Date: 09.09.2025
In today’s digital-first business world, software is the backbone of almost every organizational function. But as IT landscapes grow, so do the challenges: uncontrolled software installations, costly license overuse, hidden security risks, and a lack of transparency put pressure on both IT and finance teams.
The solution? Software Asset Management (SAM).
What is Software Asset Management?
Software Asset Management (SAM) is a holistic, continuous process for managing, controlling, and optimizing software assets within an organization. The goal is to make the entire software lifecycle – from procurement and usage to decommissioning – transparent, compliant, and cost-efficient. This approach is based on international standards such as ISO/IEC 19770.
Software Asset Management (SAM) is the process of centrally managing and optimizing all software licenses within an organization.
Challenges Without SAM
Organizations that lack a structured SAM strategy often face:
- Unclear license usage and contracts
- Over- or under-licensing
- Audit risks and costly penaltie
- Security vulnerabilities from outdated software
- Shadow IT and poor transparency
Application Rationalization: A quick guide to an optimized software portfolio
An efficient software portfolio is the key to reducing costs while maximizing the value of your IT investments.
In this whitepaper, you will learn how to sustainably optimize your portfolio to avoid hidden cost traps and ensure business agility:
- Leverage the right data as a foundation for decision-making
- Ask the questions that truly matter
- Make well-informed, strategic choices
- Achieve maximum efficiency and cost transparency
Key Processes in Software Asset Management
An effective SAM program follows six core steps:
- Discovery – Detect all deployed software products
- Inventory – Record and categorize software assets
- Normalization – Cleanse and standardize data
- Optimization – Identify cost savings and eliminate overlaps
- Compliance – Ensure license conformity and audit readiness
- Reporting – Deliver insights with regular dashboards and analytics
These processes form the foundation for IT transparency and strategic decision-making. They are also aligned with ITIL best practices, which are widely recognized as a framework for effective IT and Software Asset Management.
The Benefits of SAM
- Cost Reduction: Optimize license usage and avoid unnecessary purchases
- Compliance: Reduce legal and financial risks with audit-proof records
- Transparency: Gain a single source of truth for all software assets
- Efficiency: Automate workflows and streamline IT operations
Raynet One – The All-in-One SAM Solution
Raynet One provides one of the most comprehensive platforms for end-to-end Software Asset Management:
- Automated discovery and data integration
- AI-powered normalization and enrichment
- 200+ connectors ensuring highest data quality
- Detailed dashboards
Compared to other SAM solutions, Raynet One stands out with its deep data foundation, modular flexibility, and seamless integration into existing IT ecosystems. As a European, GDPR-compliant platform, Raynet One focuses on IT transparency, data quality, and user-friendly operation — making it ideal for medium-sized and large enterprises seeking a scalable SAM strategy.
Mini-FAQ Software Asset Management
1.What is the difference between SAM and License Management?
License Management is part of SAM. While license management focuses only on contracts and entitlements, SAM also covers discovery, normalization, optimization, and compliance.
2.How does SAM reduce costs?
By identifying unused software and reallocating licenses, organizations can significantly reduce IT spend.
3.What happens during a software audit?
Without SAM, companies risk heavy penalties. With SAM, validated license data and audit-proof reports ensure compliance and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Software Asset Management is no longer a “nice-to-have” — it is a must-have for modern and future-proof organizations. Companies that want to strategically manage their software assets cannot afford to ignore a structured SAM approach.
Experience Software Asset Management with Raynet One.