Obviously Connect NZ is confident that most organizations will achieve worthwhile
savings through the SAM process, since we take our fee as a share of those savings.
What is SAM?
Software Asset Management is the process and infrastructure
needed for quality management, control and protection of
software investments, throughout all stages of its lifecycle.
In other words, SAM is a process of both protecting money
already invested and then saving you more in any further
purchases.
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What SAM is: |
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What SAM is not : |
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- The right approach to
license compliance
- Problem solver
- Cost cutter
- Maximize ROI
- Provides Platform
standardization
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- SAM is not just about an audit
- SAM is not just about tools
- SAM is not just an IT problem
- SAM is not just about procedure
- SAM is not just about Microsoft
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Benefits of SAM
 Control:
- Save Money by using existing licenses, rather than procure first
then rationalize later.
- Negotiate with software vendors using accurate information,
ensuring the best pricing outcome at each
renewal/roll/implementation.
- Proactively tackle compliance with both government and vendor
regulations; be ready ahead of time with no nasty surprises.
- Know your software environment is protected; no more
worrying about viruses or other threats, especially those
introduced by unauthorized downloads.
- Reduce technology conflicts and increase stability.
- Centralize control and policies while assisting the automation of
manual processes.
 Optimize:
- Higher availability of the IT personnel to focus on upgrades and
business goals.
- Reduction in high cost redundancy while still being sure your
staff have all the tools they need.
- Simplification of deployment, purchasing and support through
standardization.
- Reduce Cost through centralized purchasing
- Be ready with functional and proven Back up and Recovery
plans (not just theoretically functional).
 Grow:
- Align your IT with your business goals
- Plan effectively for short term and long term technology needs.
- Bring agility and responsiveness to your IT infrastructure.
- Adapt to market opportunities quickly and simply.
- Monitor and provide Assets effectively.
The SAM Process
Implementing SAM is a company-wide initiative affecting every facet from upper
management to each individual user; any decision to implement a SAM process needs
to be discussed at management level at key stages in the process, especially in terms
of allocating responsibility and defining new and stringent policy.
The SAM process itself can be broken down into 4 distinct parts:
1. Perform a Software inventory
There are a number of approaches to this process, the most accurate at the time of
review is a manual audit (checking each machine for individual installations of product),
but any company over about 50 users or those with wide spread offices will struggle
with this. The other option is the use of automated discovery tools. The initial cost of
these products can be high but the ongoing benefits are substantial when implemented
correctly. Connect NZ will assist in deciding upon the best approach.
2. Match Inventory to Software entitlement
This process involves the requisition of all the company’s software records, this will also
identify any issues with the storage and handling of these records but for the most part
gives the company a clear picture of what they own in comparison to what they use..
3. Review Polices and Procedures
Once discovery has been performed and any issues have been identified it’s time to
introduce ongoing policies that take best advantage of this position. This is also the
best time to plug any security and procedural holes.
4. Develop an ongoing SAM plan
This will consist of:
- Standardize on a single platform and set of procedures wherever possible.
- True up any current compliance issues.
- Put plans into place retire both obsolete software and hardware.
- Run through options for future platforms and applications and make long term
decisions based on inventory information.
- Establish inventory routines and spot checks to confirm records processes are
working.
- Establish ongoing training for existing and new employees in regulations and
procedures.
Where does Connect NZ fit in?
Connect NZ can help at any point in this process or lead it internally on your behalf,
with the following qualifications and partnerships Connect NZ is in a unique position to
help you make the most of your infrastructure.
 Resident Licensing Expertise:
| Microsoft MCP’s in: |
Software Asset Management
Licensing Solutions
Advanced Infrastructure
Security Solutions
Information Worker
Unified Communications
OEM Solutions |
Trend Micro Trend Certified Sale Specialist
Symantec Accredited Sales and Technical
VMware Sales and Technical Professional
Licensing Partnerships:
Microsoft Gold Certified Partner
Trend Micro Affinity Plus Partner
Symantec Silver Partner
VMware Certified Partner
And reseller of almost any Software product available
through distribution in NZ.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM |
