The aim of the 2010 Best Use of Software Tags Contest was to identify and recommend those SAM vendors who have clearly demonstrated the use of tags in their technology.

Description

The purpose of the contest is to identify those SAM tool vendors who have recognized the necessity of using software identification (SWID) tags as already deployed by Adobe Systems Inc. as well as tags that fully conform to the ISO/IEC 19770-2:2009 standard.

Support for SWID tags by publishers and SAM tool providers is gaining significant traction as organisations realise the bottom line benefits of SWID tags. For example SWID tags are on the road to becoming a standard requirement for software sold to the US Federal Government.

Process
Contestants were provided with a set of tags prior to a presentation interview. They also received a scenario that provided context for their data analysis and reporting.

The scenario was around a marketing organisation that used a combination of Adobe CS 4 products, installed both individually and as part of a suite, across both Windows and Macintosh computers. The sample data set included trial versions of software, as well as retail products with duplicate serial numbers.

Contestants were given one hour to present their solution to a judging panel comprising Martin Thompson, Editor of The ITAM Review and Steve Klos, Executive Director of TagVault.org.

The judges were impressed with the high calibre of entries, and TagVault.org Executive Director Steve Klos has compiled and narrated a video with more details about each contestant’s entry, including screenshots and explanations of particular strengths and technical findings (click on the image below to view the video).

2010 Best Use of Tags Video

Results

• Winner: CA
• Second Place: Sassafras
• Third Place: Aspera
• Fourth Place: Symantec

Winner

2010 Best Use of Software Tags Contest

Vendor
Product	CA IT Client Manager & CA IT Asset Manager
Usage	Importer available to pull in any data Structured SWID tags easy to utilize now Reports created by end users Identify issues based on policy (e.g. All products have the same serial number (Volume key) or all products have different keys (Retail). Tags assist in moving towards management by exception
Contact	Jeff Foucher

Second Place

2010 Best Use of Software Tags Contest

Vendor
Product	K2 – KeyAuditor & KeyServer
Usage	Very strong demonstration version Reports very easy to reference Normalized data allows stronger rule application Reconciliation recommendations based on rules Usage_identifier element integrated into demonstration Self-made tag created and used Automated tracking of software use Ability to lock-down usage based on licensing model
Contact	John Tomeny

Third Place

2010 Best Use of Software Tags Contest

Vendor
Product	Aspera SmartTrack
Usage	Latest version of Aspera provides converter (XML converted to CSV format and imported) Filter out “noise” through rules (Entitlement=False-ignore) Integrated Compliance Reports Tag “Source” can be identified
Contact	Kacey Weinberg

Fourth Place

2010 Best Use of Tags Contest

Vendor
Product	Altiris Inventory Solution
Usage	Initial integration of tag data into inventory Script published on the Symantec website Published scripts collects multiple tags Tag available for Altiris customers today Symantec is the first publisher with certified tags shipping
Contact	Rene Kolga

Visit TagVault.org for further details.