This post originally appeared on TxMQ.com
Is software asset management still needed if a company moves its IT to “the Cloud”?
Yes!
The need to effectively manage the software asset lifecycle remains equally compelling whether a company has its assets in the cloud, or on premise.
Cloud computing takes multiple forms. There are pure cloud options, like Salesforce.com, or Zenefits. These companies provide various canned solutions that are ready to run (albeit with a variety of customization options) and have only nominal impact on SAM strategy, primarily as it relates to the possible end of use phase of the lifecycle (software retirement) if or when a company ends the use of the cloud solution.
For most companies, Cloud means the movement or deployment of some software assets into an environment outside of the traditional data center. It is this complexity, and the multiple options available that creates the challenge of integrating a cloud deployment into a SAM program.
I don’t have the time in this article to get into the multiple options and variance between SaaS, PaaS, or even IaaS, but hopefully one can already understand the many variables at play.
When redeploying existing assets to the Cloud, organizations must worry about services management as well as asset management. In fact, the very rapid, nimble deployment options available via most cloud providers, only increases the complexity of a proper SAM program.
The possibility of inadvertent allocation or deployment of assets or services in the cloud outside traditional change management or ITSM solutions also increases the organizational risk.
The time to plan for SAM is early on.
Companies should embed their SAM strategy into their overall architectural planning and license negotiations early in the process. Including these license negotiations, as well as SLAs and controls around deployment.
Companies must also understand any restrictions or carve outs their traditional software vendors have around cloud deployments. Most of the major vendors have modified their agreements to allow for cloud deployment, but terms and conditions vary from those managing on premise deployments.
Conclusion
Integrating Cloud deployments into traditional SAM programs is happening, and will only accelerate as more companies realize the benefits of Cloud deployment. When in doubt, consult an expert for more hands on guidance!
Chuck Fried is the President and CEO of TxMQ, an enterprise solutions provider, and software asset management provider. www.txmq.com . He can be reached at chuck@txmq.com