I was just recently asked by one of our clients for a proposal regarding a SAM implementation.
The questions they asked were quite interesting: We are supposed to provide a SAM policy (I was scratching my head, what SAM policy? I know what a software policy is or a procurement policy, but SAM...?). And few other "meaningful" questions.
They mentioned the terms SLM (Software License Management) and SAM (Software Asset Management).
Interesting...
Before I started to work as a consultant in the ServiceNow ecosystem in 2014 I was a Software License (aka Asset) Manager for more then 10 years. So, with all due respect, and being very humble if you know me, I believe I know a few things regarding this topic.
This request for proposal was a bit strange. SAM is not a process, SAM is a discipline or better, an entire lifecycle, which consists of many different processes (demand, request, procure, deploy (IMAC), retire).
And the main part of this lifecycle is process or people related. First have the processes in place, define the roles required and assign those roles to the right people who know what they need to do.
Of course, to make this more efficient you will need technology. Here ServiceNow SAM comes in. Today the application is very mature and is being enhanced with every family release.
By the way, we at Accenture can provide help for all 3 elements, process/people/technology. Which of the processes do you actually have under control? Do you have the right people to execute the processes?
If you would like to know more about this topic and how to approach SAM from a holistic point of view, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.
Please let me know if this was helpful for you.
Fun fact: I had a job interview at Flexera in 2013 in the UK. They didn't chose me because of my lack of consulting experience back then... One year later I became a ServiceNow consultant 😉
