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Express Software Manager 9.5 Preview

I recently had the opportunity to preview an early release of the latest version of Express Software Manager, from Express Metrix.

The most notable development in Express Software Manager 9.5 is the new purchasing module which allows users to track purchases and reconcile invoices with the hardware and software found on the network.
Four Stages of SAM Maturity
In short, I really like what they have done. Their new modular approach to Express Software Manager is closely aligned to the maturity curve of organisations as they progress with Software Asset Management.

  1. Inventory – Gain visibility of what you have in order to manage it effectively
  2. Usage – Monitor what is being used to reduce waste
  3. Purchasing – Manage and reduce costs, maintain compliance
  4. Control – Enforce software policies and automate SAM

Express Software Manager 9.5 Highlights

  • Input hardware and software purchases as they occur
  • Assign purchases to users or machines, and allocate to organizational groups
  • Reconcile purchasing data with inventoried assets on the fly
  • Reporting on Microsoft Virtualisation (Linking VM’s to Host for easier identification)

Best of all – I really liked the way they highlight the gaps. It allows users to answer the question “What have I missed?” – For example, “What have we bought that is not on the network or is not being used?” Or, “Show me hardware that is not yet assigned to users.”

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

As with their previous version the software is designed from a day-to-day tasks and workflow perspective (See right hand side of screenshot). Express Metrix has a strong foundation in the SAM market and this is sure to consolidate that position.

If I were in their shoes I would open up their software reconciliation engine and purchasing module to accept feeds from other inventory systems (which are mostly commoditized these days) and open their software up to a much larger market.

Express Software Manager Version 9.5 will be available at the end of May.  See more here.

About Martin Thompson

Martin is owner and founder of The ITAM Review, an online resource for worldwide ITAM professionals. The ITAM Review is best known for its weekly newsletter of all the latest industry updates, LISA training platform, Excellence Awards and conferences in UK, USA and Australia.

Martin is also the founder of ITAM Forum, a not-for-profit trade body for the ITAM industry created to raise the profile of the profession and bring an organisational certification to market. On a voluntary basis Martin is a contributor to ISO WG21 which develops the ITAM International Standard ISO/IEC 19770.

He is also the author of the book "Practical ITAM - The essential guide for IT Asset Managers", a book that describes how to get started and make a difference in the field of IT Asset Management. In addition, Martin developed the PITAM training course and certification.

Prior to founding the ITAM Review in 2008 Martin worked for Centennial Software (Ivanti), Silicon Graphics, CA Technologies and Computer 2000 (Tech Data).

When not working, Martin likes to Ski, Hike, Motorbike and spend time with his young family.

Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.

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