Software Asset Management allows cost sharing for software licenses

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- ITS Services and Solutions has announced the release of Software Asset Management (SAM) at Penn State. This no-fee service, powered by License Dashboard, enables units across the University to coordinate efforts in acquiring, supporting and sharing licenses. Units participating in SAM are able to maintain an accurate license inventory, reduce software costs and associated staff time, and avoid noncompliance issues.

“This could create a significant cost savings to the University,” said Holly Benscoter, systems administrator for Penn State College of Engineering. "License Dashboard will help identify common packages used in our departments, allowing us to share license purchases.”

SAM currently has seven participating units across the commonwealth and are now accepting applicants for stewardship. All chosen units will be asked to designate a steward to act as representatives for their local area to gather information, interact with the service, and ensure that their users are license-compliant. Stewards utilizing the SAM service will be able to share knowledge and assets with other participating areas and collaborate on new and existing software licensing ventures. 

“We currently track our software through Excel spreadsheets, paper files, PO's and invoices,” said Christine Campbell, administrative support assistant for Penn State Berks Technology Services. “This has made the process of finding all of the information needed for the license records go smoothly.”

To learn more about Software Asset Management at Penn State or to request to become a steward, visit the SAM site. Visit sas.psu.edu for a full listing of services offered.