In my view, both HAM and SAM are components of ITAM.
SAM tends to get more exposure and emphasis (especially on this site) because:
Software audits are an expensive, compelling focus
Software is mysterious, expensive and ephemeral, unlike hardware which can collect dust, take up space and hold open doors when not in use. Just try explaining to a non-IT finance person where the money got spent on physical servers versus client access licenses – one is significantly more easier explain than the other.
However rather than being separate disciplines I believe there is significant overlap. You can’t really do one without the other. Implementing a good SAM practice will undoubtedly have good repercussions on the management of other assets but will fall short of full ITAM. The key dependency between HAM and SAM is the platform – which is usually very important. It could be firmware on a switch, the number of processors on a server or the operating system of a desktop.
When I ask ITAM professionals about their transition to the cloud, the responses are often similar. “It wasn’t my decision.” It’s striking how many people feel this way—decisions about moving from on-premises solutions to the cloud ...
Marks & Spencer (M&S), the iconic UK retailer, recently became the latest high-profile victim of a devastating cyberattack. Fellow retailers The Co-Op and Harrods were also attacked. Recent reports suggest the rapid action at the Co-Op ...
During our Wisdom Unplugged USA event in New York in March 2025, we engaged ITAM professionals with three targeted polling questions to uncover their current thinking on Artificial Intelligence—what concerns them, where they see opportunity, and ...
Podcast
No time to read? Want to stay up to date on the move? Subscribe to the ITAM Review podcast.
Marks & Spencer (M&S), the iconic UK retailer, recently became the latest high-profile victim of a devastating cyberattack. Fellow retailers The Co-Op and Harrods were also attacked. Recent reports suggest the rapid action at the Co-Op ...
During our Wisdom Unplugged USA event in New York in March 2025, we engaged ITAM professionals with three targeted polling questions to uncover their current thinking on Artificial Intelligence—what concerns them, where they see opportunity, and ...
In the world of ITAM, the regulatory spotlight continues to intensify, especially for financial institutions facing increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies due to the growing importance of IT in operational resilience, service delivery, and risk management. ...
Executive Summary For ITAM teams, sustainability is a core responsibility and opportunity. Managing hardware, software, and cloud resources now comes with the ability to track, reduce, and report carbon emissions. Understanding emission scopes—from direct operational emissions ...