How can organizations benefit from data-driven insights in SAM?

Organizations can significantly benefit from data-driven insights in Software Asset Management (SAM) by understanding software usage trends. This knowledge allows them to identify which software assets are used effectively, which ones are underutilized, and which may be redundant. By analyzing usage data, organizations can make informed decisions about software purchasing, licensing agreements, and potential cost savings.

Understanding software usage trends can lead to optimized licensing, ensuring that the organization pays only for what it truly needs. Additionally, insights gained from usage data enable the organization to forecast future software needs more accurately and to align software assets with actual business requirements. This proactive approach to managing software not only enhances compliance with licensing agreements but also contributes to overall operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

In contrast to this correct understanding, blindly following vendor recommendations may lead organizations to make purchases or adopt software that does not necessarily fit their needs. Increasing software spending without a clear understanding of usage trends can result in wasted resources. Similarly, enforcing stricter rules on non-compliance is often a response to issues rather than a strategic approach to managing software assets informed by data. Therefore, leveraging data-driven insights to grasp software usage trends is the most beneficial and strategic approach in SAM.