The objective of IT Asset Management (Hardware and Software) is to know what you have, where it is, and what is running on it. The writer describes over the next few postings the processes required to enable the most effective Asset Management solution to be developed based on the client’s objectives.

There are typically a number of drivers for the undertaking of Asset Management, and these will impact the requirements / implementation, typically these include:

1.   Cost control / reduction; to achieve cost control / savings all purchases must be recorded and its usage assigned. This allows for unused devices and licences to be redeployed or terminated as required.
2.   Regulatory compliance (e.g. SOX, PCI)
3.   Software Licence Compliance (SAM); to satisfy Vendors, a detailed inventory of all relevant hardware & associated software must be available.  It is not possible to undertake Software Compliance without a Hardware Inventory.
4.   Industry Standards (ISO, BS); ISO standards as stated by ISO 20000, this will also relate to the information required to be registered for the CMDB.
5.   Improved Service Delivery / Service Management

The availability of up-to-date information will improve the efficiency of the Service Desk and Technical Support teams and reduce the impact of any problems.

Asset Management is not a one off project; it is an ongoing commitment with the appropriate level of management support and resourcing needing to be provided.