Why Software Metering Is So Valuable
Posted in License Management, Software Asset Management, software license management on February 24th, 2010 by Jodi – Be the first to commentSoftware metering is an important technology discipline that helps companies set and enforce software installation and usage polices across their entire business. It spans several key activities, including software license management, planning and allocation, and real-time application monitoring, to ensure optimum value from software investments, while facilitating full compliance.
The key to effective software metering is to gain complete insight into what software applications exist, where they are installed, and how they are used. Armed with this insight, you can gain greater control over your software assets by:
- Preventing non-compliance with software contracts by proactively stopping the proliferation of illegal copies.
- Avoiding viruses, spyware, malware, and other threats by blocking users from downloading, installing, and using unauthorized programs such as games, chat, and peer-to-peer file sharing.
- Reducing wasteful software-related spending through improved intelligence into what you have, and what you need.
Additionally, software metering can dramatically improve the productivity of your help desk and technical support staff, eliminating the time needed to conduct fact-finding by providing them with instant visibility into all software assets.
Just how valuable can software metering be? According to Gartner analyst Patricia Adams, “substantial cost cutting opportunities exist in monitoring usage of purchased applications”. She goes on to say that organizations that implement software usage monitoring and other related capabilities can expect to see savings of 5 to 25 percent of their overall software budgets in the first year alone.
One of the best ways to implement effective software metering processes is through use of a comprehensive software asset management solution. By fully automating such important activities such as IT audits and software license management, software asset management tools can improve the accuracy of software inventory logs, empowering you to better manage all your applications throughout their lifecycle – from the time they are acquired, through installation and use, until they are rendered obsolete and replaced.
For example, software and IT asset management tools from SAManage can provide you with complete visibility into what software gets executed, so licenses can be reallocated and reused appropriately. Additionally, through improved tracking of assigned licenses, you’ll have greater insight into who is using what applications, and when.
Contact us to learn more about software metering, and how SaaS IT management systems from SAManage can help you more effectively track and manage your software assets.
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