Information Technology (IT) has established itself as fundamental in companies, based on the understanding that the best software management or Software Asset Management SAM it can optimize operational processes and, consequently, generate productivity.
In this sense, Software Governance, through IT Governance, can be understood as a set of policies and regulations applied in a business environment, organizing all available technological support and developing the skills of IT professionals.
By aligning the technology sector with the company's strategic planning, with focused and efficient professional management in the area of Governance, the business potential can be better explored.
The strategic role of Software Governance and Software Asset Management
It is important to point out that IT management is not restricted to the sector in which it operates, as despite the promotion of internal control practices, it operates throughout the organic functioning of the company.
Management must be added to strategic planning, as its activities converge with the company's vision, in terms of scope and objectives.
IT Governance operates under one of the main pillars of a company, as it works as an information keeper. Understanding the importance of data security for the functionality and development of any business, maintaining the productivity of systems and software is essential for their full capacity.
How to put SAM into practice?
There are several governance models that can be applied to the management of IT resources. These models are also known as frameworks, and need to be studied on a case-by-case basis by the company's management in order to choose the best method, according to demands and respective plans. Here are some of the most famous:
COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology) is considered a full model of governance. Focused on the strategic level, this control framework enables the provision of information for companies to achieve their goals, allowing for advanced management resources.
Risk It is a complementary framework to COBIT, as it allows for an integration of IT risk management with that of the company itself, by offering information about potential risks. From there, the tolerance to these risks is evaluated and responsive measures are presented.
The ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) focuses not only on meeting the needs of the company itself, but also on its audience, being more suitable for the purpose of optimizing IT services provided within the company itself.
Scrum is mainly applied to project management, having become popular in the management of agile software development projects.
The PmBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) also manages projects, with the purpose of improving the development of IT professionals, improving techniques and skills.
How does Software Asset Management benefit companies?
In addition to information security, with the possibility of improvements in the use of available software resources, process automation is improved, allowing cost savings, these are the main benefits of Software Asset Management.
Impacts are also felt in the company's marketing and business sectors, with the adoption of market innovations, and possible risks can be anticipated, making decision-making more flexible.
To learn more about the topic, you can consult sources that address IT Governance, its management practices, in addition to Data Governance and Software Governance.