ARTICLE: Driving Down Software Costs with Software Asset Optimization – Three Phase Optimization Process (Part 5/6)

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ARTICLE: Driving Down Software Costs with Software Asset Optimization – Three Phase Optimization Process (Part 5/6)

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 FIVE – Three Phase Optimization Process

The process of applying the four functions to the goal of Software Asset Optimization has three main classes of activity –

1. Set-up and discovery
2. Analysis of discrepancies and identification of priorities for action
3. Optimization actions – redeploying applications, consolidating maintenance purchases, etc

Optimization Activities and Priorities
This matrix summarizes the full set of potential activities in the three stage optimization process. Each organization will decide where it wishes to deploy its resources first, depending on its goals.
IT asset management tools will be needed to fully exploit the potential of optimization, including software inventory and software usage measurement. Tools are readily available, including on a temporary basis for an investigative survey.

Optimization Factor	Set up and Discovery	Variance Analysis	Optimization Action
Copies Installed (Inventory)	Resolve any applications not recognized by the inventory/discovery tool	Regular review of correlation of inventory with licenses owned.	Removal and redeployment of applications for compliance.
Copies Required (Application Policies)	Define application policies in consultation with IT and user departments.	Regular review of correlation of inventory and usage with application policies.	Regular review and update of application policies to define desktop IT needs.
Copies Used (Software Metering)	Low initial setup task, Low ongoing maintenance.	Regular review to identify unused copies of software.	Regular review to identify wasted installations that can be redeployed or where training is required to enable use.
Licenses Owned (License Recording)	High initial data input Steady ongoing update.	Regular review of correlation of inventory with licenses owned.	Ensure licenses are correctly recorded.

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 Six Here.

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