2025 and beyond: the trends transforming software asset management

AI and automation in SAM 

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are set to completely transform the way software assets are managed. No longer will SAM professionals have to rely on manual processes to track, monitor, and analyze software usage.

Key impact areas:

• Predictive analytics for license management: AI will help organizations forecast software usage patterns and make proactive decisions regarding renewals and license allocation. No more guessing about whether your licenses are being overused or underutilized
• Automated compliance checks: AI can run continuous compliance checks, alerting organizations about potential license violations before they become costly problems. This reduces manual oversight and minimizes the risk of non-compliance
• Smarter reporting and insights: automation can generate reports in real-time, providing decision-makers with valuable insights into software usage, cost efficiency, and potential savings

The increasing importance of SaaS management 

As subscription-based software models (SaaS) become the norm, managing these assets is more critical than ever. SaaS offers flexibility and scalability, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.

Why SaaS management matters:

• Tracking usage and costs: unlike traditional perpetual licenses, SaaS subscriptions are often charged on a recurring basis. Keeping tabs on usage metrics and ensuring you’re not paying for unused licenses can help control costs
• Compliance challenges: with numerous vendors, varied subscription models, and complex terms of service, staying compliant across your SaaS stack requires a structured approach. Without effective SaaS management, you risk overspending or violating vendor terms
• Optimizing renewals: managing SaaS contracts is also about knowing when to renew or cancel. AI can help predict which subscriptions are providing value and which might be redundant

Organizations that fail to manage their SaaS assets effectively may find themselves paying for unused licenses or facing unexpected audits. It’s time to get proactive about SaaS management to stay on top of your subscription-based tools.

Integration of ITAM and SAM

In 2025, the distinction between IT Asset Management (ITAM) and SAM will continue to blur. ITAM traditionally focuses on managing physical assets like computers and hardware, while SAM has been centered around software licenses. But as organizations look ofr more holistic approaches to asset management, ITAM and SAM increasingly converge.

By integrating ITAM and SAM, companies will gain a clearer, more complete picture of all their assets, both hardware and software. This integration provides a unified view of the entire IT ecosystem, helping organizations make more informed decisions about both hardware and software investments. It also enables businesses to improve operational efficiencies by ensuring that both hardware and software are used effectively and that resources aren’t being wasted.

Emphasis on cyber security and compliance 

As cyber security threats continue to escalate, software asset management will take on even greater significance. Organizations are now under more scrutiny than ever, with regulators demanding that businesses ensure software compliance and security.

Key focus areas:

• Heightened security risks: cyber threats targeting software vulnerabilities are increasing, making it essential to not only track software licenses but also ensure that security patches and updates are being applied promptly
• Regulatory compliance: with GDPR, CCPA, and other data privacy laws in full swing, maintaining compliance with software licensing and usage policies is a top priority. Non-compliance can result in costly fines and damage to your brand reputation
• License audits: software vendors are conducting more audits, and the penalties for non-compliance are becoming more severe. SAM practices will need to be more proactive in preparing for and navigating these audits

In 2025, organizations will need to make cyber security a core part of their SAM strategy, aligning security protocols with licensing practices to reduce risk.

Sustainability and green IT

As organizations work to reduce their carbon footprints and adopt greener practices, SAM will play an important role in supporting these sustainability goals. Efficient software management can help organizations reduce waste, optimize usage, and ensure that their IT operations are as environmentally friendly as possible.

SAM practices will evolve to align with broader green IT strategies, helping organizations make more sustainable decisions about software purchases, usage, and disposal. For example, organizations may choose to optimize software licenses to reduce unnecessary usage or adopt virtualized environments that require less energy. As the pressure to go green increases, SAM will need to support these efforts by managing software assets in a way that reduces environmental impact.

The key takeaway? The landscape is changing, and SAM must evolve to meet these new challenges. By staying proactive, adapting to these trends, and investing in the right technologies, organizations can ensure they are ready for the future, whatever it may bring.

Read more about GreenOps in ITAM here.

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