80% of software policies overlook mobility
Is mobile licensing an audit blind spot?
News from Snow Software this week suggests mobile apps are being overlooked in software management policies. Poll results from their user forum suggest that 80% of software policies failed to include mobile applications.
Our recent Microsoft research suggests that ITAM Review readers are struggling with mobility.
In particular, readers are telling us that Office365 helped them do mobility, but if you’re not choosing Office365 then Microsoft is not making it easy. David and I discuss this, amongst many things, on a recent podcast.
Snow Software acquired a Stockholm-based mobile technology developer earlier this year to extend their SAM savvy to mobile devices. It will be interesting to see how they go to market.
The mobile device management (MDM) market has traditionally been focussed at InfoSec priorities, so it will be interesting to see what Snow bring to the table to address this. Many ITAM Review readers will already have an MDM solution in place for device management but licensing is very likely to be a blind spot and audit threat.
Am I going to dump by existing MDM solution to replace it with something that does SAM? Will other MDM providers bother going after this space? Let battle commence.
Mobile is no longer an accessory but is a lead device for many – as Software Asset Managers we need to wrap our heads around how we’re going to manage it.
“Organisations that don’t consider apps as part of their wider software policies may miss out on cost savings and are increasingly likely to incur unbudgeted indirect usage charges. Organisations need the ability to provide their mobile users with access to pre-approved, managed applications in order to avoid potential compliance issues. This access to pre-approved applications should be available to users of corporately or privately owned devices, and should be intuitive enough that provisioning and download can be performed by the end user.” said Alan Giles, Mobility Business Unit Manager, Snow Software.
Our research on Microsoft is still open – please provide your feedback here. We will publish all results on the ITAM Review and take licensing feedback directly to Microsoft on behalf of the Campaign for Clear Licensing.
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About Martin Thompson
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.