SAM

Software Asset Management (SAM) is a business approach focused on overseeing and enhancing the acquisition, deployment, maintenance, usage, and disposal of software applications within an organization. The main objectives of SAM include controlling IT expenditures, managing business and legal risks, and ensuring adherence to software licensing agreements. By monitoring software assets throughout their lifecycle, organizations can minimize waste, enhance security, and make better-informed decisions regarding their technology investments.

Software Asset Management originated in the 1980s, spurred by the increasing use of mass software in businesses. As organizations adopted more applications, a systematic method for managing these digital resources became necessary. This led to the practice of tracking software to manage costs and ensure compliance.

The methodology was later formalized through frameworks like ITIL, which established standardized principles across the sector. The introduction of ISO standards further reinforced SAM's significance within IT governance. Contemporary SAM continues to advance with the integration of automation and cloud-based solutions.

Software Asset Management plays a vital role that influences an organization's financial stability, security posture, and operational flexibility. It provides a strategic framework for managing the entire software lifecycle, from acquisition to retirement, yielding significant advantages throughout the organization.

Although SAM is a management strategy, SaaS represents a software delivery model, and they cater to different organizational requirements.