Software Asset Management (SAM) has become one of the most important aspects of IT Management. Nowadays, SAM plans are implemented in most of the companies which have to control Software Assets due to financial policy of cutting expenses. Software Asset Management enables wise costs management.  Thanks to SAM we know exactly what we have and what we need.  It definitely makes it possible to use software assets in the most effective way as a result of continual control through their whole lifecycle.

          There are many benefits of Software Asset Management. First of all we can save a lot of money. Having SAM in place, we get the knowledge of the exact number of licenses we have in the company. Though, there is no need to purchase more, we can always redeploy the one which are currently not in use. Writing about costs, we have to mention also about possibilities of volume license discounts which are possible thanks to centralized purchasing process, which is the core process of SAM.

          Software Asset Management plans introduce also set of software Use Policies which forbid downloading illegal software. It helps to ensure that software used in the company is approved and the only software used is genuine one. What is more, database with all detailed information about software used in the company could be great back-up just in case of disaster. While we got to the point of disaster it is worth to add that SAM helps also to keep the data safe and protects it. Software Policies which are the part of comprehensive SAM plan takes care of Disaster recovery plan which is vital for most of the organizations.

          Moreover, SAM provides us with the information what software we have, what for and where it is installed or stored.  Such a data are invaluable for the improving business performance. It enables to plan the expenses, development of IT environment and other strategic matters related to business performance. Other significant advantage of SAM is the fact that it helps managers to justify the purchase of the software. It is very often difficult the costs to be accepted if we do not have any good explanation.