If you think Software Asset Management is enough, you don t know SIM.

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1 If you think Software Asset Management is enough, you don t know SIM. Unlock the Value in your Software Investments info@simitar.com

2 2 If you think Software Asset Management is enough, you don t know SIM. This ebook will show how to squeeze the most value out of your software investment by explaining how Software Asset Management (SAM) is only part of the much bigger picture that Software Investment Management (SIM) can play in your organization to deliver quantifiable results, leverage your existing investment and maximize your ROI. What is Software Asset Management (SAM)? To put it simply, SAM is a process that involves managing the balance between software deployed and software licenses acquired. Consider it a tactical approach to managing your software licensing. To gauge your management readiness, there are several maturity levels of SAM that are based on ISO/IEC standards and range from basic to dynamic. Since many organizations lack the proper level of software expertise for complicated technologies and licensing programs, your SAM maturity level is used to determine whether you have the right people, tools and processes in place for the job. Where does SAM play a part in your IT? SAM typically relates to ensuring the licensing you ve purchased is being put to work (installed and used) with a periodic report that details any software that has been purchased but not deployed. One of the most important aspects of SAM involves generating data that determines whether there are any compliance concerns or risks. Product Qtys Investment Types Enterprise Products vs. Additional Products

3 3 What is Software Investment Management (SIM)? SIM, on the other hand, is a proactive, on-going management solution that deals with the expenses you take on, (not just a tactical approach, but also strategic), with each software asset. In this way, SAM becomes a piece of your overall SIM. The goal is to provide justification and ultimately ROI for each expense as it relates to the productivity and profitability of the business. Our Visibility, Strategy and Control Methodology: Gain Visibility by building a solid foundation of usable, validated data. Define a Strategy by leveraging your new Visibility to plan technology requirements against business goals. Maintain Control by monitoring and managing your investment over time to realize maximum value. Where does SIM play a part in your IT? Starting from the point of purchase, SIM helps optimize the deployment, maintenance, utilization and even disposal of an organization s software applications. This includes the costs and underlying terms and conditions that are presented with each lifecycle stage of the software asset from acquisition, deployment or re-deployment to retirement.

4 4 SIM vs SAM It s important to note the distinct difference between a Software Investment Management process and a Software Asset Management process. In simple terms, SAM is a tactical management process whereas SIM is a strategic management process. Since SAM is a reactive approach to your software investment, it cannot be your entire strategy. Rather, SAM becomes a part of the overarching SIM plan by gathering the essential data needed to make accurate business decisions that forecast your future business needs. A full, proactive SIM process is necessary to maximize your profitability and productivity so you can get the most out of your software investment ROI. SAM s Role in Your SIM Strategy? SAM reacts to your business use of the software from time of purchase to present day. SIM, on the other hand, takes proactive consideration of the future effect your investment will have on your business, including mapping out a plan that identifies cost efficiencies and growth needs associated with your software. To break it down further, SAM shows you what you ve done and SIM shows you what you should do with it.

5 5 Going Beyond SAM with SIM While it s easy to focus on one aspect, such as license tracking, the real value is in going further. SIM provides a proactive strategy that allows you to actively manage your software to make the most of your investment over time. Benefits SAM SIM Reduce costs by matching license purchases to deployment Save money by purchasing licenses only when required Identify out-of-date and current software for technology planning Avoid costly litigation, settlements or fines from unlicensed software Drive strategic decisions through the utilization of foundational data Navigate complex licensing negotiations and agreements Validate decisions for future software licensing investments Proactively manage software assets across the enterprise Reallocate license inventories across divisions Automate approval workflow for license acquisition

6 6 SIM Protects Your Software Investment As is the way with technology, there are plenty of variables that conspire to work against you and turn a sound investment into a mangled expense. Proper software management that is built around SIM processes will help your business avoid these pitfalls and never lose step in the industry. Software and IT Variables that Trip up Businesses without SIM: Software licensing changes New IT requirements New delivery models End-of-life support for products A notable change in users (more or less) Hardware refreshes Hybrid cloud and virtualization limitations The Value of SIM: With a SIM strategy in place, you re free to focus on your business and leave the software and licensing to experts who will not only steer your software management and maximize your ROI, but who will also keep your IT out in front of the common missteps that tend to trip up the competition.

7 7 Transitioning Your Business to a SIM Strategy To achieve the most value from your software investment, your SAM strategy needs to be absorbed by the more forward-facing SIM strategy. When employed correctly and according to industry standards, SAM feeds SIM the data needed to construct a strategy that influences your current and future business needs. Key Benefits of Moving Forward with SIM: Gain greater visibility & control of software Achieve audit readiness Mitigate any compliance risks Identify any licensing deficiencies Provide an actionable business plan Outline any efficiencies and savings Receive volume discounting Harnessing the power of SIM can ensure your licensing is distributed in the most efficient way and, as the company moves forward, new programs that are focused on your goals can be implemented easily and at a cost savings thanks to the roadmap that your SIM strategy provides.

8 8 Conclusion Software Management Increases your Operational Efficiencies THE BOTTOM LINE: It s easier than you think to squeeze value and ROI out of your software investments. By incorporating a full SIM strategy, you generate the edge your business needs to manage your complicated applications successfully and stay in front of the competition. By going beyond SAM with SIM, your business stays on top of industry standards and best practices by proactively balancing technology with the inherent costs and risks so you can ultimately ensure an effective, adaptable software investment management strategy that moves your business forward.

9 9 About Connection Connection is the leading software investment management solution provider. Connection unlocks the unrealized value in our clients software investments and bridges the gap between procurement and IT. Our consulting and managed services proactively align the strategy and management of our clients software investments with their business goals. Our proven methodology and industry expertise allows organizations to realize cost avoidance, reduce publisher audit and compliance risk, and gain maximum ROI from their software investments. To learn more about our services or for a free assessment, please us at info@simitar.com or call