In Today’s Business World (NAPSA)—Inadequate software asset management (SAM) needn’t tarnish an otherwise sparkling corporate image. SAM helps determine the necessary software resources and protects them from unauthorized software use, which can lead to legal risks, large fines, public embarrassment, even SarbanesOxley complianceissues. A company can achieve success- ful SAM byusing only licensed products and enforcing software compliance. Here are some guidelines: Establish a program of regular software audits to ensure that the company is always in compliance with the law. Profile each computer and user within the company. Establish a budget for software purchases. Implement a process to account for software inventory. Take appropriate steps if unauthorized software copying is discovered. Enforce consistent adherence to company policy and the law to ensure that any problemsare corrected and not repeated. Establish a committee or task force to own these issues. Good planning and budgeting, and a well-documented policy regularly communicated companywide, are key to managing software and avoiding situations where employees may be tempted to copy softwareillegally. Benefits of SAM Implementing a SAM program offers many potential benefits including higher productivity, improved morale, greater cost savings, disaster recovery protec- tion, competitive advantage and lowerliability. Employees equipped with functioning software that’s fully supported and virus free are able to focus on being productive and creative in their work, instead of trying to resolve technical issues. In SA fe Vi 9 KE 2 Establish a task force to implement software asset management guidelines. addition, an environment that promotes ethical conduct encourages strongerloyalty. By better managing software, companies can better budget for additional software resources when needed and take advantage of tax benefits associated with software depreciation. SAM puts companies in a stronger negotiating position with software manufacturers and improves software purchasing arrangements such as volumediscounts for new purchases and upgrades. Organizations can limit their liability associated with unauthorized software licenses. This can help lower legal fees and avoid the damaged reputation that can arise from a lawsuit. In a natural disaster, a proper SAM program can help a company prove that all the software is compliant. Overall, a well-organized IT department, productive employees and reduced costs translate into faster time to market and a greater competitive advantage. Manysoftware vendors provide Web sites, tools and free resources to help companies maintain software compliance. For example, Autodesk,Inc.offers a free Software Asset ManagementToolkit. For further information, visit www. autodesk.com/piracy or call (800) NO COPIES
