ITAM Archives - EasySAM https://easysam.co.uk/tag/itam/ Software Asset Management. Simplified. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:34:18 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://easysam.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/easysam_icon-60x60.png ITAM Archives - EasySAM https://easysam.co.uk/tag/itam/ 32 32 Linking IT asset visibility to value https://easysam.co.uk/knowledge-base/linking-it-asset-visibility-to-value/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:30:49 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=37306 Gaining full visibility into siloed, hidden or hoarded IT assets allows you to see more, control more and spend less.

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Gaining full visibility into siloed, hidden or hoarded IT assets allows you to see more, control more and spend less.

Published on 15th April 2026

Gaining full visibility into siloed, hidden and hoarded IT assets allows organisations to see more, control more and spend less.

This is according to Alvin Barnard, Principal Solutions Consultant at OpenText, who says hidden assets, fragmented data and unmanaged software aren’t just operational headaches, they’re wasted budget, compliance risk and missed strategic opportunities.

Barnard says organisations should be working to achieve full asset visibility and insights to drive measurable financial and operational impact, optimise spend and enable smarter ITSM, ITAM and SAM governance.

“Total asset visibility (TAV) unifies asset data across IT, operations and finance. It turns fragmented IT asset data into real-time insights that you need to drive efficiency, reduce risk and unlock the true operational and financial value of all your assets,” he says.

Asset management hurdles

Barnard says some of the biggest asset management challenges in organisations today are the distributed management of assets, inconsistent process controls and a lack of organisational awareness.

“Because IT and enterprise assets are purchased, received, and/or often managed in a distributed manner, this can result in a lack of visibility of the assets, which subsequently impacts audits and validation. This can also lead to workers’ perceptions that the assets ‘belong’ to them and not the organisation,” he says. “There is a tendency for department managers and end-users to hold onto assets they do not use at all or on a regular basis, which includes laptops, desktops, mobile devices and software applications. This ‘asset hoarding’ can lead to continued purchasing of assets the same as those already owned, but not used or fully utilised. Unused IT and enterprise assets pose increased security and audit risks, as well as driving up costs related to acquiring assets.”

Barnard also highlights the problem of inconsistent or a lack of process controls: “Due to a distributed approach, IT asset management (ITAM), software asset management (SAM) and enterprise asset management (EAM) may be perceived as functions, rather than an unified, organisational discipline. This means any processes and controls that do exist are only applied to the function – not to the organisation.”

He says the challenge with this is policy enforcement: “Many asset policies are at the enterprise levels and don’t reflect the reality or current state of the assets. A common issue with policies, regardless of whether they are valid, is that they are not enforced as they should be. This exposes great financial, compliance and security risks to the organisation.”

Another challenge is organisational awareness, he says. “Even where there are policies and proper processes and controls in place, the organisation (both IT and the enterprise) may not be fully aware of what they are, or why they are important, and may simply ignore them or bypass them,” he says.

“Problems arise either because of no defined scope and/or an understanding of what constitutes an IT asset, an outdated scope, or just a scope that is not well-defined or commonly understood, people are left to their own determination and assumption about what they’re supposed to do when it comes to purchasing or managing IT assets.”

This can lead to shadow IT and external purchasing of assets, which is often, but not always, caused by a traditional procurement-focused approach. Barnard says this typically indicates a lack of awareness of the proper IT or enterprise asset acquisition processes, or the lack of these processes, but is also influenced by the perceived lack of responsiveness from the IT organisation. This can lead to uncontrolled IT assets being introduced into the enterprise, which increases costs as well as security and compliance risks.

Barnard adds that while ITAM and SAM can be managed separately, converging these disciplines and sharing the tools and processes used can reduce complexity and costs.

Source

https://www.itweb.co.za/article/link-it-asset-visibility-to-value/Pero3qZ3w81vQb6m

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Ahmad Juliyanto via Vecteezy

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]]> Future-proofing your IT: the strategic imperative of IT Asset Management https://easysam.co.uk/knowledge-base/future-proofing-your-it-the-strategic-imperative-of-it-asset-management/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:55:00 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=36855 Do you know what IT assets your organisation uses - and whether they're accelerating strategy, draining resources, or quietly introducing compliance and security risks?

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Do you know what IT assets your organisation uses - and whether they're accelerating strategy, draining resources, or quietly introducing compliance and security risks?

Published on 20th January 2026

Do you know what IT assets are being used in your organisation, and whether they’re accelerating your strategy, draining resources, or quietly introducing compliance and security risks? In a world of AI disruption, cloud adoption, intensifying regulation, and new IT asset classes, a strategic approach to IT Asset Management (ITAM) is the radar that organisations need to aim for to navigate ever-growing IT complexity and maintain control of IT assets.

ITAM: A strategic imperative for managing explosive IT growth

Gartner values worldwide software and IT services at US$3 trillion in 2025, representing a 12% increase from 2024, with strong growth also predicted in datacenter systems (15%), devices (10%), and communications services (9%). We are seeing vendors increase costs by 200-300% (Broadcom as a recent example), which is leading to an explosion of IT costs that is only expected to increase as other vendors follow suit.

This major investment in IT and increase in vendor costs means that IT spend is a key topic in the boardroom, and ITAM is now at the forefront of C-suite discussions due to its ability to significantly reduce and control software and hardware spend. Organisations are seeking to rationalise their IT asset portfolios to consolidate vendor spend, and leverage previously overlooked areas, such as tail spend, to bring costs down.

Organisations have been consistently seen to achieve up to 15x ROI on software cost-out initiatives, and ITAM’s role has been lifted to a strategic business partner as companies push for IT asset cost governance and strive for spend transparency. The rise of AI and new IT asset classes (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, XaaS) has resulted in an even greater need to control IT asset costs and overlap with FinOps/cloud costs, and major SAM tools are rapidly evolving to support this.

