What is ISO 19770 / 19770-1?

What is ISO 19770 / ISO 19770-1? Software Asset Management: Your Guide to Compliance

In today's business landscape, where companies rely on a multitude of software solutions to operate efficiently, effective software asset management (SAM) is of paramount importance. It's not just about saving money; it's also about ensuring compliance and minimizing risks. An important standard in this context is ISO 19770 / ISO 19770-1. In this blog post, we will explain in detail what these standards are, how they relate to Software Asset Management (SAM), and how companies can meet the requirements of ISO 19770.

What is ISO 19770 / ISO 19770-1?

ISO 19770 is a series of international standards related to Software Asset Management (SAM). ISO 19770-1 is the main part of this standard and lays down the fundamental principles and requirements for effective SAM. It is divided into several parts, with ISO 19770-1 covering the core requirements.

What Does Software Asset Management Have to Do With It?

SAM refers to the systematic management of software assets, including licenses, installations, and usage. ISO 19770-1 provides guidelines on how companies should manage their software assets to optimize costs, ensure compliance, and minimize risks. It dictates that companies must identify their software, inventory it, and assess the associated risks and costs.

How to Achieve ISO 19770 Compliance?

1. Inventory: The first step in ISO 19770-1 compliance is the comprehensive inventory of all software assets within your organization. This includes not only licenses but also installations and usage data.

2. Documentation: It's important to carefully document all license agreements and their terms. This includes license types, usage rights, license quantities, and expiration dates.

3. Analysis: By analyzing your software assets, you can determine whether you have overlapping licenses or if you are under- or over-licensed. This helps optimize license costs.

4. Compliance Monitoring: Adhere to license agreements and avoid unauthorized software use. Regular monitoring is crucial for ensuring compliance.

5. Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks associated with outdated or unpatched software. Implement measures to mitigate these risks.

6. Reporting: Generate regular reports on the status of your SAM program to ensure transparency and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Recommendations for ISO 19770 Compliance

- Invest in SAM Tools: Automated SAM tools significantly ease inventory and monitoring tasks.
- Training and Awareness: Train your staff on SAM compliance and the importance of adhering to license agreements.
- Regular Audits: Conduct routine internal audits to ensure continuous SAM compliance.
- Continuous Improvement: Utilize the insights and reports from your SAM program to continuously enhance it and reduce costs.

ISO 19770 / ISO 19770-1 provides a clear roadmap for companies to enhance their SAM programs and ensure compliance. Complying with these standards can not only save costs but also strengthen the trust of customers and partners. It's a crucial step towards effective IT license management and risk mitigation in an increasingly digitized world.

For any further questions regarding ISO 19770 and recommendations tailored to your company, feel free to contact us.

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