SAM (Software Asset Management) refers to managing an organization's software licenses effectively throughout the lifecycle. It helps save costs by optimizing license usage, ensures legal compliance, and improves security. Key aspects of SAM include regularly inventorying software installations, matching licenses to installations, reviewing policies, and developing an ongoing plan. Implementing SAM requires the right tools, processes, and people. Microsoft offers resources like free training and tools to help organizations implement an effective SAM program.

1. Software
Asset
Management

2. What is SAM?
“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.”
ITIL Best Practice Guide Software Asset Management, 2003

3. What is SAM?
• SAM helps with:
– Cost savings. Are you paying too much? With SAM you use the
licences you already have and acquire only the software you
need.
– Peace of mind. Have you got any out-of-date programs?
Perhaps you have software that you don't know about installed
on company machines. SAM helps you clear old servers or
programs that could jeopardise the security of your data.
– Staying legal. Are you under-licensed or are you unwittingly
running counterfeit software? It's important to stay legal and buy
your licences from authorised Microsoft resellers so that you can
enjoy the latest innovations and security updates to your
software and get the most from your investment.

4. What is SAM?
SAM helps you to:
•
•
•
•
•
Discover what software is installed, and where
Determine where your software is best used
Find out what licensing documentation you need
Plan for future technology investments
Establish the best licensing solution for your
organisation.

5. What is SAM?
SAM begins with a four-step process:
1. Perform a software inventory
-
manually
using automated discovery tools.
1. Match licences with software installed
-
find the licensing documentation for each
program
record the information in a report
compare this report with your software inventory.

6. What is SAM?
3. Review policies and procedures
-
establish new standards and guidelines
4. Develop an ongoing SAM plan
-
standardise software programs
retire obsolete PCs, laptops and servers
schedule spot-checks and inventories
establish ongoing employee training.

7. The SAM lifecycle
Requisition
Requisition
Buy
Buy
Deploy
Deploy
Retire
Retire
Manage
Manage
Successful and
ongoing SAM
requires the
effective use of:
technology
people
processes

8. How can SAM benefit your
organisation?

9. What are the benefits?
• Savings of up to 30% can be achieved
with SAM
Yet:
• Fewer than 50% of companies conduct
regular software audits
• 94% of companies are unaware of the
legal penalties for non-compliance

10. What are the benefits?
SAM helps your organisation:
• Save money
- use the licences you have
- acquire only the software you need.
• Stay secure
- gain control of the software installed on
company machines
- clear old servers or programs that could
jeopardise the security of your data.

11. What are the benefits?
SAM helps your organisation:
• Stay legal
- ensure you’re not under-licensed or unwittingly
running counterfeit software
- enjoy the latest innovations and security updates
that come with genuine software so you get the
most from your IT.

12. What are the risks?
Poor lifecycle management and an
unmanaged environment affects your
competitive advantage.
Poor financial
controls
Leading to overspending and inadequate use of
purchasing leverage
Ability to manage Important infrastructure upgrades become too
technological
hard if you don’t know what you have to upgrade
change
or retire
Penalties
Negative perceptions of companies found to be
non-compliant
Deployment of
unsecure code
If you buy and deploy counterfeit software

13. Is your organisation at risk?
Can you be certain that:
• your systems are not at risk from counterfeit
software?
• your company is legally compliant?
Microsoft research in 2006 showed that 1 in 3
organisations have counterfeit software.

14. How can we help you with SAM?

15. How can Microsoft help?
Microsoft has a range of resources to help you
implement SAM in your organisation - the three
main choices are:
1. Work with a Microsoft SAM Certified partner to
implement SAM within your organisation
2. Access free SAM resources including tools, templates
and guides so you can manage the implementation
yourself
3. Enrol into the Microsoft SAM Programme by working
with a Certified SAM partner and receive free training
plus recognition for your SAM implementation

16. Microsoft SAM
Programme
(UK)

17. What is The Microsoft SAM
Programme?
The Microsoft SAM Programme is a framework of steps to
complete the first and hardest part of implementing SAM
within your organisation - the software audit stage
The key steps are:
1.
Enrol into the programme by selecting a partner and giving them
permission to access your license data
2.
Attend free SAM Basics training or arrange a complimentary SAM
session with a registered Microsoft SAM Programme partner
3.
Complete a review of your software and licences with a SAM
Programme partner
4.
Receive confirmation of completion
5.
Implement policies and processes to continue SAM plan and stay
in control

19. Benefits of Microsoft SAM
Programme
•
•
•
•
SAM Plan
– It provides a licensing baseline for your SAM plan
– It increases your knowledge and helps you make more improved and
knowledgeable licensing choices in the future
Assistance
– It provides you access to free tools, reports and support from Microsoft to
complete the programme
– It allows you to work with registered SAM partners that have been trained to
deliver this programme
– It provides you access to Microsoft Financing offers so that you can fund your
SAM implementation and any licence shortfall you may encounter
Training
– It provides you free SAM Basics training and introductory sessions to evaluate
and start your organisation’s SAM plan
Recognition
– It provides you recognition for completing the programme with a certificate valid
for 12 months

20. Benefits of a Microsoft Certified
SAM Partner in The
Microsoft SAM Programme
•
•
All Microsoft SAM Certified Partners have:
– Attained the Microsoft SAM Competency in the Microsoft Partner
Programme by:
• Attending training and passing Microsoft Certified Professional
Exams
• Submitted case studies and proof of experience in implementing
SAM solutions for Microsoft customers
– Attended specialist training delivered by Microsoft on:
• Analysing customer licence reports
• Identifying Genuine product
• Identifying proof of licence
All Microsoft SAM Partners receive specialist support to manage queries
and escalations during licence reviews

21. How do I enrol in the Programme?
• Find out more from
www.microsoft.com.uk/licensing/sam
• Choose SAM Partner
• Complete Permission to Proceed Form and
submit to uksam@microsoft.com

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