Software Models

[csalvo]

Hi Team,

Do you have any suggestions on how best to clean Software Models (installed in Computers) in SAM Pro?

[Harish Bainsla]

Hi

ServiceNow Software Asset Management (SAM) Pro is a module that helps organizations manage software assets effectively. Cleaning software models in SAM Pro typically involves ensuring accurate and up-to-date information about software licenses, usage, and compliance. Here are some suggestions on how to clean software models in SAM Pro:

1. Regular Inventory Scans:

   • Schedule regular inventory scans to detect installed software across your organization's computers.
   • Use ServiceNow discovery tools or integrations with third-party discovery tools to maintain an accurate and comprehensive software inventory.

2. Software Normalization:

   • Implement software normalization to standardize the naming conventions of software titles.
   • Normalization helps in consolidating various software instances under a single, standardized name, making it easier to manage.

3. Software Recognition and Categorization:

   • Ensure that software titles are accurately recognized and categorized within SAM Pro.
   • Review and update the software recognition rules to improve the system's ability to identify and categorize software correctly.

4. License Compliance Monitoring:

   • Regularly monitor software license compliance to ensure that the number of installed instances does not exceed the number of purchased licenses.
   • Identify and address any compliance gaps by acquiring additional licenses or removing unused installations.

5. Identify Unused Software:

   • Identify software installations that are rarely or never used.
   • Consider uninstalling or re-harvesting licenses for software that is not actively utilized by employees.

6. Software Retirement:

   • Retire obsolete or deprecated software models from the SAM Pro database.
   • Update records to reflect the end-of-life status of software products.

7. Integration with ITSM and CMDB:

   • Integrate SAM Pro with IT Service Management (ITSM) and Configuration Management Database (CMDB) to ensure that software models are aligned with overall IT service and configuration information.

8. Data Cleansing:

   • Regularly review and cleanse data within SAM Pro, removing duplicate or inaccurate records.
   • Implement data quality checks to maintain the integrity of the software asset information.

9. Documentation and Training:

   • Document processes and procedures for cleaning software models.
   • Train SAM Pro administrators and users on best practices for maintaining accurate software asset information.

10. Regular Audits:

    • Conduct periodic audits to verify the accuracy of software models and license information.
    • Use audit reports to identify discrepancies and take corrective actions.

[cloudops · Accepted solution]

Sure, here are some steps you can follow to clean Software Models in SAM Pro:

1. Identify Unused Software Models: Use the Software Usage report to identify software models that are not being used. This report shows the number of installations, users, and usage hours for each software model.
2. Archive Unused Software Models: If a software model is not being used, consider archiving it. This will remove it from the list of active software models, but it will still be available for historical reporting.
3. Delete Unused Software Models: If a software model is not being used and you do not need to keep it for historical reporting, you can delete it. Be careful with this option, as it cannot be undone.
4. Merge Duplicate Software Models: If you have duplicate software models, you can merge them into a single model. This will consolidate all the installations, users, and usage hours into one model.
5. Update Software Model Information: Make sure the information for each software model is accurate and up-to-date. This includes the software publisher, version, and license type.
6. Regularly Review Software Models: Regularly review your software models to ensure they are still relevant and accurate. This can be done as part of a regular SAM Pro audit.
7. Automate Software Model Management: Consider using a tool like ServiceNow's Software Asset Management to automate the management of your software models. This can help ensure your software models are always up-to-date and accurate.

Remember, cleaning up your Software Models is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Regularly reviewing and updating your software models will help ensure your SAM Pro is always accurate and effective.

[kelly25]

How do you merge software models?

[kievgraham]

What part of the SAM can automate the software model process?

Thanks in advance