Oracle Software Asset Management

How can an Oracle Software Asset Management Program Benefit

Oracle Software Asset Management (SAM) is a set of processes and tools designed to help organizations effectively manage and optimize their use of Oracle software licenses. This includes tasks such as tracking and reporting on software usage, ensuring compliance with license agreements, and negotiating with Oracle for additional licenses or discounts as needed. Here are several key benefits of implementing an Oracle SAM program:

1. Cost savings: Oracle software can be expensive, especially for organizations that have a large number of users or servers running Oracle products. By carefully managing and optimizing the use of these licenses, organizations can reduce their overall Oracle software costs. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as reallocating licenses to meet changing needs, negotiating discounts with Oracle, or transitioning to less expensive licensing options.
2. Compliance: Failing to properly manage Oracle licenses can result in non-compliance with Oracle’s terms and conditions. This can lead to costly audits and fines, as well as damage to an organization’s reputation. An Oracle SAM program helps organizations avoid these risks by tracking and reporting on software usage and ensuring that all Oracle licenses are properly deployed and used.
3. Improved efficiency: An Oracle SAM program can help organizations better understand their software usage patterns and identify areas where they may be over or under-utilizing their licenses. This can help organizations make more informed decisions about how to allocate their resources and optimize their software usage.
4. Risk management: An Oracle SAM program helps organizations identify and mitigate potential risks associated with their use of Oracle software. This includes identifying areas where the organization may be at risk of non-compliance, as well as identifying potential vulnerabilities in its Oracle environment.
5. Better decision-making: An Oracle SAM program provides organizations with the data and insights they need to make informed decisions about their use of Oracle software. This includes understanding usage patterns, identifying potential cost savings opportunities, and determining the best approach for managing and optimizing their Oracle licenses.

5 steps to implement an Oracle SAM program

To implement an Oracle SAM program, organizations can use a combination of tools and processes. This may include using Oracle’s own SAM tools, such as Oracle License Management Services (LMS) or Oracle Software Investment Management (SIM), as well as third-party tools and services.

Regardless of the specific tools and processes used, an Oracle SAM program typically involves the following steps:

1. Inventory: The first step in any SAM program is to accurately inventory all of the organization’s Oracle software licenses and deployments. This includes identifying which products are being used, where they are installed, and how they are being used.
2. Usage tracking: Once the inventory is complete, the next step is to track and monitor the organization’s software usage. This may involve using Oracle’s own tools or third-party tools to monitor usage patterns and identify areas where the organization may be over or under-utilizing its licenses.
3. Compliance: The third step in an Oracle SAM program is to ensure that the organization is in compliance with its Oracle license agreements. This may involve working with Oracle’s licensing team to negotiate new or additional licenses as needed, as well as ensuring that all software deployments are properly licensed and used in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
4. Optimization: The fourth step in an Oracle SAM program is to optimize the organization’s use of its Oracle software licenses. This may involve reallocating licenses to meet changing needs, negotiating discounts or other cost savings opportunities with Oracle, or transitioning to less expensive licensing options.
5. Reporting: Finally, an Oracle SAM program should include regular reporting on the organization’s software usage and compliance status. This can help organizations identify areas where they may be able to save money or improve their compliance posture.

Benefits of an Oracle Software asset management program

1. Cost savings: An Oracle Software Asset Management (SAM) program can help organizations reduce their overall Oracle software costs by carefully managing and optimizing their use of Oracle licenses.
2. Compliance: An Oracle SAM program helps organizations ensure compliance with Oracle’s terms and conditions, avoiding the risks of costly audits and fines, as well as damage to an organization’s reputation.
3. Improved efficiency: By understanding their software usage patterns and identifying areas where they may be over or under-utilizing their licenses, organizations can make more informed decisions about how to allocate their resources and optimize their software usage.
4. Risk management: An Oracle SAM program helps organizations identify and mitigate potential risks associated with their use of Oracle software, including non-compliance and vulnerabilities in their Oracle environment.
5. Better decision-making: An Oracle SAM program provides organizations with the data and insights they need to make informed decisions about their use of Oracle software, including understanding usage patterns, identifying cost savings opportunities, and determining the best approach for managing and optimizing their Oracle licenses.
6. Improved asset tracking: An Oracle SAM program helps organizations track and manage their Oracle software assets more effectively, providing a clear and accurate view of their software inventory and usage.
7. Enhanced security: An Oracle SAM program can help organizations ensure that their Oracle software is properly configured and secure, reducing the risk of security breaches and data loss.
8. Streamlined processes: An Oracle SAM program can help organizations streamline their processes for managing and optimizing their use of Oracle software, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.