The ITAM advantage: Bolstering cybersecurity

Mitigating cybersecurity risk is a top five agenda item for CIOs and CTOs. Providing security teams with the right data to manage and mitigate software and hardware asset risks is essential for removing vulnerable and end-of-life software, and a lack of visibility of IT assets and weaknesses within existing ITAM tools represent the greatest limitations that organisations face in achieving better alignment with their IT security teams.

A well-run ITAM function provides the visibility to minimise security risk and reduce the attack surface by optimising the number of software and hardware assets. This enables security teams to proactively manage IT risk and improve operational risk assurance.

Top 5 ways ITAM reduces cyber risk:

  • Improved visibility into all IT assets.
  • Faster identification and remediation of vulnerabilities.
  • Reduced attack surface through application rationalisation.
  • Enhanced compliance with security regulations (e.g. NIS2).
  • Stronger collaboration between IT and security teams.

Navigating the regulatory landscape

The rise of new IT regulations, including DORA, CRA, NIS2, and emerging AI regulation puts pressure on IT functions to maintain compliance with these increasingly strict regulations; and non-compliance can result in heavy fines and penalties. ITAM enables IT teams to meet these requirements by tracking software and hardware updates, maintaining transparency of IT assets across their lifecycle, and providing detailed information about software components and versions to support vulnerability management and incident response. ITAM supports holistic governance of technology assets, ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory demands.

Regulatory requirements that ITAM helps manage:

  • Data privacy regulations (e.g. GDPR).
  • Cybersecurity regulations (e.g. NIS2, CRA).
  • Financial regulations (e.g. DORA).

Driving operational excellence: How ITAM improves IT efficiency

ITAM enables operational IT efficiency by providing users with quicker access to software and hardware assets, leveraging smarter insights to support decision-making (e.g., future investment in software and IT services), and automating IT asset lifecycle processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive risk reduction. Implementation and automation of ITAM processes provide businesses with the opportunity to improve operational efficiency by 25-35%, improving the user experience and reducing the administrative effort of repeatable tasks, which allows IT functions to shift their focus to strategic ITAM priorities.

Mastering cloud migration: ITAM's role in IT transformation

ITAM is essential to enable IT transformation. Managing cloud spend is top of mind when it comes to cloud migrations, and organisations risk significant cost overruns if new licencing models are not understood when migrating to the cloud. Additionally, the risk of dual-running costs during cloud transition is often realised, and ITAM helps mitigate the risk of dual-running costs during cloud transitions, preventing potentially tens of millions of pounds in unnecessary expenditure.

Looking forward: Managing IT assets and environmental stewardship

The explosion of AI and AI assets comes with management complexity, and while the requirements of AI asset management have not been clearly defined, ITAM will play a crucial role in managing AI assets, including tracking how AI assets are used and deployed to ensure effective management across their lifecycle and managing unique licensing models; integrating with monitoring tools to track the performance of AI tools to ensure they are operating efficiently (e.g. monitoring the response time of an AI-powered fraud detection system); and managing costs (e.g. tracking licence, cloud computing resources, and data storage costs associated with AI tools).

ESG is a prominent board-level agenda item, and ITAM plays a critical role in reducing e-waste through optimising asset reuse and simplifying application layers to reduce computational energy requirements for in-use applications. Mature ITAM functions are beginning to integrate asset data directly into enterprise sustainability reporting.

The verdict

In today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape, ITAM is a strategic imperative that delivers significant value by addressing the need for cost optimisation, robust cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and successful IT transformation. Elevating ITAM to a strategic business partner and driving ITAM maturity empowers organisations to confidently navigate the complexities of new IT asset classes and hybrid environments, ensuring IT costs are controlled and future-proofing how IT assets are managed in the years to come.

Source

https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/Industries/technology/blogs/the-strategic-imperative-of-it-asset-management.html

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Ikrom Ma-Ela via Vecteezy

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]]> The capabilities CIOs should demand from IT asset management software in 2026 https://easysam.co.uk/knowledge-base/the-capabilities-cios-should-demand-from-it-asset-management-software-in-2026/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:29:00 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=36808 Automate workflows, maintain compliance, and make faster, data-driven decisions in a single, integrated system.

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Automate workflows, maintain compliance, and make faster, data-driven decisions in a single, integrated system.

Published on 14th January 2026

According to recent research by Freshworks, organisational complexity accounts for 7% of total annual revenue loss for an average business. Software is a major contributor, with companies estimating a loss of $1 out of every $5 spent on total software due to complexity, including IT complexity. That’s time, talent, and money that could instead be fuelling innovation, improving customer experience, and driving expansion.

IT asset management (ITAM) solutions are one of the most effective ways to combat software complexity. They provide tools for recording, categorising, and organising technology assets, giving IT leaders visibility across hardware, software, and cloud resources. Beyond reducing cost and operational complexity, ITAM mitigates business risk: unused or poorly tracked software can create security vulnerabilities, increase points of failure, and expose organisations to audit and compliance issues—especially in regulated industries. Acting as a central hub, ITAM ensures accurate data, supports better decisions, streamlines operations, and maintains compliance.

How should CIOs go about choosing the right ITAM platform?

The best ITAM software does more than track inventory. It provides unified visibility across all assets, automates lifecycle processes, and integrates tightly with IT service management so asset data drives operational decisions. The right platform depends on asset scale, regulatory requirements, and ITSM maturity. CIOs should prioritise solutions that turn asset data into actionable intelligence rather than static records.

