Last night the story was recounted of the first transatlantic telegraphy cable on PBS' American Experience. It explores the trials of Cyrus Field over thirteen years just before and just after the US Civil War. A tradition of convening a technical board of inquiry begins after the first attempt to lay a functional transatlantic cable fails. Given the uncertainty of the electrical knowledge and the large investment many factors were revealed during the board of inquiry that contributed to success on the next attempt. The PBS show attributes Cyrus Field's persistent belief, action, maybe a little naive technical optimism and certainly commitment to the success of the huge project.
The same attributes may also be helpful traits for those practicing Software Asset Management in corporations today. In 2003 Gartner estimated that "through 2007, 65 percent of enterprises will grossly mismanage complexity and risk, stifling productivity and earnings, and inflating costs by at least 25 percent." Addressing costs through processes and structures that SAM provides is a proven, financially rewarding step in the right direction.
The struggle to implement an effective SAM program can require skills in the three core disciplines mentioned by Gartner - governance, IT service management and enterprise IT architecture. SAM must also address legal and business issues. Learning about SAM can seem complicated to those new to the field but the procesesses are rather simple when implemented in stages. Yet with belief, action and commitment we have seen that anything is possible.
Online courses are such a relief, and far more economical and productive. Many people are not allowed the budget for week long out-of-town courses, or the time off required to take them. A one week course can be mind boggling with so much to learn, especially in SAM and ITAM. 
