SAM, the cloud, and the new environment

What: "Navigating the Cloud: Why Software Asset Management is More Important Than Ever," by BSA: The Software Alliance

Why: The rise of cloud computing presents new challenges to software asset management, including license compliance, hidden cloud service costs and security. With a plethora of federal agencies moving toward cloud-based solutions, software asset management (SAM) strategies should be adapted to fit the nature of their network.

The bring-your-own-device trend is an example of the need for adaptation. Potential licensing fees should be taken into account if agency employees need to access agency-owned cloud environments on their personal devices. Additionally, using personal apps for business on a personal device might violate the app licensing.

Verbatim: "Once an organization moves an operation to the cloud, its [software asset management] program must adapt to address the new and varied challenges presented by cloud architecture. While SAM principles remain unchanged, licensing risks and the application of effective SAM in the cloud differ fundamentally from those in traditional IT environments. SAM programs must be able to completely and accurately measure hardware and software in the new architecture with all its complexities and nuances."

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