As the technology ecosystem grows increasingly complex, the importance of centralized IT planning has never been more apparent. While the allure of decentralization persists, the creation of isolated silos and unwarranted IT expenses often accompanies it. This is where the synergy of IT Asset Management (ITAM) and IT Service Management (ITSM) emerges as a guiding light.  

   

ServiceNow software asset management is at the heart of this transformation– the linchpin that connects ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, and SecOps. With its comprehensive monitoring of software assets, configurations, usage, and installations, ServiceNow software asset management empowers businesses to make informed decisions even within decentralized environments.  

Let's move further with this blog to understand the pivotal role of ServiceNow SAM in driving clarity across the IT landscape, fostering efficient resource allocation, cost management, and strategic planning. 

 

Common Challenges Businesses Face with Mismanaged Software Assets 

In this competitive market, ensuring your company has the right software assets is important. Not only does this help you gain an edge over competitors, but it also lowers your costs and increases efficiency.   

 

  • Mismatched Software Purchases 

Software mismatch is one of the most common challenges with SaaS assets of purchasing companies. This can happen when you purchase an application and add new users or because of your organization's growth. Either way, it is essential to understand how this mismatch affects your company and what you can do about it. 

  • Lack of Software Asset Management Technology 

Software asset management is a process. The right equipment for your company's needs will be the best way to ensure it is done correctly. Very few tools on the market right now provide a holistic view of your environment. Our licensing strategy and partnerships provide reviews by a certified expert in software licensing, not a robot. 

  • Licensing Compliance Issues 

Licensing compliance issues are a significant challenge for many organizations. These are the most common reasons companies face legal action or fines from their software vendors. 

 

Also read Simplify License Management & Reduce Risk with ServiceNow SAM 

 

Real-life Scenarios Where Businesses Struggled Due to Poor SAM Practices 

 

In any industry – retail, agriculture, healthcare, construction, or finance – software has evolved into an essential tool, streamlining processes and enhancing precision. However, this digital boon also brings challenges. Software, once a solution, now poses complexity and discomfort. With software license agreements lengthening, vendor audits intensifying, and budget constraints tightening, the significance of software asset management (SAM) cannot be overstated.  

   

Effective SAM practices are a shield against non-compliance repercussions. The high stakes include fines, legal consequences, and reputational harm. In a landscape where software wields such influence, embracing comprehensive SAM is not just a choice; it's an imperative. 

 

Understanding the Workings of ServiceNow SAM  

ServiceNow's Software Asset Management (SAM) systematically manages software licensing, compliance, and optimization. It tracks unused software rights, aids new purchases, and handles entitlement allocations throughout the software lifecycle. 

 

1. ServiceNow SAM automates data collection from various sources like mobile, desktop, data center, and cloud inventories. It matches purchased licenses with installed ones, keeping tabs on the remaining licenses. This data aids in cost-effective software allocation and reallocation, contributing to cost savings. 

 

2. ServiceNow consolidates IT asset lifecycle processes in a single organizational record. It automates provisioning, maintenance, and decommissioning while ensuring compliance, reducing errors, and capturing management activities. 

 

3. ServiceNow Asset Management automates IT asset lifecycles, overseeing hardware, software, virtual infrastructure, and non-IT assets. Workflows manage asset requests, approvals, entitlement validation, chargebacks, and service provisioning. 

 

4. Combining ServiceNow Asset Management with Configuration Management eliminates data integration hurdles. The business rules engine adds new assets as configuration items (CIs) in the CMDB, accessible to all ServiceNow platform applications. This synergy enhances inventory control and service quality insights via ServiceNow ITSM applications. 

 

Read here to know Tips & strategies to maximize the potential of ServiceNow SAM 

The Features and Functionalities of ServiceNow SAM  

 

1. Increases software asset visibility 

ServiceNow (SAM) helps increase the visibility of software assets and improves software spend management. It tracks, evaluates, and manages all software licenses, compliance, and requirements, optimizes and reclaims unused software rights, acquires new licenses, and allocates them effectively. ServiceNow is also a highly dynamic platform that can be scaled and customized to meet current and future business needs. With a robust software management system, enterprises can know their software expenses will be significantly reduced. 

 

2. Cost of Identity Software 

Software expense tracking module helps to track, evaluate, analyze, and regulate software to eliminate any risk. When you know what you have, then only you will be able to protect it. Get a holistic view of software spending by importing your enterprise financial data. The application will automatically identify software purchase transactions, help the organization track software expenses over time, and view all transactions for a particular product or publisher. It streamlines processes and reduces expenses by organizing software products based on functionality. 

 

3. Dedicated Dashboard 

Software asset management dashboards can quickly and accurately generate reports on any organization's software usage. By leveraging Publisher Packs, enterprises can view and track complex publisher-specific licensing and consumption with dedicated dashboards. 

 

4. License Customization 

ServiceNow (SAM) provides clear, real-time information to reduce potential compliance issues. With license customization technologies, enterprises can easily view the compliance status of licenses. If a license is found to be non-compliant, the scope of the license suggests corrective actions that can be taken to maintain the compliance status. With efficient software solutions, enterprises can improve the accuracy of software entitlements. Automated license solution keeps license status updated without manual calculation. With SAM, you will always be ready for an audit.

 

 

Get important details on An Analysis of the ROI With ServiceNow Software Asset Management here 

 
The Impact of ServiceNow SAM on Business 

ServiceNow emerges as a versatile platform, ushering in a new era of software licensing and asset management. With its user-centric design and potent capabilities, ServiceNow software asset management becomes a driving force in helping businesses regain control over software inventories, curbing costs, and minimizing risks. 

 

1. Unified Software Inventory: ServiceNow software asset management establishes a centralized hub for managing software assets. This repository ensures an updated and comprehensive record of software licenses, installations, and usage data. This holistic overview empowers organizations to oversee their software landscape, simplifying tracking and management. 

 

2. Compliance and Optimization: Ensuring software license compliance and adhering to regulations is streamlined by ServiceNow software asset management. Detecting instances of non-compliance—such as underutilization or overuse of licenses—is made easier. Insights provided by the platform assist in optimizing license allocation, preventing legal repercussions and unnecessary expenses. 

 

 

3. Automated License Resolution: ServiceNow SAM takes license resolution to new heights through automation. It accurately aligns license entitlements with software installations, eradicating manual errors. This automated process delivers real-time insights into license usage, ensuring constant awareness of compliance status. 

 

4. Mitigating Risks and Security Compliance: Robust security features within ServiceNow SAM assist organizations in tackling software vulnerabilities. Maintaining updated software versions and patches, businesses bolster their security measures and satisfy compliance mandates. 

 

ServiceNow software asset management’s multifaceted impact on businesses is undeniable, revolutionizing how software assets are managed, securing compliance, and optimizing operations.

 

 

Also get insights on Optimizing Asset Management with SAM Portal & Cloud Software 

 

Conclusion 

  

The capabilities of ServiceNow SAM pave the road to effective IT management. With a robust SAM strategy, businesses can drive down software costs, ensure compliance, and optimize processes. Valuable insights from accurate data uncover unused software, streamline inventory, and rationalize software vendors. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis emerges as pivotal, illuminating investment, upgrades, and compliance advantages. As businesses embark on this transformative journey from complexity to clarity, the expertise of inMorphis lends invaluable support. With inMorphis, the promise of streamlined efficiency, significant savings, and maximize ROI through the skills of ServiceNow software asset management has become an attainable reality.