The first internationally approved standard for software asset management (SAM) is officially launching today.
Known as ISO 19770-1, the standard received approval from national standard bodies last month (CRN, 3 April).
The standard’s adoption has been pushed from the outset by a group of UK resellers and industry representatives which formed the not-for-profit Investors in Software (IiS) organisation two years ago to highlight the benefits of implementing a SAM strategy.
The IiS is currently in the process of forming an official certification scheme that incorporates the global standard.
Shaun Fröhlich, chairman of IiS said: “All organisations have assets that are paramount to their business, whether it’s a car fleet, pension plan or creditors and debtors. SAM is about treating software as a core asset and managing it accordingly.
“When companies manage their software effectively they are in control of costs, security and future investments. The industry has been crying out for a consistent, standards-based, professional framework for managing software assets and IiS is in a unique position to deliver this.”
Dave Bicket, Investors in Software board member said: "Our aim is to support and advance professionalism in software asset management. To this end we are working with experts from across the software industry as well as those in the international standards, examination and training sectors to equip IT professionals with the skills and support they need to manage software effectively."
Andy Burton, chief executive of software vendor Centennial Software welcomed the standard.
"ISO 19770-1 is pushing software asset management higher up the IT agenda, and we believe there will be specific revenue opportunities for the channel in the delivery of ISO 19970-1 related services and consultation.
"For a number of years, we’ve promoted the fact that better software
management can lead to significant cost savings for organisations. ISO
19770-1 introduces a framework to help further legitimise this claim and
show companies how to best manage their software estate. Our Vendor Sponsor
status will enable us to work closely with IiS to not only foster the adoption
of this standard but also to provide solutions which enable firms to meet ISO
19770-1 best practice requirements in the shortest time possible."
sara_yirrell@vnu.co.uk
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