Microsoft launches Business benchmarking for Software Asset Management

08 July 2008
2 minute read
Best practice

Microsoft launches Business benchmarking for Software Asset Management

08 July 2008
2 minute read

Microsoft has always led the field in software asset management and license compliance from a software vendor perspective and their latest offering consolidates this position.

Their SAM Optimization Model, announced at their Worldwide Partner Conference in Houston this week, offers organisations an opportunity to benchmark themselves against a Software Asset Management maturity model.

The SAM Optimization apparently works along the same lines as the existing Optimization framework; that is; Basic, Standardized, Rationalized and Dynamic. Customers can work with their business partner to assess how they are doing in managing their software assets.

Michael Beare, Director of License Compliance at Microsoft“The end goal of the evaluation is to assess the SAM Optimization level of the organization based on a set of consistent, established and objective criteria. Once customers know their level of optimization they can work to transition from one stage of optimization to the next, thereby maximizing their software assets and reaping the benefits of doing so” said Michael Beare, Director of License Compliance at Microsoft .

“This model enables the partner and the customer to have a structured conversation about the level of proficiency and maturity in a customer’s management of it’s software assets, approaching it from a management process perspective”.

The best news of all with this new initiative, is that Microsoft have wisely chosen to release the model openly into the partner community and benefit of all those working in the license management field, which will undoubtedly lead to an increase in maturity and professionalism with SAM professionals and consultants.

Microsoft Software Asset Management (SAM) Site

SAM Optimization Model Helps Move Customers Toward Dynamic IT

About Martin Thompson

Martin is the founder of ITAM Forum, a not-for-profit trade body for the advancement of IT Asset Management.

He is also the author of the book "Practical ITAM - The essential guide for IT Asset Managers", a book that describes how to get started and make a difference in the field of IT Asset Management. In addition, Martin developed the PITAM training course and certification.

Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

  • news post 1 ITAM News & Analysis

    Will 'Sustainable IT' be Caught in the Crossfire?

    In the days immediately following his inauguration, President Trump and his team declared war on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at the federal level. The impact has been felt far and wide. Many government contractors ...
    Read More
  • news post 1 AI

    Are we ready for outcome-based pricing?

    When I first joined the ITAM industry (which feels like a million years ago), the predominant licensing metric in the market was per device. So, if you have three devices, you need three licenses. Then, with ...
    Read More
  • news post 1 AI

    AI and ML: The Game Changers in ITAM for 2025

    IT Asset Management (ITAM) is experiencing a groundbreaking evolution, heavily influenced by the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These cutting-edge technologies will revolutionise conventional ITAM methods while bringing both exciting possibilities and ...
    Read More
  • news post 1 Best practice

    Data Management Best Practices

    Effective data management is crucial for successful IT asset management. Leveraging a structured approach like the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle can help structure your efforts. This approach should be easy to integrate into the existing processes and/or ...
    Read More