ARTICLE: Driving Down Software Costs with Software Asset Optimization – Optimization’s Potential Benefits (Part 4/6)

25 June 2009
2 minute read
Best practice

ARTICLE: Driving Down Software Costs with Software Asset Optimization – Optimization’s Potential Benefits (Part 4/6)

25 June 2009
2 minute read

This article series has been contributed by Colin Bartram of Vector Networks.

In this series Colin looks at how organisations can drive down software costs with proactive software management.

Driving Down Costs with Software Asset Optimization
Part 1: Extending Audit Horizons
Part 2: Software Asset Optimization Defined
Part 3: High Level Business Drivers
Part 4: Optimization’s Potential Benefits
Part 5: Three Phase Optimization Process
Part 6: Fast Track to Optimization Benefits

PART FOUR – Optimization’s Potential Benefits

The Opportunities of Optimization
Whenever any two of the four factors (mentioned in Part Three) are out of sync, there is opportunity for improved optimization. An organization can decide which areas of improvement to pursue, based on top-down management principles, or may decide to wait until comprehensive information has been collected on all four factors before setting priorities.

Factors out of sync.

Opportunity for improved optimization

Licenses < installations

Non-compliant situation.

Licenses > Installations

Spare licenses can be redeployed or cancelled.

Installations < Copies needed

Installations are not as planned and desktop users may not be adequately provided for.

Installations > Copies needed

Installations are not as planned.

Licenses <> Copies needed

Improve the coordination between the requirement planning and purchasing functions.

Installations > Copies used

Wasted installations that could be redeployed or training may be required to
increase use.

Colin Bartram

Colin Bartram

About the Author

Colin Bartram is VP Technology with Vector Networks Technology Group. He has been involved in the evolution of IT asset management since its inception in the 1980s, holding positions primarily in marketing and product management. Further information regarding Vector Networks can be found here.

Read part five here.

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