END-USERS: Apply BSA SAM Advantage in Your Organization

Is BSA SAM Advantage right for your organization?

If your organization seeks to…

  • Achieve a higher level of software license compliance,
  • Reduce IT costs,
  • Manage risk,
  • Meet IT governance requirements,
  • And better manage and streamline its IT systems overall …

…then BSA SAM Advantage is being developed especially for you.

When it is fully launched in 2009, BSA SAM Advantage will be the most comprehensive and flexible framework of SAM training and resources available worldwide.  The program will be aligned with ISO best practice, supported by BSA and many of the world’s leading software vendors, and delivered by professional, enrolled SAM experts. It is being designed to deliver value to organizations of all sizes and types.   

Industry analysts estimate that savings from SAM can reach as high as 30% in the first year alone, with 5% to 10% annual cost savings in subsequent years1. In addition to controlling costs, SAM enables companies to become better-managed businesses through improved operational efficiency; meet IT governance requirements, such as compliance with the United States’ “Sarbanes-Oxley” financial accounting law; and better control security, financial and legal risk. It can also be used for strategic and planning purposes, and act as a competitive differentiator.

PDF Icon BSA SAM Advantage - Guide for SAM-Adopting Organizations

BSA SAM Advantage will offer four levels of software asset management (SAM), allowing you to adopt the model that best meets your organization’s SAM needs. 

  • Tier 1, Trustworthy Data:  Tier 1 provides a best-in-class framework for any SAM program, giving your organization complete visibility into the software on your network and an accurate accounting of its licensing compliance requirements.
  • Tier 2, Control Environment:  With trustworthy data in hand, Tier 2 is about developing internal processes so that management can recognize risks, maintain controls as needed, and adapt to new asset requirements on an ongoing basis.
  • Tier 3, Key Operational Processes:  Tier 3 is the next evolutionary stage, gaining greater efficiency by integrating SAM processes with your current operational systems. Tier 3 includes contract management, procurement, deployment and retirement, helping to optimize your return on investment (ROI).
  • Tier 4, Complete Systems Integration:  Tier 4 will enable your organization to reap the full benefits of SAM including full ISO conformance. Specifically, you will have a clear understanding of your organization’s complex IT footprint, enabling management to analyze its data and leverage its assets as a strategic tool for business transformation.

BSA SAM Advantage Tier Attaining this will mean… BSA SAM Advantage will make it easier for you to…
Tier 1
Trustworthy Data		 Knowing what you have when needed · Get started easily
· Access valuable Information
· Set a foundation for best practice
Tier 2
Control Environment 		Making SAM a consistently managed process · Make the business case for continued SAM
· Set smart objectives to achieve SAM goals
· Win plan approval
Tier 3
Key Operational Processes		 Integrating SAM so it is instinctive and even more useful · Deliver year-over-year value
· Justify continued investment
· Demonstrate progress and success
Tier 4
Complete Systems Integration		 Lasting SAM with all the benefits

Full ISO Conformance		 · Seek and retain board approval
· Sustain ongoing SAM benefits
· Show best practice through full certification

How will I know which of the four tiers is right for my organization?

BSA SAM Advantage is being designed to suit the needs of organizations of all sizes and types, from a 10-person small business to the largest corporation. An independent, accredited SAM partner who has received best-in-class training and resources will work with you to ensure that your organization receives the right knowledge, training, and support to achieve the level of software compliance that meets your specific goals. Regardless of the tier you choose, BSA SAM Advantage will provide a framework that will enable your organization to achieve full compliance in the future should your SAM goals change.

Are companies required to meet ISO standards?

Companies are not required to meet ISO SAM standards. However, there are strong financial and reputational incentives to meet the standard because of the potential rewards mentioned above. The BSA SAM Advantage program is being built by following the ISO 19770-1 Software Asset Management standard, providing the assurance of working toward the recognized world standard of excellence and knowing your resources will not be wasted.  

Will BSA play a role in my organization’s SAM program? Will this prompt a software audit?

No, BSA will not be involved in any organization’s SAM program. In fact, BSA SAM Advantage will lead to a much better use of your time and resources than getting ready for one-time audits.

BSA’s role is three-fold. First, we developed the concept and the intellectual property for the four-tier progress scheme. Second, we built support for the new approach among the world’s leading software companies, ensuring strong credibility and driving support for the program. Third, going forward, BSA’s role is to ensure that SAM partners, including independent resellers and SAM practitioners, receive best-in-class training and resources so that they can in turn enable you to achieve high-levels of software compliance and productivity. Independent SAM partners will receive a flexible set of vendor-supported training, resource and guidance materials to help steer you, easily and efficiently, toward achieving SAM excellence.

How do I get started?

Pilot programs are expected to be launched by Q1 2009, with wider implementation in several regions to follow. To sign up for future news and updates, including a listing of BSA SAM Advantage partners and endorsing software companies, click here.

Robert Holleyman, President and CEO, BSA:
“BSA SAM Advantage aims to help those who make, sell and use software worldwide to make license compliance a long-term, strategic process for organizations featuring different levels of adoption for different end-user needs. It will provide organizations with a clear route towards license compliance supported by an open, independent and not-for-profit body.”

David Bicket, Convener of the ISO’s Working Group for 19770-1:
“Our group recently undertook a world-wide survey which demonstrated that an incremental approach like BSA SAM Advantage is definitely needed. In delivering this, and in providing a clear route towards the standard, I believe BSA SAM Advantage is firmly focused on meeting real business requirements. The approach proposed by the BSA is now being officially trialled as a potential future international standard itself.”

Michael Beare, Director, Channel, Genuine Software Initiative at Microsoft:
“Current SAM training structures don’t take into account the sheer diversity of SAM needs and expectations among businesses. BSA SAM Advantage will provide breadth of resources and flexibility in implementation, enabling us to deliver high-value support and to steer our customers towards achieving software asset management optimization.”

1 “IT Asset Management: Moving to Higher Ground,” Frances O’Brien, Gartner ITAM Conference, 2003.

Related Resources