At a minimum, leading ITAM platforms should deliver:

  • Unified asset visibility across hardware, software, cloud, and SaaS
  • End-to-end lifecycle automation, from procurement to retirement
  • Native ITSM integration that connects assets to incidents, changes, and SLAs

What capabilities define full-lifecycle IT asset management?

  • Acquisition & procurement to onboard vendors and capture cost data
  • Deployment to assign assets, update inventory, and validate configurations
  • Usage & operation to monitor performance, usage, incidents, and changes
  • Maintenance to manage patching, warranty tracking, and scheduled service
  • Retirement & disposal to decommission assets, perform secure wipes, manage disposition, and maintain audit trails

The most effective platforms manage all of these stages within a single workflow, rather than across disconnected tools.

How do leading ITAM platforms support ITSM workflows?

The strongest IT asset lifecycle platforms are deeply integrated with IT service management systems. Assets are not static records, but rather operational entities tied to SLAs, incidents, and changes.

For example, when an incident is logged, the service desk can immediately identify the affected device, its dependencies, warranty status, and change history. Automated workflows can trigger asset reassignment during employee off-boarding or initiate refresh cycles when hardware reaches end of life.

This tight coupling between ITAM and ITSM improves resolution times, supports root-cause analysis, and enables proactive service delivery.

What capabilities should CIOs look for in ITAM solutions?

The best ITAM solutions support end-to-end visibility and automation at scale. Key features to look for include:

  • Centralised hardware & software inventory to track laptops, servers, mobile devices, SaaS applications, licenses, and virtual assets in a single system of record
  • Automated discovery & dependency mapping to identify assets using agent-based and agentless scanning, network discovery, and configuration management database (CMDB) relationships, and to understand how assets interact
  • SaaS license & software management to reduce spend through license utilisation insights, unused seat reclamation, automated renewal visibility, and contract linkage
  • Lifecycle tracking from procurement to disposal to effectively monitor every aspect of assets, including purchase cost, warranties, depreciation, maintenance events, assignment history, and end-of-life milestones
  • Workflow automation to automate lifecycle activities such as onboarding and device assignment, patching and maintenance, asset return workflows, and retirement approvals.
  • Contract, vendor & compliance governance to maintain operational efficiency and compliance through renewal reminders, contract metadata, vendor performance reviews, audit readiness, and lifecycle governance
  • Integrations & API support to connect with HRIS (for onboarding and offboarding), procurement systems, SSO/SaaS management tools, MDM solutions, service desks, and related platforms

Source

https://www.cio.com/article/4113883/the-capabilities-cios-should-demand-from-it-asset-management-software-in-2026.html

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Aman Ansari via Vecteezy

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]]> The silent security threat: why IT leaders must regain control of their software ecosystem https://easysam.co.uk/knowledge-base/the-silent-security-threat-why-it-leaders-must-regain-control-of-their-software-ecosystem/ Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:25:00 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=36165 Shadow IT is on the rise, exposing organisations to compliance, security and cost challenges - with a strategic IT asset management approach critical to control these threats.

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Shadow IT is on the rise, exposing organisations to compliance, security and cost challenges - with a strategic IT asset management approach critical to control these threats.

Published on 5th November 2025

Many organisations are unknowingly exposing themselves to major threats by allowing shadow IT to flourish.

A failure to understand how business units and individual employees are purchasing their own software and installing free applications, as well as continuing to use end of life (EOL) software, could have dire consequences. There are many cautionary tales of IT teams losing control of IT assets and being unable to stop sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorised personnel and shared on unofficial platforms.

Shadow IT can also make an organisation more vulnerable to a cyber attack and result in serious disruptions, affect compliance which leads to fines, and interrupt operations because the application does not integrate properly with a company’s IT infrastructure.

It is critical, therefore, to have an effective IT asset management strategy, and to put governance in place to discover and monitor shadow IT.

Why visibility is crucial

IT leaders need access to reliable data to remove EOL assets that could be highly vulnerable, and to know where they have unpatched apps that pose the biggest threats.

“In a hybrid world, organisations must know what hardware, software, SaaS and cloud inventory they have, where it is installed, who has access to it and how it is being consumed so they can make better business decisions,” says Kevin Miller, director of product marketing at hybrid IT asset management specialists, Flexera.

“It can come down to communication and how people are onboarded and offboarded. What applications are they given and have access to, and what are they installing on premises and accessing via the web?”

It can mean that without a comprehensive view of SaaS applications and other software throughout an organisation, shadow IT can run unchecked and leave an organisation open to security risks, application sprawl and wasted spend.

Often employees will buy and use software that serves the same purpose as that already bought by the organisation and thus increase the company’s security risks and costs. There is also a risk to productivity if multiple tools are doing the same thing and employees are unclear which is the best tool for different work challenges.

According to Gartner’s Market Guide for SaaS Management Platforms report, IT leaders are typically only aware of one third of the SaaS apps being used. This is partly because people are working in a hybrid way and so the purchasing and governance of IT applications has become decentralised.

Flexera’s own 2025 State of the Cloud report questioned 750 cloud decision-makers and found that cloud resources now comprise 55% of workloads.

“There often are vulnerabilities associated with outdated software, especially when those assets are end of life or support. It’s vital to know how many versions behind your installations are for proactive risk mitigation,” adds Miller. “Organisations typically don’t know where in the business shadow IT is being used and what the critical impact might be if the software was breached.”

Regaining control through governance and collaboration

Organisations are advised to use discovery tools to identify shadow IT across their on-premises, cloud and SaaS environments.

Fellow director of product marketing at Flexera, Jennifer Kuvlesky, urges more real-time visibility and automated governance to plug compliance and security gaps. She says it is too easy for different internal business units to buy IT assets, with employees commonly purchasing products they use for work on credit cards or purchasing applications without checking with IT.

