How do you optimize software asset management for remote and hybrid work environments?

Speaking from experience leading WealthRyse (SaaS for wealth advisors and asset managers), I believe defining the desired outcomes, such as cost reduction, security enhancement, performance improvement, or regulatory compliance, sets the foundation for effective SAM strategies. Understanding the types of software utilized, owned, or licensed, along with categorization and prioritization criteria, enables organizations to streamline asset tracking and measurement processes. By addressing key questions on software inventory, usage, and licensing, organizations can establish realistic SAM objectives and scope, guiding them towards efficient and impactful SAM practices tailored to meet specific business needs and goals.

Starting off it is KEY to ensure whitelist and blacklisted software is defined and a policy applied to ensure users know the repecusions. Then integrating with ServiceNow ENSURE that SW is utilised in Entitlement NOT as individual CI's as this causes issues and far too often i walk into this. Onboarding an SW ordering system with streamlined processes to support enables users to access and can have multiple layers of approvals and verifications. This can then be fed into the right teams to manage version's and then in to procurement way in advance of renewals doe that lovely discussion on costs as well as enabling SW cross examination and evaluate competing SW. This overall should reduce RISK, Users Time, Stress and management capabilities.

Optimizing software asset management for remote and hybrid work environments requires a robust remote asset management system. This system should enable centralized monitoring, tracking, and maintenance of IT assets from any location. Key features include asset inventory management, remote monitoring, software license management, and enhanced security. Additionally, leveraging IoT and cloud technologies can streamline asset management processes and provide real-time visibility into asset utilization and performance.

The important part of managing accurate software asset inventory for a remote work environment is to make sure all the endpoints are connected to company's VPN to make sure agent based discovery are happening on regular basis. Also there should be enough security checks are in place to ensure users can not download software from any blacklisted websites or unauthorized software repository. Revoking admin rights for the end user is the basic measure the organization should put in place to have better control on the remote endpoints. Organization should also have a policy to make sure company's email address are not being used to download software for personal use.

In WealthRyse, how it worked for us was that this entails documenting all software assets, including their installation locations, users, frequency of use, and intended purposes. Additionally, verifying license status, terms, and conditions is crucial to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. By comprehensively evaluating software assets, organizations can identify any gaps, redundancies, or potential risks in their software portfolio. This detailed assessment sets the groundwork for informed decision-making, optimization of software resources, and effective management of software assets to align with SAM objectives and organizational requirements.

To add on what had been written, I believe this involves removing unused or unauthorized software, consolidating duplicate applications, and reallocating underused or overused licenses. Leveraging cloud-based or subscription-based software solutions can provide greater flexibility and scalability for resource allocation. By streamlining software deployment, eliminating redundancies, and leveraging modern software delivery models, organizations can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure that software resources are aligned with business needs and objectives.

From my point of view and perspective again from WealthRyse, I believe these guidelines and rules dictate how software assets are managed throughout their lifecycle, including acquisition, deployment, usage, maintenance, updates, renewals, and retirement. Additionally, policies outline procedures for monitoring, auditing, and reporting on software assets. Communication and enforcement of these policies and processes are essential across the organization, particularly with remote and hybrid teams, to ensure compliance and adherence to SAM guidelines.

Lastly, in addition to defining SAM objectives, assessing software inventory, and implementing policies and processes, organizations should also prioritize ongoing monitoring and evaluation of SAM practices to ensure alignment with evolving business needs and industry trends. Regular reviews and audits of software assets, licenses, and usage patterns can help identify areas for optimization and compliance improvement. Furthermore, investing in training and awareness programs for employees to promote SAM best practices and guidelines can foster a culture of accountability and responsibility for software asset management.