Definition
Software asset management SAM is the practice of systematically tracking and managing software licenses and usage within an organization. It involves establishing policies and procedures to ensure compliance, optimize software investments, and mitigate security risks. SAM operates by maintaining an accurate inventory of all software assets, reconciling this inventory with license agreements, and identifying underutilized or unauthorized software. This practice is crucial for controlling costs, avoiding legal penalties associated with license violations, and enhancing overall IT security posture. For example, a company might use SAM to discover that it has purchased far more licenses for a particular application than it actually needs, allowing them to reduce future spending. SAM differs from simple inventory management as it focuses specifically on the licensing and compliance aspects of software, not just its presence on devices. Knowledge of SAM principles is often tested in IT security and project management certifications like CompTIA Security+ and PMI CAPM.