'Big' ITAM News For 2024
As we come to the end of 2024, we wanted to recap some of the ‘biggest’ 2024 ITAM, SAM and HAM new stories along with commentary for our team of industry analysts.
February: Flexera Acquires Snow Software
During February, Flexera confirmed it had completed the acquisition of Snow Software.
According to ITAM Forum Analyst AJ Witt, “Flexera now has perhaps the best ITAM-specific talent pool in the industry.”
And, similarly, according to former ITAM Forum Analyst Rich Gibbons, “Both Flexera and Snow have some exceptionally talented staff. It’s hoped that coming together will lead to new innovations at a fast pace, which will benefit the wider ITAM industry as a whole.”
March: FinOps Framework Updates Include Licensing & SaaS
The FinOps Foundation added a new Licensing & SaaS capability to its framework, recognising the importance of ITAM/SAM in the management and optimisation of cloud costs.
According to Rich Gibbons, “This addition is primarily down to the tireless efforts of various ITAM industry ambassadors who have worked with the FinOps Foundation to highlight the importance of this relationship.”
According to former ITAM Forum Analyst Ryan Stefani, “This is a call to action for asset managers to assert themselves within their organisation’s FinOps practice. Asset managers have the skills to jump start a FinOps practice if an organisation lacks one. If such a practice is in existence, it presents an opportunity for ITAM to shine.”
April: The Dutch Police Achieved ISO 19770-1 Certification
The Dutch Police became the fourth organisation to achieve ISO 19770-1 certification. This massive achievement matters because: The Dutch Police’s ITAM team set an example concerning the maturing and professionalising of practices, and others teams have taken notice. This not only helps the ITAM team build and strengthen relationships across the organisation but also, inspires other teams to follow in their footsteps, which ultimately, will better the organisation overall.
June: Adobe Sued by FTC
The Federal Trade Commission announced legal proceedings against Adobe and two of its senior executives for what it claims is misleading and complex terms and activities related to cancellation of software subscriptions. The alleged unfair practices and cancellation terms only apply to individual and small business purchases of Adobe software.
However, says AJ Witt, “It’s important to pay close attention to usage of your Adobe subscriptions as you need to notify your reseller (or Adobe if buying direct) of your renewal quantities in advance of your renewal date.”
August: Gartner Magic Quadrant – DEX
Gartner released its inaugural Digital Employee Experience (DEX) Magic Quadrant. DEX tools help IT leaders improve the digital employee experience and empower IT workers to shift focus from technology management to more business-value-added work.
According to Ryan Stefani, “Consider this a critical call to action to learn more about DEX technology and the concepts that DEX enables. This should help to shift the traditional perception of ITAM to taking control of digital workplaces and their technology.”
September: USU Acquisition by Toma Bravo
Private Equity firm Thoma Bravo, owner of Flexera, announced its intent to acquire a new corporate entity USU Product, subject to regulatory approvals. The new USU Product company brings together USU’s ITSM, ITAM, ITOM, and Knowledge Management products. Alongside Thoma Bravo, USU Software AG (the publicly listed holding company of the USU Group) will invest in the new entity. USU’s Digital Consulting services are not part of the acquisition and will remain a member of the USU Group.
October: Walmart Settle eScrap Disposal Case
Walmart settled its e-scrap disposal case (the suite began in 2021) and was required to pay $7.5 million in penalties and costs and comply with injunctive terms.
According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2024, 62 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was produced in 2022, up 82% from 2010. And, it’s on track to rise to 82 million tonnes in 2030. With ITAM serving a governance role, responsible for the entire lifecycle of IT assets, it plays a key and important role when it comes to IT asset disposition.
December: The End of Microsoft’s ‘Get Licensing Ready’ Website
Microsoft announced its ‘Get Licensing Ready’ website will retire on 1 January 2025. The decision to retire the website stems from Microsoft’s intention to streamline its resources. It will instead, direct partner and customers to Microsoft.com/licensing information pages.
According to ITAM Forum Analyst Kelly Yip, “This website has been a valuable resource for many people in the industry, providing Microsoft Licensing, agreement, and product evaluation in the form of videos, white papers, and more.”
This raises the question: what do those of us who rely on this website do next to maintain our Microsoft Licensing knowledge?
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