What is Software Asset Management and why is it critical?
Software Asset Management (SAM) is about having control over software licences, actual usage, and associated costs. In this article, we take a closer look at what SAM is, how it works in practice, and why it has become critical for IT, finance, and management alike.
Hvad er Software Asset Management?
Software Asset Management is a structured and systematic way of manage software throughout its lifecycle from acquisition to decommissioning.
The core of SAM is to connect licenses, agreements, actual usage, and costs, so that decisions are made on a correct and up-to-date data basis.
This involves having an overview of:
- which licenses the business has
- Who uses them
- what they actually cost (combined and per solution)
- and if the use complies with the terms and conditions and needs
The goal is not just to pay for the “right” software, but to ensure control, avoid waste, and reduce risks associated with audits, budget overruns, and unclear agreements.
“I meet many leaders who are tired of spending time on manual software clean-up. Managing software doesn't work as a side project – it needs to be a continuous part of operations to provide value.”
How does Software Asset Management work in practice?
In practice, SAM is about connecting data, insights, and decisions.
First, information on licenses, agreements, usage, and costs is gathered in one place. Then Comparing licenses with actual use, so that they can be adjusted, removed or renegotiated based on actual need.
The challenge for many is that this is often attempted to be solved manually, in spreadsheets, point-in-time reviews, or annual clean-up projects.
You should work with Software Asset Management when...
SAM is particularly relevant for businesses that use many SaaS tools and have multiple teams, departments, and vendors involved. Common signs that it should be prioritised are increasing licence costs over time and a lack of alignment between users and licences.
For businesses that wants better control før revision, budgetteringsarbejde eller leverandørforhandlinger er Software Asset Management en game-changer.
Would you like to see how this can work in practice?
The experience is clear: Software Asset Management only delivers real value when it is continuous, up-to-date, and closely linked to how the business actually operates.
Otheo is a SaaS platform that helps businesses gain real-time insight into licenses, usage, and costs, without manual maintenance.
Request a no-obligation demo, and see how Software Asset Management can become a natural and continuous part of the operation – for IT, finance, and management alike.