It's not really a 'eureka moment' to say that you need a good database to store your software data. However, it is very difficult to over-emphasise the importance it has in your strategy. The Office of Government Commerce spells it out:

"It is impossible to implement an effective software asset management process without the successful design, development, implementation and maintenance of accurate software asset management databases, automatically updated from the live infrastructure."

Of course, a database is only as good as the information it contains. The data must be up-to-date and accurate. As an example, a live link to the software sitting on your company's computers can do this. It will ensure that any software changes, additions or deletions will be registered immediately, you'll be notified and can take the appropriate measures in a timely manner.

next