Key Features of IT Asset Management Software

More and more organizations are making the purchase and deployment of IT asset management software a top priority, as they struggle to more effectively track and control of their technology infrastructures.  With IT asset management software, organizations can achieve more efficient and effective management of systems, applications, and components across their entire enterprise.  

In fact, Gartner studies show that, last year, IT asset management was a top five initiative for most CIOs.  Why?  Because, according to the leading analyst firm, as many as 30 percent of today’s companies are in a “chaotic” state, with absolutely no understanding of what technology systems they own, who is utilizing them, and where they reside, while more than 45 percent are in a “reactive” state, tackling asset management issues such as licenses audits a single project at a time.  

But, choosing the right IT asset management software tools can be challenging for most businesses.  Here are four sure-fire ways to help you make the best possible decision. 

Is your company REALLY ready?

IT asset management is about more than just implementing and deploying a software application.  It requires new disciplines and processes that support effective asset valuation, tracking, and control across your entire enterprise.  Experts agree that rushing to purchase IT asset management software, before truly understanding, analyzing, and restructuring the procedures it will facilitate, is the most-commonly made mistake.  It is likely the reason why, according to Pat Cicala, president and CEO of Cicala & Associates, a NJ-based asset management services and research firm, “more than 80% of IT asset management programs either stall or become problematic, even if they’ve got a few years under their belts.”

So, before you begin evaluating IT asset management software packages, be sure that your company is truly ready.  Otherwise, lack of preparedness can hinder roll-out, and negatively impact the success of your initiative. 

Integration is key.

An IT asset management software package should not be viewed as a “stand-alone” solution.  In order to operate as effectively as possible, and maximize value, it will need to be seamlessly linked to other vital business systems within an organization.  Be sure that the IT asset management software vendor you choose can tightly integrate their offering with your supply chain, help desk, procurement, and other applications. 

Look for flexibility and scalability.

In today’s dynamic marketplace, corporate technology infrastructures are changing faster and faster, as companies contract with new providers and implement new systems at a rapid pace to boost operational efficiency, increase agility and responsiveness, and achieve and maintain a competitive edge.  Do the IT asset management software solutions you are evaluating allow for future scalability and expansion?  Be sure to choose an IT asset management software vendor that can continue to support your needs as they change and grow. 

In-house vs. outsourced? 

As with any enterprise solution, the decision must be made between on-site and hosted IT asset management software.  Since hosted IT asset management software is installed and administered by a third-party provider, the burden on IT teams is minimized, rollout is accelerated, and large upfront costs are virtually eliminated.  However, many companies prefer to maintain complete control over their IT asset management software solution – something that is not entirely possible with a hosted application.  So, which option is best?  Only those that will be responsible for overseeing your IT asset management software project can properly weight the proc and cons, and make that decision.