In the broadest sense, this book is for any organization responsible for managing compliance with computer software licenses. However, it is most likely to be useful for large organizations managing many licenses including individuals on cross-functional teams with roles in IT asset management (ITAM), IT hardware asset management (HAM), IT software asset management (SAM), software contract management and procurement, IT compliance, governance, and security. Additionally, it will be useful to IT professionals employed by software publishers, hardware and software resellers, consulting firms, and academic university and college-level courses. Recognizing how busy individuals in these roles tend to be, I have written this book with the idea that readers can spend their time focusing on the chapters that will be most meaningful to them, while skipping those chapters unrelated to their specific roles. (Of course, any reader will benefit from reading the book all the way through in the sense that it always helps to understand the roles our colleagues play in accomplishing common goals.) With this in mind, the book is divided into five parts: Part I introduces software asset management and is recommended reading for each individual who plays a role, no matter how large or small, in a software compliance audit. Part II takes a detailed, chapter-by-chapter look at each stage and aspect of an established software asset management (SAM) program. The introduction to each chapter indicates which individuals should read that chapter, and which can use their time more prudently by moving on to the next chapter. Part III takes a detailed, chapter-by-chapter look at each stage and process of a software compliance audit. Again, the introduction to each chapter indicates which individuals should read that chapter, and which can move along. Part IV provides an overview of the major areas in which an organization can take steps to optimize its software investment. These chapters will be relevant to members of most of the cross-functional teams involved in the SAM process, though a few can save time by skipping this section. Part V takes a broader look at the process approach used in software asset management and the underlying ethical principles that guide SAM and the software compliance audit. Again, this is recommended reading for each individual who plays a role, no matter how large or small, in managing software assets and ensuring compliance as defined by the publisher.
