ARTICLE: Cost Cutting Tips; Viewers and Free Alternatives

23 June 2009
2 minute read
Best practice

ARTICLE: Cost Cutting Tips; Viewers and Free Alternatives

23 June 2009
2 minute read

One way to reduce software costs is to swap out certain applications for free, cheaper or viewer alternatives.

I don’t mean big projects like moving from Microsoft Office to OpenOffice, or swapping out your CRM or ERP system for a cheaper alternative. But small tactical swap outs that drive license savings right now and don’t take major restructuring, education or political upheavals.

The most popular example is to look at which users can be moved from Microsoft Office Professional to Standard depending on their use of Access (22% difference between Standard and Professional boxed product).  The benefits for each organisation will obviously depend on individual agreements.

Discussing this process with users has been made a lot easier by the current economic climate i.e. “We are looking to save money for the company to save cutbacks elsewhere etc.” Only eighteen months ago IT staff would have faced considerable push back from users who ‘might want to use Access in the future’.

I have started to compile a list:

If you know of any other alternatives please let me know – either by contacting me directly or posting a reply below, thanks.


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.

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