“Organisations must be more proactive from the beginning of the purchasing process when it comes to governance. They must have more visibility around what is going on,” she says. “It is too easy for anyone to buy IT. Policies that state clearly what will be paid for can help, but there must be robust controls and visibility over what applications are being used and by whom.”

“With SaaS and with cloud applications, we are not just talking about installations anymore. There are different licensing and methods of procuring applications, and organisations need help to make sense of everything.”

Her advice to IT leaders is to map the enterprise environment to see which applications are being used on-premises, in the public cloud and on SaaS platforms, in which areas of the business, and to use multiple discovery methods to understand what is going on within an organisation. This is where partners such as Flexera can offer advice and guidance and help organisations see across their entire IT estate..

“Once you know how data is being captured, who is using which applications, the cost and the potential risks, you can begin to implement policies,” she says. “This might include stopping people purchasing pay-as-you-go licences.”

Miller agrees, and says companies need to be more aware of how people are acquiring applications outside of corporate IT processes and policies.

His recommendation is to combine all discovery sources within a centralised source to generate insights.

“This will create a normalised view of your technology data to see, for example, where things might overlap.”

He cites the world of mergers and acquisitions where two or more companies come together, or are being divested, and where there might be overlapping applications across the different organisations.

“We had a recent divestiture example where one company controlled 80% of the business. So which applications stay with that company and which with the smaller company?” says Miller.

“We walked through their technology estates with them to understand the lifecycle of the applications being used to decide which ones to remove, patch-up or migrate between departments. However, you must also share this information with the individual application owners within different business units to update appropriately, which adds another set of stakeholders.”

Indeed, it is important to communicate well, assign accountability and create clear governance policies to reduce future risks. The question is who should take responsibility for making these decisions internally?

Kuvlesky insists that accountability must be shared among the c-suite, including between the CIO, the CEO and CISO because, if there is a security breach, the buck stops with them.

“Governance must be a centralised decision,” she says. “We do not want to stop innovation or stop business units procuring tools that are going to make them more productive. This is about ensuring back-end policies are effective and everyone is aware of them as part of a robust IT asset management strategy.”

Shadow IT isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a ticking time bomb. Without control and oversight, businesses risk security breaches, spiralling costs and operational chaos.

Source

https://www.raconteur.net/technology/the-silent-security-threat-why-it-leaders-must-regain-control-of-their-software-ecosystem

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Asih Wahyuni via Vecteezy

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]]> Harnessing technology: innovations shaping IT asset management practices https://easysam.co.uk/knowledge-base/harnessing-technology-innovations-shaping-it-asset-management-practices/ Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:35:21 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=35904 As technology continues its rapid advancement; and IT environments becoming increasingly complex, how does good ITAM keep up?

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As technology continues its rapid advancement; and IT environments becoming increasingly complex, how does good ITAM keep up?

Published on 17th September 2025

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and the increasing complexity of IT environments, IT asset management (ITAM) has emerged as a crucial discipline for organisations striving to maximise return on investment, maintain compliance, and ensure operational efficiency. As companies navigate digital transformation, the state of ITAM reflects the challenges, innovations, and evolving best practices that shape this vital sector.

The Importance of IT Asset Management

At its core, IT asset management encompasses the processes organisations use to track, manage, and optimise their IT assets throughout their lifecycle. This includes hardware, software, and virtual assets, allowing businesses to gain complete visibility into their technology landscape. The growing reliance on cloud services, mobile solutions, and remote work has amplified the need for effective ITAM practices, as organisations grapple with diverse asset types and the complexities of managing them. ITAM plays a crucial role in cost management and compliance.

Organisations can significantly reduce unnecessary expenditures by maintaining an accurate inventory of assets, understanding licensing requirements, and identifying underutilised resources. Moreover, with regulatory scrutiny on the rise, robust ITAM systems ensure compliance with software licenses and data protection laws. Effective ITAM can mitigate financial penalties or breach risks while fostering strategic decision-making.

Key Trends Shaping IT Asset Management

One of the most significant trends is the growing influence of automation and artificial intelligence (AI). As organisations embrace digital transformation, automation tools are leveraged to streamline asset tracking, resource allocation, and compliance monitoring.

Organisations can reduce manual errors and improve efficiency by automating routine ITAM processes. Another trend is the shift toward integrated solutions. As IT environments become increasingly fragmented, businesses recognise the importance of using a unified platform combining ITAM with other IT management functions such as IT Service Management (ITSM) and project portfolio management. This integrated approach allows for better visibility and control over all aspects of IT operations, leading to enhanced asset utilisation and more informed decision-making.

Finally, sustainability has risen to the forefront of ITAM practices. With growing awareness of climate change and environmental responsibility, organisations are exploring ways to optimise their IT assets to minimise waste and reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, responsible lifecycle management—such as extending the lifespan of hardware or implementing recycling programs—can significantly benefit the environment and improve an organisation’s public image.

Challenges Facing IT Asset Management

Despite its importance, several challenges hinder the effectiveness of IT asset management initiatives. One of the primary obstacles is managing the sheer volume of assets in increasingly complex environments. As organisations adopt cloud solutions, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, and edge computing, the number of devices and software applications can quickly spiral out of control. Keeping track of all assets and ensuring accurate data can be daunting, leading to potential compliance issues and financial discrepancies.

The lack of standardised practices across different organisations can complicate ITAM efforts. Every company has unique needs, so a one-size-fits-all approach to ITAM is ineffective. Successful implementation often relies on customising processes and tools to suit an organisation’s specific requirements, which can require considerable time and resources.

