Software Asset Manager

Job overview: The Software Asset Management (SAM) Consultant will be responsible for optimizing software licensing, ensuring compliance, and maximizing ROI on software assets. The consultant will assess current software usage, track licenses, and identify opportunities for cost savings while minimizing compliance risks. This includes evaluating and implementing SAM tools, establishing asset tracking systems, and providing insights on licensing needs and renewals. Additionally, the SAM Consultant will create and maintain best practices for software lifecycle management, train stakeholders on license compliance, and align asset management strategies with business goals to ensure efficient use and governance of software resources.

Required Skills
Technical Skills
1. Software Licensing Knowledge
o Understanding various licensing models (perpetual, subscription, user/device-based, etc.) for
vendors like Microsoft, Adobe, Oracle, SAP, IBM, etc.
2. Asset Inventory Management
o Expertise in tracking software installations, usage, and license entitlements.
3. Auditing and Compliance
o Skills in managing vendor audits and ensuring compliance with licensing agreements.
4. Data Analysis and Reporting
o Proficiency in analyzing usage patterns and creating actionable reports for optimization.
5. IT Service Management (ITSM)
o Familiarity with ITSM frameworks like ITIL for asset lifecycle management.
6. Cloud and Virtualization Licensing
o Knowledge of SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS licensing models for platforms like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and virtualized environments (VMware, Citrix).
7. Scripting and Automation
o Basic scripting skills (PowerShell, Python) for automating repetitive tasks related to asset tracking.
8. Integration Skills
o Ability to integrate SAM tools with CMDBs, ITSM platforms, and procurement systems.

Tools
1. SAM Tools
o ServiceNow SAM Pro
o Flexera (FlexNet Manager)
o Snow License Manager
o BMC Helix Discovery o Ivanti Asset Manager

2. IT Asset Management Tools
o ManageEngine Asset Explorer
o Lansweeper
o Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)

3. Discovery and Monitoring Tools
o Tanium
o SolarWinds Network Discovery
o Qualys Asset Inventory

4. Data Analysis Tools
o Microsoft Excel (Advanced level)
o Power BI or Tableau for visualization

5. Cloud Management Tools
o AWS License Manager
o Azure Cost Management and Billing
o Google Cloud License Manager

6. Collaboration and Documentation Tools
o Jira, Confluence, SharePoint, or similar platforms for documentation and workflow tracking.

Having a blend of these skills and tools ensures effective software asset management and aligns technology usage with organizational goals.

Roles & Responsibilities:
• Manage enterprise-wide compliance with all software license agreements and copyright law by monitoring and enforcing proper software usage policies and guidelines to ensure that there is no non-conformance
• Read and understand software licenses to ensure Company is in compliance; take corrective action if necessary
• Conduct internal software audits to identify variances between deployed and licensed software; ensure deployed software aligns with the quantity and licensing models purchased; rectify variances between deployed and licensed software.
• Manage vendor compliance audits as required.
• Develop software policies, processes and guideline to ensure compliance.
• Work with all levels of Company management to resolve compliancy issues.
• Avoid excessive or unwarranted software usage and Identity optimization strategy.
• Oversee the purchase of all software licenses; ensure appropriate quantities and licensing models are purchased, determine contract requirements, ensure orders are placed and validate proper payment.
• Work with Product Owners/Managers in negotiating license reductions/increases as necessary due to usage.
• Ensure retention of all proof-of-license documentation.
• Develop license templates/checklists, assess and participate in negotiating new software vendor license agreements, negotiate changes to existing agreements.
• Assist with the completion of Business Requirements, Business Cases and Proposals on new initiatives relative to licensing as required
• Liaise with Product Owners/Managers, Inventory Management and business representatives to ensure proper tracking of all software product deployed to ensure Company has sufficient licenses.
• Assist IT management in establishing license and associated maintenance agreements consistent with Company's current and planned usage, as well as industry practice
• Ensure and maintain expertise and advise Product Owners, Managers, IT Senior Management and other key stakeholders on license management methods, processes, best practices, technologies and tools