Professional software asset management

1. Introduction to Software Asset Management 

• Overview: Costs, compliance, and negotiating position. 
• Proactive vs. reactive SAM.   
• Typical challenges in medium-sized companies.   

2. Fundamentals of software licensing 

• License types and models (named user, device, subscription, cloud, open source). 
• The "golden rules" of licensing: "No software without a license, no license without a need."
• Contractual basics & pitfalls (contracts, rights of use, compliance management). 

3. Stock-taking & inventory 

• The license balance sheet: invoices, contracts, recording. 
• SAM tools, overview, and selection criteria.  
• Development of a software catalog.  

4. Costs & potential savings 

• Typical cost drivers in the software landscape.
• Shadow IT – what is possible?  
• Examples of cost optimization.  
• Quick wins with Microsoft and SAP.  

5. Roles, policies, and procedures 

• Tasks and responsibilities (IT, purchasing, controlling).  
• Interfaces to other areas of the company.  
• Structure roles and assignments.  

6. SAM processes according to ISO 19770 

• Overview of ISO 19770-1: Terms, assessment levels, core processes.
• Life cycle management: from procurement to use to uninstallation.   
• Documentation and reporting.   

7. Contract, vendor management, and audits 

• Understanding and negotiating contracts.  
• Confident dealings with manufacturers (Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, etc.).  
• Cost management and forecasting.   
• Checklist: Audit preparation & response strategies.  

8. Embed SAM in the company 

• Make the benefits visible (ROI, risk minimization) and present them to management.  
• SAM strategy/roadmap for your own company.