How To - Software Asset Management (SAM)

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the basics of Software Asset Management (SAM) and provide a step-by-step guide on getting started with SAM in your organization. We will cover topics such as turning on SAM in ServiceNow, populating the software install table, normalization and matching, entitlement imports, reconciliation, and resources for implementation.

Step 1: Getting Started with SAM in ServiceNow

To begin using SAM in ServiceNow, you will need to activate the SAM master plugin. You can request this plugin from support.servicenow.com. Additionally, you may need to install other apps from the store, such as the SCCM service graph connector for importing software data from SCCM.

Step 2: Populating the Software Install Table

The software install table is where you will store information about the software applications installed in your environment. This table is populated by various discovery sources, such as SCCM or other inventory tools. You can customize the view of this table to display the relevant fields, such as publisher, display name, version, and device.

Step 3: Normalization and Matching

Normalization is the process of standardizing the data in the software install table. This is important for accurate reconciliation. You can normalize the data by creating software models for the applications in your environment. The normalization process ties software installs to software models based on publisher, display name, and version.

Step 4: Entitlement Imports

Once you have populated the software install table and normalized the data, you can import entitlements into ServiceNow. This step involves using the entitlement import spreadsheet provided by ServiceNow. The spreadsheet includes fields for publisher part number, license type, quantity, and other relevant information. Importing entitlements helps match software installs to licenses.

Step 5: Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the process of comparing software installs to entitlements to determine compliance and licensing status. You can run reconciliation in ServiceNow to assess your organization's license position. The reconciliation process will match software installs to licenses, calculate utilization and compliance, and provide visibility into any over- or under-licensing.

Resources for Implementation

To assist you with SAM implementation, there are several resources available. ServiceNow offers training courses, including the Fundamentals of Software Asset Management, which provides a deeper understanding of SAM concepts and processes. You can also access the ITAM community and participate in office hours with the ServiceNow product team. Additionally, there are various resources and playbooks available on the Now Support portal to help guide you through the implementation process.

Keywords

Software Asset Management, SAM, ServiceNow, Software Install Table, Normalization, Matching, Entitlement Imports, Reconciliation, Implementation, Resources

FAQ

Q: How do I activate SAM in ServiceNow? A: You can activate the SAM master plugin by requesting it from support.servicenow.com and activating it in the ServiceNow instance.

Q: What is the purpose of the software install table? A: The software install table in ServiceNow is where you store information about the software applications installed in your environment.

Q: How do I import entitlements into ServiceNow? A: You can import entitlements into ServiceNow using the entitlement import spreadsheet provided by ServiceNow. This spreadsheet includes fields for publisher part number, license type, quantity, and other relevant information.

Q: How can I ensure compliance with software licenses? A: Reconciliation in ServiceNow helps assess your organization's license position by comparing software installs to entitlements and determining compliance and licensing status.

Q: Are there any resources available for SAM implementation? A: Yes, ServiceNow offers training courses, access to the ITAM community, and various resources and playbooks on the Now Support portal to assist with SAM implementation.