IT Asset Management (ITAM) incorporates management of both hardware and software assets within an organisation to ensure efficient and reliable delivery of IT services, while minimising the costs and risks associated in providing these services.
Included in this responsibility is the development and maintenance of policies, standards, processes, systems and measurements that enable the organisation to manage the IT Asset Portfolio with respect to risk, cost, control, IT Governance, compliance and business performance objectives.
ITAM business practices have a common set of goals:
- Uncover savings through process improvement and support for strategic decision making.
- Gain control of the inventory.
- Increase accountability to ensure compliance.
- Enhance performance of assets and the life cycle management.
- Risk reduction through standardisation, proper documentation and loss detection.
ITAM comprises two core areas; Hardware Asset Management and Software Asset Management.
Hardware Asset Management entails the management of the physical components of computers and computer networks, from acquisition through to disposal. Common business practices include request and approval process, procurement management, life cycle management, redeployment and disposal management.
A key component is capturing the financial information about the hardware life cycle, which aids the organisation in making business decisions based on meaningful and measurable financial objectives.
Software Asset Management (SAM) is a business practice that involves managing and optimising the purchase, deployment, maintenance, utilisation and disposal of software applications within an organisation. According to the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), SAM is defined as “…all of the infrastructure and processes necessary for the effective management, control and protection of the software assets…throughout all stages of their lifecycle.”
Fundamentally intended to be part of an organisation's information technology strategy the goals of SAM are to reduce information technology costs and limit business and legal risk related to the ownership and use of software, while maximising IT responsiveness and end-user productivity.
Fusion5 can help with the processes and tools required to ensure successful deployment of ITAM initiatives within your organisation.
For further information on how Fusion5 can assist your business, please contact Graham Barker +64 (9) 379 0525.