organisation

Get Control
Regain control of all your systems.
Reduce technology conflicts and increase stability.
Know what licenses you have and reduce redundancy.
See what software you really need. “It's all about peace of mind. I know that
nothing's slipping through the cracks.”
Increase Efficiency -Steve Lintemuth, System Administrator,
Granger Container Service
Improve system, user, and help-desk performance.
Be ready with backup and recovery plans.
Implement infrastructure optimisation and standardisation.

Reduce Risks
Protect and secure your IT environment.
Minimise security threats and prevent unauthorised software downloads.
Stop worrying about compliance and over-licensing

Implementing SAM
A well-implemented SAM plan can help you determine what software licenses you own, on which devices software is deployed,
and for which upgrades your organisation is eligible. Following the steps below can help an organisation get control of spending,
save money, and stay ahead of the competition:

1) Take Inventory - The first step in the SAM process is to take a software inventory. For smaller businesses, this can be done
manually or there are a number of automated discovery tools that can easily and efficiently scan your entire network.

2) Get Organised - Managing your software license library is easy and can be accomplished a number of ways. Begin by
learning what types of documents you’ll need to keep, how best to keep them organised, and how your reseller can help you!
3) Create Policies and Procedures - From acquisition to storage and retirement, protect your software and hardware
assets by establishing new standards and guidelines for each phase of your software lifecycle.
4) Keep SAM Going - Keep your SAM program current through spot checks, regularly scheduled software inventories, and
ongoing employee training.
SAM Benefits
There are many reasons to implement Software Asset Management:

Smoother Operations
SAM lets you focus on running your organisation and takes your mind off things like unsupported programs, viruses and security
problems stemming from a lack of patches or updates. Your entire organisation runs better with SAM.

Better Price Points

SAM will improve relations with your software resellers and give you an advantage in future negotiations or a more effective
program. A better knowledge of your software needs can enable you to buy in volume and let you take advantage of the price
benefits associated with bulk purchases.

Volume Discounts
SAM gives you a better understanding of how many and what types of licenses are needed. For example, should you buy on a per-
device or per user basis. Per Server or Per Processor? Your SAM plan will tell you exactly what you need and save you money
when it comes to purchasing your licenses.

Better Market Position

Up-to-date licensing and an extensive, comprehensive media library can result in faster, easier mergers and acquisitions.
SAM also gives you a faster time-to-market with streamlined software functionality and a thorough knowledge of your
existing database.

Financial Security
A good SAM program gives you financial security from unexpected licensing costs as well as provides tax benefits associated
with software depreciation.

Eliminate Waste and Redundancy

Software reconciliation (an important step in any good SAM plan), may show software that is not being used but is still being
maintained. That software can then be removed and used elsewhere along with its associated license.*
* Please note that certain license agreements may limit the transfer of software.
Check your agreement(s) before transferring software.

Every Employee Benefits

Software that functions as it should and is trouble-free will result in better overall employee morale. A centralised SAM program
will also cut down on individual training for managers and lower the costs associated with it.

Liability
A proper SAM program limits your legal liability due to poor licensing practices and helps prevent any potential damage to
your organisations reputation that could arise from any legal action.

Future Benefits
SAM gives you better insight into your future software needs. Instead of buying all the newest software and updates available,
you will be able to decide exactly what software is needed and when you will need it. With SAM you can plan for your future
software needs now. This can also help you when deciding if new hardware is needed.

Corporate Governance
There are two basic steps toward ensuring good corporate governance: identifying the risks, and controlling and mitigating
these risks. SAM can help you identify and control your software risks.

“Proactively managing software assets can result in up to a 50 percent reduction

in IT labour costs from simplified deployment, purchasing, and support.”

“Software Asset Management: A Key to Infrastructure Optimisation,”

KPMG International, 2008

www.microsoft.com/nz/sam
This document is for informational purposes only. ©2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
The contents of this document are subject to change. Please contact your Microsoft account manager or Microsoft Distributor for the most
current version of this information