Why Software Asset Management is Critical for IT Managers
Posted on Fri, Jan 27, 2012
Software piracy is a well known issue among those in the technology industry – but, what many don’t know is that one out of every five software applications in the US is pirated. So, as a statistical comparison, if five different people are reading this blog, one of them is using pirated software – perhaps unknowingly.
What some also might not know is the level of economic damage that results from otherwise legitimate US and global corporations who have unauthorized software installed. The commercial value of unlicensed software in the US alone was more than $9 billion in 2010, according to a study by the Business Software Alliance (BSA) and IDC. But piracy isn’t just harming the software industry, it’s hurting the economy as a whole, stifling innovation and impairing technology’s ability to help businesses grow and create jobs. Another 2010 BSA/IDC study also found that if piracy was reduced by just ten percentage points in four years, more than 25,000 jobs would be created in the US and $38 billion in new economic activity would result.
This is why IT managers play an important role, managing a critical asset from the day it is purchased. Failure to manage this investment can lead to system failures, lawsuits, or debilitating viruses. When counterfeit software fails to provide the services companies rely on them for, it ends up hurting the businesses’ bottom line and their ability to perform. Just as with any other risks posed to a business, preventative measures must be taken to eliminate the potential for harm that pirated software can cause.
Fortunately, companies can easily protect their IT systems from these types of outcomes by taking appropriate action. One option open to software asset managers is SAM Advantage, which provides in-depth training on proper management of IT assets, allowing organizations to maximize their technology investments while minimizing costs and safeguarding against potential threats.
How are you using Software Asset Management?
Written by: Peter Beruk
Senior Director, Compliance Marketing
Business Software Alliance