Technical FAQ
technical
- How can an effective SAM program help? A common problem when working in an IT department is having the right tools to get a job done. An effective SAM program can save countless hours of expensive staff time by organizing and storing the physical media of software. Tools such as network servers of different sizes can provide remote access to streamline software installations. The transition from current practices to an effective SAM environment can seem unclear at first, but the benefits are significant in the eyes of technical staff who have worked in such environments.
- What departments are typically involved in the lifecycle of a software version? For large organizations, tests are run before a software version is deployed. Software flaws or bugs are identified and plans are made for working around them. If a previous version is already deployed, compatibility of data is tested. Contracts for purchase are typically negotiated by a procurement department outside of IT. Depending on the terms of purchase the software is then installed on computers by a support department. Employees use the software in the range of diverse conditions. As people join and leave a company their software can become misplaced unless proactive steps are taken. Upgrades and/or alternative software titles and versions must follow the same path and may create a requirement to keep records of previous versions due to new upgrade purchase agreements.
- What departments are typically involved in software lifecycle management? Software lifecycle management begins with the initial request for a software application. It continues through the procurement, receiving, deployment, document and media storage, usage, and disposal path. Input from Human Resources is important for effectively utilizing software licenses to the company's economic advantage.
- What is so difficult about SAM from a technical perspective? There are no standard ways to keep track of software. Advanced technical software tracking systems never solve all needs across hetrogenous systems. Upgrades of hardware and software are common. There are no standard ways to measure IT programs. IT Management changes derail existing programs. Needs of technical support staff are often not clearly communicated to managers and the posession of physical software media is often closely guarded by technical staff so they can continue to get their work done without percieved hassles. Every employee add/change/move can result in the need for new or different software.
- As a SAM professional, how can I get the attention of executives in my company? This answer is unique to every company. A good rule of thumb is that executives feel most comfortable when presented with and acting upon facts.