Oracle SAM Program – Roadmap

1. Identify a team leader: The first step in implementing an Oracle Software Asset Management (SAM) program is to identify a team leader who will be responsible for coordinating the program. This person should have a strong understanding of the organization’s Oracle software deployments and be able to communicate effectively with the Oracle licensing team and other stakeholders.
2. Conduct an inventory: The second step is to conduct a thorough inventory of all of the organization’s Oracle software licenses and deployments. This should include identifying which products are being used, where they are installed, and how they are being used.
3. Track usage: Once the inventory is complete, the next step is to track and monitor the organization’s software usage. This may involve using Oracle’s own tools or third-party tools to monitor usage patterns and identify areas where the organization may be over or under-utilizing its licenses.
4. Ensure compliance: The third step is to ensure that the organization is in compliance with its Oracle license agreements. This may involve working with an Oracle licensing service provider to negotiate new or additional licenses as needed, as well as ensuring that all software deployments are properly licensed and used in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
5. Optimize usage: The fourth step is to optimize the organization’s use of its Oracle software licenses. This may involve reallocating licenses to meet changing needs, negotiating discounts or other cost savings opportunities with Oracle, or transitioning to less expensive licensing options.
6. Implement reporting: The fifth step is to implement regular reporting on the organization’s software usage and compliance status. This can help the organization identify trends and areas for improvement, as well as track progress toward its SAM goals.
7. Review and update: Finally, it is important to regularly review and update the organization’s Oracle SAM program to ensure that it is meeting the organization’s needs and goals. This may involve making changes to the program’s processes, tools, or staffing as needed.

How to get management approval for an Oracle SAM Program

To get management approval for an Oracle Software Asset Management (SAM) program, it is important to clearly communicate the benefits and value that the program will bring to the organization. Here are some recommendations for how to do this:

1. Clearly define the problem: Before proposing an Oracle SAM program, it is important to clearly define the problem that the program will address. This may include issues such as high Oracle software costs, non-compliance with license agreements, or inefficient software usage.
2. Identify the benefits: Next, it is important to identify the specific benefits that the Oracle SAM program will bring to the organization. These may include cost savings, improved compliance, enhanced efficiency, risk management, and better decision-making.
3. Provide data and examples: To help make a strong case for the Oracle SAM program, it can be helpful to provide data and examples to support your argument. This may include data on the organization’s current software costs, usage patterns, or compliance status, as well as examples of how other organizations have successfully implemented Oracle SAM programs.
4. Outline the plan: To help management understand the scope and details of the proposed Oracle SAM program, it is important to outline a clear and concise plan for how the program will be implemented. This should include details such as the specific tools and processes that will be used, the resources that will be required, and the expected outcomes and timeline for the program.
5. Communicate the risks: It is also important to be transparent about any potential risks or challenges that the Oracle SAM program may encounter. This may include risks related to compliance, data accuracy, or resource constraints. By addressing these risks upfront, you can help management make an informed decision about whether to invest in the program.
6. Seek support: To increase the chances of getting management approval for an Oracle SAM program, it can be helpful to seek support from other stakeholders within the organization. This may include gathering support from IT leaders, finance teams, or other key decision-makers who can help make a case for the program.

We have helped over 300 companies worldwide with Oracle license management; if you want help designing your Oracle Software Asset Management program contact us.