Asset in ITSM vs SAM as Module

[PaulSylo]

May be sounding very basic questions, but really need clarification. in this below picture, What is the difference between Asset in ITSM and SAM as Module? appreciate a detailed explanation, pls

[Miguel Donayre]

Software Asset Management

The ServiceNow® Software Asset Management (SAM) application systematically tracks and evaluates software licenses and compliance. Track purchased software and license terms by creating software models and entitlements. Identify assigned, unused, and non-compliant licenses. Reclaim unused and non-compliant licenses, or purchase additional licenses for compliance. Report on quarterly license costs and savings and identify licenses to renew in the next quarter.

Asset Management

The ServiceNow® Asset Management application integrates the physical, technological, contractual, and financial aspects of information technology assets.

Asset management business practices have a common set of goals.

• Control inventory that is purchased and used.
• Reduce the cost of purchasing and managing assets.
• Select the proper tools for managing assets.
• Manage the asset life cycle from planning to disposal.
• Achieve compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Improve IT service to end-users.
• Create standards and processes for managing assets.

Most successful ITAM programs involve a variety of people and departments, including IT, finance, services, and end-users.

Asset Management and the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) are related but have different goals. Asset Management focuses on the financial tracking of company property. Configuration management focuses on building and maintaining elements that create an available network of services.

• Asset Management Overview module

  The Asset Management Overview module displays widgets showing information such as configuration item by manufacturer, computers by manufacturer, configuration item types, and asset information for a specific vendor. It also includes a report widget showing pending asset retirements for the current week, month, and year.

Basically, SAM is just for software and the full management of it . ITSM AM is for all Assets to include Software but not as granular as SAM.  

Hope that helps

[Monali Patil · Accepted solution]

Hi Paulsylo,

ITAM and SAM

Though they seem similar, the terms ITAM, SAM are not interchangeable. While closely related, each area focuses on a particular area of asset and application management brought about by changes in the evolution of tech and IT procurement.

Information Technology Asset Management (ITAM)

All IT assets: hardware and software

ITAM encompasses the financial, contractual, and risk management of all IT assets, both physical and digital. It is the overarching umbrella of all asset management and includes hardware and software.

While SAM has become a more popular topic of discussion (because of the shift to software license management and audit potential), it’s important to remember that software cannot exist without some physical assets, making ITAM’s overarching focus a continued priority within the business.

Software Asset Management (SAM)

All software: on-prem and cloud

SAM is the practice of managing software, both on-prem and in the cloud. It includes the monitoring of software usage, procurement, deployment, risk management, licensing, and compliance throughout the lifecycle.

Because careful software asset management has the power to uncover huge cost savings for the business and increase utilization of key applications, SAM is shifting from a “nice to have” role in the company to a core business function.

SAM for On-Premise vs. SAM for SaaS

While SAM encompasses both on-premise software and SaaS, these two elements and the way they’re managed are very different. For instance:

With SaaS, you only pay to provision the licenses you need. The cost is more flexible than on-prem software because of this, but the contracts often auto-renew, regardless of how the licenses are used, if they are not proactively managed.

Because you’re essentially accessing the SaaS licenses via the cloud, no hardware, in-house training, or maintenance is required. The vendor hosts the application and monitors its security for you as part of the cost, but it’s hard to control what data employees store in the cloud apps without a governance strategy.

If my answer helps you please mark as correct/helpful.

Regards,

Monali Patil

[John Jones1]

If you haven't already, i suggest you reach out to your Sales Support team.

[Runjay Patel]

Software Asset Management (SAM - Pro)

Check out this video, it will clear all your doubts and help you to understand Software Asset Management (SAM - Pro) in details.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIGcZxQaeEoh0bObsaDpMeYk2N2QXAtBK

It will help you resolve below queries:

• SAM Offers / Challenges
• Deep Understanding about SAM Terminology
• IT Assets & Configuration Items
• IT And Software Asset Lifecycle
• SAM Optimization Checklist
• Plugins For Software Asset Management
• Software Entitlement
  • Software Entitlement Import
  • Benefits of using software entitlements
  • To download to entitlement import template
  • Entitlement Import Process
  • Entitlement Import Errors
  • Entitlement Review and Clear Errors
• Software Asset Management (SAM) Lab
  • Play with SAM Roles
  • Upload Software Model/ Product Catalog
  • Various way to do Normalization
  • Creating a Custom Products
  • Reconciliation
  • Understand Entitlement Metrics
  • Software Usage
  • Reclamation