Additionally, there is often a gap in skill sets when effectively managing IT assets. Professionals in the field need technical knowledge, financial acumen, and an understanding of compliance requirements. As technology continues to evolve, there is an ongoing need for training and development to equip ITAM professionals with the skills necessary to adapt to emerging tools and methodologies.

The Future of IT Asset Management

The future of IT asset management is likely driven by innovation and collaboration. Integrating AI and machine learning will continue transforming how organisations manage their assets, predict future needs, and optimise expenditures intelligently. Enhanced data analysis capabilities will enable companies to derive deeper insights from their IT assets, driving informed strategic decisions. Moreover, collaboration across departments will become increasingly essential. ITAM will no longer function in isolation; instead, it will require joint efforts between IT, finance, legal, and procurement teams to create a holistic view of asset utilisation.

This collaborative approach will foster shared responsibility and a culture of accountability, further enhancing the effectiveness of ITAM programs. As sustainability becomes a core business priority, ITAM will play a pivotal role in helping organisations achieve their environmental goals. By focusing on responsible asset management and lifecycle practices, companies can mitigate risks and position themselves as leaders in sustainability within their respective industries.

The state of IT asset management is one of constant evolution and adaptation. As organisations continue to embrace new technologies and face increasingly complex challenges, investing in effective ITAM practices will be paramount. By prioritising transparency, integration, and sustainability, businesses can unlock the full potential of their IT assets, driving operational excellence and achieving strategic success in an ever-changing landscape.

Source

https://www.cioreview.com/news/harnessing-technology-innovations-shaping-it-asset-management-practices-nid-41001-cid-190.html

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Ahmad Juliyanto via Vecteezy

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]]> Ghost assets drain 25% of IT budgets as ITAM confidence gap widens https://easysam.co.uk/news/ghost-assets-drain-25-of-it-budgets-as-itam-confidence-gap-widens/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:50:25 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=35753 A new survey has found that 95% of IT leaders trust the asset data they receive, compared with just 35% of business teams.

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A new survey has found that 95% of IT leaders trust the asset data they receive, compared with just 35% of business teams.

Published on 26th August 2025

IT asset management (ITAM) is a critical operational discipline, although it is under increasing pressure.

ITAM is facing pressures from cloud complexity, and according to a new report it is also facing a business confidence challenge. WanAware’s “Closing the ITAM Confidence Gap: 2025 Survey Insights for IT Leaders” surveyed 600 professionals across IT, operations, and management roles at multi-location organisations. The research exposes how ITAM is experienced differently across departments. While IT departments express growing confidence in their asset management capabilities, the rest of the organisation remains sceptical about data accuracy, ROI, and operational impact.

This confidence gap creates operational risks, financial waste, and security vulnerabilities that compound as IT environments become more distributed. The survey results reveal fundamental breakdowns in communication, trust, and operational alignment that threaten both current operations and future digital transformation initiatives.

Key Survey Findings

  • 95% of IT leaders trust their asset data accuracy versus only 35% of other managers.
  • 80% of IT managers report increased ITAM investment versus 24% of analysts and 35% of other managers who see this investment.
  • Up to 25% of IT spending is wasted on "ghost assets."
  • Nearly 25% of IT teams still rely on spreadsheets and email for asset tracking.
  • 50% of IT managers report that missing assets cause significant disruption versus only 9% of other departments.
  • 65% of IT managers use 6+ tools for asset management yet express confidence in their setup.
“The biggest surprise for us in the report was the lack of confidence outside of IT departments,” said Jeff Collins, CEO of WanAware. “Generally, we think that the biggest gap that the business sees from an IT perspective is an operational issue or security risk, but this survey clearly showed us that the business understands the risks that unknown assets have upon the business, and the effect of those risks on their confidence.”

The Ghost Asset Problem: Beyond Lost Hardware

The survey’s most alarming finding centres on ghost assets. These are IT resources that continue consuming budget and creating risk while providing zero business value. The phantom resources manifest across the entire technology stack, from forgotten cloud instances to untracked SaaS subscriptions.

Collins outlined five primary vectors for ghost asset creation:

  • Lifecycle Management Failures: Traditional asset retirement processes haven't adapted to cloud-native and hybrid environments. "A laptop is sent to recycling, but no one updates the system to mark it as disposed," Collins explained.
  • Digital Transformation Acceleration: The rush to cloud and remote work has outpaced governance mechanisms.
  • Shadow IT and AI Adoption: Departments spinning up their own cloud resources and AI tools bypass traditional procurement channels. This creates invisible infrastructure sprawl.
  • Remote Work Distribution: Hardware shipped directly to remote employees often escapes proper tracking. Recovery becomes problematic during offboarding.
  • M&A Integration Issues: Combining disparate asset tracking systems creates duplicate, orphaned, and unknown records.

Tool Proliferation Masking Integration Problems

IT departments report confidence in their ITAM capabilities, but the survey data reveals concerning operational realities. Nearly half of IT managers acknowledge that asset tracking requires too many tools. A quarter still rely on manual spreadsheets and email as core workflow components.

The tool sprawl paradox is striking. Sixty-five percent of IT managers use six or more ITAM tools yet express confidence in their setup. Non-IT roles use fewer tools but report significantly lower integration confidence. This suggests IT teams have adapted to complexity through process workarounds rather than achieving true operational efficiency.

The survey reveals what IT teams actually want from their ITAM infrastructure:

  • 22% prioritise real-time updates when assets change.
  • 19% want clearer methods to prioritise risky or high-value assets
  • 15% seek automated responses to missing or at-risk assets.

Growing Disconnect in Distributed Environments

The confidence gap appears to be accelerating as work models evolve. IT teams report improved asset visibility since shifting to remote work. Analysts and operations managers see no such improvement. This divergence suggests IT departments have developed workarounds and processes that aren’t visible to or trusted by other business functions. It’s a trend that is likely to continue.

