Definition:

" Software Asset Management (SAM) is all of the infrastructure and processes necessary for the effective management, control and protection of the software assets within an organisation, throughout all stages of their lifecycle"

 

The Need

'The role and importance of externally acquired software has changed dramatically in recent years, to the point now where it has to be regarded as a business asset and managed as such. Software Asset Management has become an imperative, not an option. Software licences are business assets. Without them directors expose their business and themselves to constraints and to legal and financial risk.'

Ref: George Cox, the Director General of the Institute of Directors (IoD) UK