What is a primary goal of Software Asset Management (SAM)?

The primary goal of Software Asset Management (SAM) is to maintain compliance. This involves ensuring that an organization adheres to the licensing agreements and legal requirements associated with the software it uses. It encompasses tracking software purchases, managing licenses, and verifying that the use of software is in alignment with the terms set by vendors.

By maintaining compliance, an organization can mitigate risks related to software audits, avoid penalties for unauthorized use, and manage costs more effectively. Ensuring compliance also supports the organization's governance framework by establishing accountability and fostering best practices around software use.

In contrast, while data backup, increasing software varieties, and developing new software are important aspects of IT management, they do not directly align with the specific aims of SAM, which focuses on the lifecycle management and optimization of software assets in a compliant manner.