“Over the next two to three years, I see this confidence gap continuing to widen,” Collins said. “This is primarily fuelled by the rapid acceleration of hybrid work models, mass migration to the cloud, and the burgeoning adoption of artificial intelligence, creating a perfect storm of complexity for IT asset management teams.”

Collins noted that the distributed workforce has shattered the traditional, centralised view of IT assets. Cloud migration introduces shadow IT, ghost assets, and uncontrolled sprawl that bypass traditional procurement channels.

The expanding attack surface created by hybrid work and cloud environments compounds security concerns.

“A lack of complete asset visibility directly translates to a weaker security posture, as unknown and unmanaged assets are prime targets for cybercriminals,” Collins said.

Practical Steps for IT Leaders

For IT leaders seeking to address these challenges, Collins recommends a three-pronged approach based on successful customer implementations:

Create a FinOps Mindset

Implementing financial accountability for cloud spending creates natural alignment between IT and business stakeholders around asset optimisation. “The principles of FinOps are directly aligned with the goals of asset management,” Collins noted.

Adopt AI-Powered Discovery Tools

Automated asset discovery and data normalisation tools can handle the scale and complexity that manual processes can’t address.

“AI-powered ITAM platforms can automate asset discovery, normalise data from disparate sources, and provide predictive insights into software usage and spending,” Collins said.

Prioritise Governance and Compliance

Establishing clear policies for asset lifecycle management, procurement approval workflows, and cross-departmental visibility requirements becomes essential as regulatory pressure increases.

Organisations successfully implementing all three approaches report measurable improvements.

“Our customers that have leveraged and invested in all three areas have had the most success,” Collins said. ” Not only have they minimised ghost assets within their organisations, the resulting confidence that they have delivered within the rest of the business through increased operational uptime and reduced security risks has opened up significant additional investment in IT that has allowed them to further strengthen their infrastructure.”

Source

https://www.itprotoday.com/it-management/ghost-assets-drain-25-of-it-budgets-as-itam-confidence-gap-widens

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Adam Zubek-Nizol via Vecteezy

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]]> 1 in 4 spend over half a billion dollars yearly fixing software license non-compliance https://easysam.co.uk/news/1-in-4-spend-over-half-a-billion-dollars-yearly-fixing-software-license-non-compliance/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:45:52 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=35552 That's one of the headlines from a new global survey by Azul and the ITAM Forum, which canvassed 500 SAM and ITAM professionals.

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That's one of the headlines from a new global survey by Azul and the ITAM Forum, which canvassed 500 SAM and ITAM professionals.

Published on 17th July 2025

A joint global survey by Azul and the ITAM Forum, conducted among 500 IT Asset Management (ITAM) and software asset management (SAM) professionals, has revealed that 27% of enterprises now spend more than $500,000 each year to resolve software license non-compliance.

The report also found that compliance is the top issue faced by a significant 37% of organisations, while 25% report that complex software configurations make tracking application usage more difficult.

Handling audits

While most (74%) respondents manage license discovery and software audits primarily or entirely in-house, they face significant challenges. These include maintaining accurate software usage records (26%), understanding complex licensing terms and conditions (23%), and providing precise licensing compliance metrics (23%).

Furthermore, the survey found that 81% of organisations perform licensing audits at least twice a year. The consequences of these audits can be severe, with approximately a quarter of companies reporting frequent financial penalties and legal actions against them. Over 30% report unanticipated results, including disruptions to operations, budget impacts, decisions to change vendors, and stalled projects.

Mass migration

The survey reveals that 96% expressed concern about Oracle Java’s pricing and licensing policies. Moreover, 79% of organisations have already migrated from Oracle Java, are actively doing so, or are planning to migrate to open-source alternatives.

Security and reliability (51%), cost reduction (42%) and simpler compliance (40%) were some factors for those considering migration.

“When it comes to the uncertainty of Oracle’s ever-shifting Java licensing terms, organisations shouldn’t have to burn ITAM resources, interrupt projects, or absorb surprise penalties just to run their applications,” said Scott Sellers, co-founder and CEO at Azul, saying that moving to open-source alternatives can address such problems.

Martin Thompson, founder of the ITAM Forum, said that ITAM and SAM professionals “must have the resources and executive buy-in to ensure compliance and successful license management.”

Source

https://futurecio.tech/1-in-4-organisations-spend-over-half-a-billion-dollars-yearly-fixing-software-license-non-compliance/

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Prakasit Khuansuwan via Vecteezy

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]]> IT teams are losing visibility, as tech cost pressures mount https://easysam.co.uk/news/it-teams-are-losing-visibility-as-tech-cost-pressures-mount/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:57:08 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=35358 That's according to Flexera's 2025 State of ITAM Report - which highlights growing SaaS waste, persisting audit costs and evolving priorities

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That's according to Flexera's 2025 State of ITAM Report - which highlights growing SaaS waste, persisting audit costs and evolving priorities

Published on 19th June 2025

Flexera have released their 2025 State of ITAM Report, which reveals a concerning decline in complete visibility across the technology stack – down to 43% from 47% year-over-year. Yet, as pressure mounts to optimise costs, the collaboration of IT asset management (ITAM) with cloud (44%) and FinOps (38%) teams is on the rise, suggesting that ITAM teams are increasingly working across organisational silos to address comprehensive visibility challenges, increase financial accountability and drive operational efficiency.

Flexera’s annual report surveys global IT professionals to explore how the evolution of ITAM, FinOps, security, software asset management (SAM) and hardware asset management (HAM) teams influences the value they deliver. It also examines IT investment trends across public, hybrid, and SaaS technologies.

