Maximize your investment in technology through proper software licensing and management

Whether you are a small or large business, software asset management, can help your organization in many ways. Not only will proper software management help provide financial protection, but it also will help address common issues such as data security and staff productivity. GPL Integrated IT, LLC can help you better understand software management and help your company determine which software licensing solution best suits your needs.

How can your organization benefit from software management?

Managing a business can be both gratifying and overwhelming. With so many decisions and management responsibilities, it’s not uncommon to let important details slip. However, proper software licensing is an aspect of your business that should receive the utmost attention.

Software asset management can make a world of difference in the smooth operation of your organization. Likewise, illegally copied software, acquired intentionally or not, is an unnecessary risk that can put your company in jeopardy.

By establishing a software asset management program, you can help your organization…

• Save money
  Good software asset management can help you determine what software you need and which programs you don't. It can also help you take advantage of volume license discounts and determine how to use software throughout your company in the most efficient way possible.
• Manage technological change
  Software management can help your company identify its software needs and ensure proper technology—helping you to reach your business goals.
• Work more efficiently
  In organizations where technology has proliferated without controls, many different software platforms and versions may exist, leading to communication problems. Managing software can help address and stop these issues.
• Justify investments
  By managing your software it's easy to understand the value you receive from your software investment. It's also easier to identify which parts of the organization need software upgrades or new software programs.
• Invest in the economy
  When individuals and companies use legal software all people benefit from the increase in local and national revenue and creation of more jobs.
• Avoid costs and fines
  Abuse of software licenses can result in financial penalties and legal costs. Additionally, company executives can be held individually liable, both criminally and civilly, for any copyright infringement that occurs within the organization.

Are you at risk?
Curious as to whether your company is at risk for using unlicensed or pirated software? Answer the following questions to help assess your risk.

Note: If your organization has ever acquired software that seemed like an incredible bargain or was offered over the Internet, without correct documentation and proof of license, this may increase your risk.

• Do you know how many PCs, laptops, and servers your company currently has in use?
• Do you have a software license for all software products installed on your PCs, laptops, and servers?
• Are you confident that no company employees have made unauthorized copies of software?
• Did you acquire all the software installed on your PCs, laptops, and servers from reputable sources?
• Does your company have a written policy for copying software and/or purchasing software licenses?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions or if you are unsure about any of your answers, then you need to consider implementing software asset management. Contact GPL Integrated IT, LLC for further information and help in managing your software assets.