What is the term used for software whose details are not fully known?

The term used for software whose details are not fully known is referred to as "unknown." This designation typically indicates that there are gaps in information regarding the software's licensing, usage, compliance status, or other essential attributes.

In the context of Software Asset Management (SAM), identifying unknown software is crucial because it poses potential risks, such as licensing violations or untracked costs, which can affect an organization's compliance and financial standing. Unknown software can lead to compliance issues if the organization uses software without a clear understanding of its obligations regarding licenses, updates, and support.

Conversely, the other terms offered do not accurately describe software with ambiguous or incomplete information. "Licensable" suggests that the software can be licensed but does not imply uncertainty about its details. "Child" typically refers to software components or dependencies but lacks relevance to the context of software knowledge. "Patch" specifically relates to updates or fixes for existing software and does not convey the concept of unknown details regarding the software itself.

Understanding the implications of unknown software can help organizations prioritize their SAM efforts, ensuring that all software in use is properly documented and managed.