Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Business Process Transformation Alternative To Software Asset Management (SAM) Compliance Launched

New software and service alternative enables hosted and managed outsourcing to relieve SAM process pressure points

Organisations seeking to transform traditional IT business processes through outsourcing are being offered a new “all in one” software and service alternative that will replace internal Software Asset Management processes covering compliance, IT risk management and license optimisation with a hosted managed outsource alternative delivered to service level guarantees on an ongoing basis.

SAM specialist, Liken Group, has launched the 1st hosted, managed external business process transformation service, for CIOs who understand the limitations of running Software Asset Management systems internally. The new “all in one” alternative has been specifically designed to remove the operational pains of internal Software Asset Management processes and reducing costs too.

To date, normal practise has included procuring a SAM tool and implementing it internally. However, with the constant pressures on internal resources and processes, driven by issues such as compliance, this is often difficult to implement well. In addition, SAM tools cannot read a software license, and automatic identification alone cannot keep pace with all of the software updates on the market, which test existing internal processes to the limit.

Using Liken’s widely acclaimed e-link license management toolkit, SAM data is gathered periodically from across the client’s network. This is then sent via secure FTP or HTTP to Liken’s servers to check that executable files are accurately recognised.

Liken experts then assess and review the client’s internal control systems and processes for purchasing and storing software before accurately reconciling license documentation against the installed applications. In addition, a complete independent risk assessment is compiled identifying file-sharing software, outdated versions, vulnerabilities and any other installed software that impacts the security of the network.

A detailed SAM compliance report of the client’s current position is delivered in a fraction of the time normally taken internally. The new alternative adheres to the most demanding best practice standards including ISO/IECs: 19770, 17799 and 27001 and ITIL standards. ' Liken support and work closely
with organisations such as FAST and Investors in Software', Commenting on the launch of the new SAM business process alternative, James Rowlands, Director of Liken says; " Many organisations are reluctant to outsource their entire IT operations but see the wisdom in removing process pressure points upon internal resources. Software Asset Management is an ideal area to hand over to experts and free up valuable resources for other IT or compliance tasks.”

For more details on the new service, contact.

www.liken.co.uk

For Further Information, Please Contact:

James Rowlands
Liken Group
07771 515732

james.rowlands@liken.co.uk

or

Leigh Richards
The RIGHT Image
0870 850 7631

leigh.richards@therightimage.co.uk

About Liken
As an independent group, Liken provide impartial and effective advice and reports covering a range of essential areas - risk reporting, license optimisation, software usage and entitlement that allow their clients to make the right management decisions rather than being managed by the limitations of their SAM toolset.
Liken delivers effective software asset management itself - not just a set of tools or a few days consultancy. The service they provide overcomes all the stumbling blocks and pressure points usually encountered by businesses implementing a software asset management program including:
-File reconciliation: Liken guarantee to reconcile at least 95% of all executable files on client’s networks and tell them exactly which applications are fully or partially installed, and…
- License reconciliation: Liken establishes exactly what their clients are entitled to, based upon what supporting documentation is available - all on a fixed cost basis.