“Complete visibility across IT assets is foundational to every good technology decision,” said Becky Trevino, Chief Product Officer at Flexera. “The fact that it’s slipping at a time when organisations are under intense pressure to rationalise costs is a real concern. You can’t optimise what you can’t see and without clear insight into the entire technology stack, it’s nearly impossible to eliminate waste, ensure compliance, or make cost-effective investment decisions. This year’s report showcases why the collaboration between ITAM and FinOps is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative.”

Highlights from the report include:

  • Minimising SaaS sprawl is an increasing imperative: Thirty-five percent of respondents say SaaS waste has increased over the past year, suggesting that the financial impact of underutilised SaaS subscriptions is taking a toll on budgets. In addition, SAM professionals are doubling down on SaaS oversight, with 59% actively tracking usage and 56% rightsizing contracts and subscriptions to eliminate unnecessary spend.
  • Software use rights take the spotlight: The report also highlights a dramatic rise in the challenge of managing software use rights—now ranked as the number one concern for SAM teams, up from sixth place just a year ago. This surge is largely attributed to the growing complexity of cloud-based licensing models and the rapid migration of enterprise resources to cloud environments.
  • Audits still plague organisations (and their bottom line): Nearly half (45%) of surveyed organisations report spending over $1 million on software audits over the past three years, a figure one percentage point less than 2024. Twenty-three percent of organisations spent more than $5 million on audits in 2025, a slight increase from 2024. The findings suggest that the intricacies of software use rights and the continued shift to the cloud are keeping audit defence high on the agenda of IT teams.
  • Microsoft continues audit streak: Half of respondents said Microsoft audited their organisation in the past three years. The tech giant has remained at the top of this list for the past several reports , followed closely by IBM (37%). There was a slight increase in audits reported from SAP (32%) and ServiceNow (21%) compared to last year’s findings. Adobe (24%) remained unchanged, but Oracle decreased from 31% to 24% and Salesforce dropped from 25% to 20% year over year.

This year’s findings underscore the urgent need for smarter, more agile SAM strategies as organisations strive to balance innovation with fiscal responsibility.

“The role of ITAM is shifting from operational to transformational,” said Phil Perfetti, senior product marketing manager at Flexera. “While visibility into cloud licenses is gradually improving, the complexity of managing hybrid IT environments is also increasing, and any serious blind spots are a problem that modern organisations can no longer afford.”

The full survey results are available here – which explores the thinking of 506 global IT professionals across industries and context areas.

Source

https://www.flexera.com/about-us/press-center/it-teams-losing-visibility-according-to-flexera-2025-state-of-itam-report

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]]> A guide to picking the right IT Asset Management software https://easysam.co.uk/knowledge-base/a-guide-to-picking-the-right-it-asset-management-software/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=34801 Explore the key features, benefits, and top considerations needed to help you make an informed decision when selecting any ITAM software.

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Explore the key features, benefits, and top considerations needed to help you make an informed decision when selecting any ITAM software.

Published on 26th March 2025

Managing IT assets efficiently is crucial for businesses aiming to optimise costs, improve security, and streamline operations. With a vast array of IT asset management (ITAM) software available, selecting the right solution can be challenging. This review explores key features, benefits, and top considerations to help you make an informed decision.

What is IT Asset Management Software and Why is it Important?

IT asset management software is designed to track, manage, and optimise an organisation’s IT resources throughout their lifecycle. From procurement to disposal, businesses need visibility into their hardware, software, licenses, and cloud assets to ensure compliance and cost efficiency.

Why does this matter? Imagine running a large corporation without knowing which employees have access to certain devices or whether software licenses are being underutilised. The risk of security breaches, unexpected costs, and compliance issues skyrockets. That’s where ITAM software comes in—to provide control, automation, and detailed insights.

Key Features to Look for in IT Asset Management Software

Not all ITAM tools are created equal. While some offer basic asset tracking, others provide comprehensive solutions with automation, integrations, and reporting capabilities. Here are the must-have features:
  • Asset Discovery & Inventory – Automatically detects hardware and software assets across your network, ensuring accurate data without manual input.
  • Lifecycle Management – Tracks assets from purchase to retirement, helping businesses make data-driven decisions about upgrades and replacements.
  • License Management & Compliance – Prevents overspending on unused software and mitigates legal risks by ensuring proper licensing.
  • Cloud & SaaS Management – Monitors cloud-based assets and software subscriptions to optimise usage and prevent unnecessary costs.
  • Automation & Alerts – Reduces manual work by automating repetitive tasks, such as tracking warranties, contracts, and maintenance schedules.
  • Integration with ITSM & CMDB – Seamlessly connects with IT service management (ITSM) tools and Configuration Management Databases (CMDB) for a holistic IT ecosystem.

How IT Asset Management Software Saves Time and Money

Think about how much time your IT team spends manually tracking assets. Spreadsheets are outdated, error-prone, and labour-intensive. By implementing it asset management software, businesses can automate tedious tasks, reduce human error, and free up resources for more strategic work.

Financially, ITAM software prevents unnecessary purchases by providing visibility into what’s already available. Companies often repurchase software licenses they already own simply because they lack clear inventory records. Additionally, ITAM tools help avoid hefty fines by ensuring compliance with software licensing agreements.

Security-wise, ITAM software strengthens risk management by keeping track of outdated or unauthorised software, reducing the chances of cyber threats. A single unpatched device can be an entry point for cybercriminals—ITAM ensures such risks are identified and mitigated promptly.

