Anything that makes your life easier when managing software has to be good. That's just one of the benefits software asset management brings:

• Take the pain out of the annual inventory by having a constantly accurate inventory that can just be printed out when needed
• Always know who is using what software
• Easily identify if users have software they don't need which can be reassigned rather than new software purchased
• Give yourself more bargaining power with the software vendors by knowing exactly how many licenses you have, how many you needed and whether you qualify for discount under bulk purchase schemes
• Impress the board with software budget requests that are based on accurate, up-to-date information and analysis
• Make future planning more effective by having a clear understanding of current requirements
• Make upgrades more targeted, less hassle and more cost-effective
• Make you and your staff's life easier and more enjoyable by having much greater control of your software allowing you to spend more time on the more rewarding part of IT management.
• Reduce the chances of viruses and defective software by being sure you only have authorised software on your systems
• Ensure you receive all the upgrades and support you are entitled to from software suppliers