Software Asset Management (SAM) or ‘Software License Management (SLM)—which one does your organization need? Are they both the same? Or why does your organization need both?
In the IT industry, software asset management and software license management are two very common terms. Though their functionalities are linked, they are two different aspects of software management. This blog will delve into the SAM vs SLM analysis. You will also get deep insights into how each is equally important in managing all your business software and licensing.
SAM vs SLM: What are software assets?
Any applications or programs used by any organization can be called their software assets. This may include all the software, support documents, data rights, and more. Even all the hardware (machines or systems) used by any organization can be referred to as their software assets.
What is Software Asset Management (SAM)?
Software asset management involves tracking all software assets, monitoring them, deploying them across the organization, running their maintenance, and other important operations.
For efficient management of all the software assets, organizations often use software asset management solutions.
SAM vs SLM: What are software licenses?
Every software, whether enterprise or personal, free or paid, comes with a predefined set of terms and conditions. These conditions explain how to use the software, who can use it, when to use it, and more. These terms and conditions are collectively termed software licenses.
What is Software License Management (SLM)?
Software license management is the process of managing all the permissions, restrictions, and other conditions within an organization. Usually, it requires a single console to streamline software usage while complying with all the terms and conditions mentioned in the licenses.
Differences between SAM and SLM: A real-life analogy
Consider a school library an IT organization. It can be linked to different aspects of IT asset management, such as:
- The books and other knowledge resources are similar to software assets.
- The librarians or officials can be called IT admins.
- Students or staff members can be referred to as the users who use the assets of the library.
- The rules and permissions to use the different sections or any other content of the library resemble software licenses.
- Other materials within the library, like chairs, benches, and printers, can be considered hardware.
Hence, we can conclude that software license management is always a part of software asset management.
Point of thought: SAM vs SLM
Having an apt software asset management tool helps organizations estimate their past, present, and future software requirements. On the other hand, having a software license management tool helps the organization to utilize software licenses profoundly.Â
Well, to mention here, software licenses often go wasted or unutilized due to inefficient management. OpenLM is one such organization that helps organizations optimize all their engineering and specialty software licenses. With features such as idle time monitoring, license harvesting and real-time reports, it is all set to redefine your license management experience. If you are looking for the most trusted platforms for effective software license management, get started here.