Top Considerations When Choosing IT Asset Management Software

Selecting the best ITAM solution depends on various factors, including business size, industry, and specific needs. Here’s what to evaluate:
  • Scalability – Can the software grow with your business? Startups and enterprises have different needs, and a flexible ITAM tool should accommodate both.
  • Ease of Use – Is the platform intuitive? Complicated interfaces slow down adoption and lead to resistance from IT teams.
  • Customisation – Does the software allow you to tailor workflows, reports, and dashboards to your organisation’s requirements?
  • Deployment Options – Do you prefer an on-premise or cloud-based solution? Each has its pros and cons, depending on security policies and infrastructure.
  • Support & Training – Is there reliable customer support, detailed documentation, or training resources available? A well-supported tool ensures smoother implementation.

Final Verdict: Is IT Asset Management Software Worth It?

Absolutely. Organisations that leverage ITAM software gain a competitive edge by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening security. Whether you manage a small business or a global enterprise, having a structured approach to IT asset management is non-negotiable.

Investing in the right solution will pay off in the long run, ensuring that your IT infrastructure remains optimised, secure, and fully compliant. If you haven’t yet integrated ITAM software into your business operations, now is the time to explore your options and take control of your IT assets.

Source

https://smestreet.in/technology/it-asset-management-software-comprehensive-review-8878070

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Thanakorn Lappattaranan via Vecteezy

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]]> Bridge the gap between remote work and cybersecurity with ITAM https://easysam.co.uk/knowledge-base/bridge-the-gap-between-remote-work-and-cybersecurity-with-itam/ Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:05:10 +0000 https://easysam.co.uk/?p=33554 With a continually evolving digital landscape, explore the critical link between remote work security and escalating data breach costs.

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With a continually evolving digital landscape, explore the critical link between remote work security and escalating data breach costs.

Published on 18th October 2024

In today’s evolving digital landscape, businesses must face two new paradigm shifts: remote work and its link to escalating data breaches. For organizations navigating this, IT Asset Management (ITAM) has quickly become important in bridging the gap between remote work and cybersecurity.

The New Reality: Remote Work and Cybersecurity Risks

The global shift to remote work changed how businesses function. Even if the model has offered flexibility and cut costs, it has also increased security vulnerabilities. Every remote device now represents a potential entry point for cyber threats, creating new obstacles for IT teams:

More Devices: Employees use a mix of company-issued and personal devices, making it difficult to maintain consistent security standards.

Network Vulnerabilities: Home and public Wi-Fi networks create security risks.

Shadow IT: Remote workers sometimes use unauthorized software solutions.

Data Protection: Sensitive information is now spread across multiple locations.

At the same time, the financial impact of data breaches increases substantially every year. IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 reports that the average breach now costs $4.88 million—a 10% increase from the previous year. Alarmingly, 40% of these costly breaches involved data distributed across multiple environments.

Here’s what this means: the era of remote work has increased cybersecurity threats, costing companies more money each year.

Understanding ITAM: More Than Just Inventory Management

IT Asset Management is more than just tracking laptops. It’s a strategy to manage an organization’s entire tech ecosystem. This includes:

Asset Inventory: Identifying and cataloging all IT assets, including hardware, software, and cloud resources.

Lifecycle Management: Tracking assets and software through the entire lifecycle, including setup, maintenance, and eventual disposal.

License Compliance: Ensuring software licensing compliance to avoid legal risks.

Cuts Expenses: Reducing costs by identifying idle assets and negotiating better vendor contracts.

Security Standards: Allows IT teams to ensure all assets meet cybersecurity standards.

Here’s what this means: In the context of remote work and escalating breach costs, ITAM serves as a critical link for both operational efficiency and resilient security measures.

The Evolution of ITAM in the New Normal

As organizations begin utilizing ITAM, it is important to note that the industry is making some key changes as well:

Cloud Integration: Modern ITAM solutions now monitor physical and cloud-based assets. This is essential as businesses adopt to cloud computing environments.

IoT Management: ITAM is expanding to manage all Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Automation: Standard ITAM processes can now be automated. This allows IT teams to focus on more strategic tasks.

Here’s what this means: Organizations now have the opportunity to track and optimize a broader range of assets, from traditional hardware to cloud services and IoT devices, which ultimately leads to more flexible and secure operations.

Implementing Effective ITAM: Best Practices

For organizations looking to leverage ITAM in their overall cybersecurity strategy, consider the following best practices:

Establish Clear Policies: Develop clear ITAM policies that address remote work environments, including BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) guidelines.

Invest in Efficient ITAM Tools: Invest in ITAM solutions that track IT equipment and software in real-time, automate compliance checks, and integrate with existing security tools.

Prioritize and Classify Assets: Use ITAM to rank company data and equipment based on how sensitive they are.

Conduct Regular Audits: Perform frequent audits of IT assets to maintain inventory accuracy and compliance with security policies.

Work Across Teams: Promote collaboration between IT, security, finance, and other departments.

Provide Ongoing Training: Inform all employees about the importance of proper IT asset management and how it contributes to the organization’s safety.

Here’s what this means: Organizations can foster safety and security by leveraging ITAM effectively. This can be done by performing regular IT asset audits, having clear device policies, encouraging cross-team collaboration, and investing in modern ITAM solutions.

A Call to Action

In an era where remote work is the norm and data breaches are rising, ITAM is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. It’s the strategic bridge that connects security measures with cost-saving initiatives, making it necessary for modern organizations.

Organizations that invest in advanced ITAM practices will thrive. They can navigate the complexities of distributed work environments, protect their digital assets, and build a more secure and efficient future.

The question is now whether organizations can afford to invest in robust ITAM practices but whether they can afford not to. ITAM is a cornerstone of effective business strategy, enabling companies to survive and excel in the digital age.

Source

https://www.techradar.com/pro/it-asset-management-bridges-the-gap-between-remote-work-and-cybersecurity

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Tanakorn Kotpoothon via Vecteezy

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