What are the benefits and challenges of implementing ITIL SAM best practices?

I'm sorry, but I'll give ITIL the time of day when it stops referring to SAM as "a process". We at ITAM Accelerate are up to 45 processes (and counting) to govern and execute on effective ITAM.

Rather than implementing/adapting ITIL for SAM, I feel it's better to implement ISO19770 standards because ITIL doesn't elaborate SAM in a detailed manner as ISO19770 does. ISO19770 covers the importance of trustworthy data and how to achieve that , lifecycle of an asset and how each process integrates right from request, procurement, deployment, management, support and disposal and optimisation as well by including the functions/department such as finance, vendor management and service level management. ITIL is great when it comes to implement processes such as incident, problem, change, availability, configuration management etc

ITIL SAM best practices offer significant benefits such as cost reduction through optimized software licensing, risk mitigation by preventing compliance issues, and improved service delivery by ensuring asset availability. However, implementing SAM can be challenging due to factors like data accuracy, integration complexities, and resistance to change within the organization. Successful adoption requires a strategic approach, dedicated resources, and strong executive support.

It's crucial to note that the effectiveness of ITIL/SAM largely depends on the commitment of an organisation to adhere to its practices diligently and consistently. The initial setup and ongoing management often require significant resources.

A key, often overlooked, aspect is its role in fostering a culture of software sustainability. By promoting efficient use of software resources, ITIL SAM encourages organizations to be more environmentally conscious, reducing digital waste and promoting green IT practices.

Effective life cycle management of an asset is key when it comes to software asset management and license management which often refers as a subset of SAM to be prioritised. Software license management to be defined to include right from procuring a software, recording the entitlement (proof of entitlement), software request management, software deployment, management of licenses after deployment, tracking end of life/support and disposal. If all these are taken care of(not an easy job considering day to day changes in software licensing imposed by ISVs), risk mitigation is not a difficult task at all

Software is not just a tool but a strategic asset. This mindset shift leads to better resource allocation, driving innovation and competitive advantage while fostering a culture that values continuous improvement in software management.

Leveraging smart automation can significantly reduce this complexity. Automated systems streamline asset tracking and analysis, provide insights for efficient asset utilisation, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of your SAM strategy.

Managing software assets especially where ISVs frequently changes/updates licensing T & C are very complex. Detailed understanding of sw licensing of major vendors, updates on licensing, how to discover and inventory those sw's especially for those having complex licensing metrics(majorly IBM, oracle etc) is the key. If Gartner dinros concept is implemented I e how to discover(d), inventory (I), normalisation (n), reconciliation (r) , it becomes little easier to manage software assets provided adequate skilled resources are available for implementation with management/sponsor support. Value of SAM is highlighted only when a sw audit is initiated in most of the organizations, proactive approach is recommended rather than being reactive

On thing that can help is to incorporate agile methodologies into SAM can effectively address this dynamic nature. By adopting iterative, flexible strategies, you can adapt more swiftly to evolving software landscapes, and events ensuring your SAM practices remain relevant and effective.

Challenges of Implementing ITIL in SAM: 1. Implementation Complexity: Adopting ITIL can be complex, requiring significant time and resources for training and restructuring processes. 2. Resistance to Change: Employees may resist changes to established workflows, necessitating effective change management strategies. 3. Initial Costs:The upfront costs associated with ITIL implementation, including training and software, can be substantial. 4. Ongoing Maintenance: Sustaining ITIL practices requires ongoing effort and monitoring, potentially impacting day-to-day operations.