Oracle Software Asset Management Guide

What is Oracle Software Asset Management?

• Tracking and managing Oracle software usage and deployment
• Ensuring compliance with Oracle license agreements
• Optimizing software cost and performance
• Utilizing tools like Oracle LMS scripts and third-party software management tools
• Reducing overspending and mitigating non-compliance risks
• Enhancing resource allocation and visibility of software assets

What is Oracle Software Asset Management (SAM)?

Oracle Software Asset Management, when designed properly and managed by the right people, can save enterprises millions of dollars. This article will cover what Oracle SAM is, the tools to use, and provide a roadmap for implementation in your organization.

The short answer:

Oracle software asset management involves tracking and managing the use and deployment of Oracle software within an organization. Effective SAM can help organizations reduce costs, improve compliance, and enhance security.

Key points:

• Tools: Oracle License Management Services, Flexera Software Asset Management, etc.
• Benefits: Cost control, compliance, resource allocation, visibility, and security.
• Roadmap:
  • Determine the scope of the program
  • Conduct a software audit
  • Establish policies and procedures
  • Implement a license management tool
  • Monitor and review
  • Continuously optimize

The long answer:

What is ITAM?

Information Technology Asset Management (ITAM):

• Definition: ITAM involves managing and optimizing the procurement, deployment, maintenance, disposal, and inventory of an organization’s IT assets, including hardware, software, and related services.
• Benefits:
  • Cost Reduction: Ensures efficient use of IT assets, reducing unnecessary expenses.
  • Improved Efficiency: Streamlines asset management processes.
  • Risk Mitigation: Ensures compliance with laws and regulations.
• Activities:
  • Tracking and managing software licenses
  • Maintaining an inventory of hardware and software assets
  • Responsible and secure disposal of assets
• Collaboration: Involves working with finance, legal, and procurement departments to align IT asset management with organizational goals.

What is Oracle Software Asset Management?

Oracle software asset management involves tracking and managing the use and deployment of Oracle software within an organization.

It ensures that the organization remains compliant with its Oracle license agreements and optimizes the use of Oracle software to minimize costs and maximize performance.

Key Aspects:

• License Tracking: Monitor the number of Oracle licenses owned.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to Oracle license agreements.
• Cost Optimization: Efficient use of Oracle software to avoid overspending and improve performance.

Benefits:

• Avoids overspending on software licenses.
• Reduces the risk of non-compliance with license agreements.
• Ensures optimal and cost-effective software usage.

What Kind of Software Does Oracle Make?

Oracle develops a diverse range of software products, including database management systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and supply chain management (SCM) software.

Key Oracle Software Products:

• Oracle Database: A widely used relational database management system (RDBMS) for storing, managing, and analyzing data.
• Oracle Fusion Applications: A suite of ERP, CRM, and SCM software that helps automate and manage business processes.
• Oracle Cloud: A cloud computing platform offering infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).
• Oracle E-Business Suite: ERP software for managing financial, HR, supply chain, and other business processes.
• Oracle PeopleSoft: Enterprise software for managing HR, financial, and supply chain processes.

Which License Management Tools Are Available to Manage Oracle Software?

Oracle License Management Tools (LMS Scripts): Oracle provides a set of tools and services to help organizations track and manage their Oracle software licenses, optimize their product usage, and ensure compliance. Oracle licensing experts can analyze the results of these audit scripts for more detailed insights.

Flexera Software Asset Management: This third-party tool helps manage Oracle and other vendor software licenses. It aids in tracking software assets, optimizing license usage, and ensuring compliance with software agreements.

Aspera SmartTrack: Another third-party tool, Aspera SmartTrack, offers license compliance tracking, license optimization, and software asset inventory management for Oracle and other software vendors.

Snow Software Asset Management: Snow Software provides a comprehensive tool for managing Oracle software licenses and those from other vendors. It features license compliance tracking, optimization, and asset inventory management.

Benefits of Oracle Software Asset Management

Improved Cost Control: Tracking and managing Oracle software use helps avoid overspending on licenses and ensures efficient budget allocation.

Enhanced Compliance: Ensuring compliance with Oracle license agreements reduces potential legal and financial risks.

Better Resource Allocation: Understanding software usage allows for more effective resource allocation and optimized software use.

Greater Visibility and Control: Oracle software asset management provides better visibility and control over software assets, facilitating improved management and usage understanding.

Roadmap for Implementing an Oracle Software Asset Management Program

Determine the Scope of the Program: Identify which Oracle software products and licenses will be included. Define the program’s goals and objectives.

Conduct a Software Audit: Inventory the organization’s Oracle software assets, including licenses, users, and usage patterns.

Establish Policies and Procedures: Develop guidelines for software procurement, deployment, and disposal.

Implement a License Management Tool: Choose and implement a tool to track and manage Oracle software licenses.

Monitor and Review: Regularly review software usage and license compliance to ensure the program’s effectiveness.

Continuously Optimize: Ensure Oracle software assets are used cost-effectively and efficiently.