What does the primary key of a software installation consist of?

The primary key of a software installation typically consists of the Publisher, Display Name, and Version because these elements uniquely identify a specific software product within a software asset management (SAM) system.

The Publisher is essential as it indicates who developed the software, which helps in distinguishing between different products that may have similar names. The Display Name allows users to recognize the software easily, especially in environments where multiple products may be installed. The Version number is critical as it differentiates between the iterative updates of the same product. Together, these three components create a unique identifier that ensures precise tracking of installations, compliance, and licensing, making them fundamental to effective SAM practices.

In other options, elements such as Product Name and Installation Date or License Key and Product Type do not provide the same level of uniqueness as the combination in the correct answer. Hence, while they may offer important information about installed software, they don’t serve as the primary key in a comprehensive and effective SAM strategy.