Distributed Asset Management Making The Business Case

What Is Distributed Asset Management? Distributed Asset Management is an automated service for tracking IP devices and/or software packages on enterprise networks Can be managed by a third party, delivered as software as a service (SaaS) Thumbnail ROI: Asset tracking is ignored often by small and midsize companies But tracked assets are more easily and cost-effectively managed than those which are not Beyond tracking assets, related infrastructure services include patch management, software distribution

The Nuts And Bolts Of A SaaS Solution Distributed Asset Management How It Works Range of IP devices that can be tracked : PCs, laptops, servers, networked attached storage, network printers Small programs that do not affect performance are installed on devices. The programs report the status of devices to the monitoring service provider Devices are polled frequently to see if there have been changes to their status This auditing function promotes effective IT policy management Communication to the service provider is encrypted to prevent data theft Customers can check status of assets via Web console

Is It Right For Your Organization? Distributed Asset Management Physical asset management is time consuming and costs are rising because of IP device proliferation – IDC projects a 66% growth of devices on networks by 2012 Workers are increasingly mobile: IDC projects that 73% will be mobile by 2011 Many deskbound workers are outside the company firewall Automation of IT management processes reduces labor costs, optimizes limited resources Options to consider: IT staff (resource constrained); packaged software (requires staff); offshore providers (competitive price, management issues); domestic providers (competitive price)

Questions And Considerations Distributed Asset Management Key Questions To Consider: What is our current method of device and software asset management (if any)? What is asset management costing us in terms of IT staff hours or third party fees? How much time is wasted due to lack of enforcement of IT policies governing software loaded onto company computers? How much time is invested each month or year in software patches/upgrades or other forms of configuration management? What else could IT do to add value to the business if it wasn’t performing these tasks?

Calculating ROI Of Unmanaged Solutions Distributed Asset Management Unmanaged Costs To Consider Cost of ignoring asset management and related administrative services is mostly hidden Risk of lost or mismanaged assets, which can't be depreciated and must be replaced Unmanaged assets can lead to compliance problems for companies in regulated industries Unmanaged desktops: business people pulled into unproductive tasks as a result. Some estimates are $5,900 per desktop annually Additional administrative processes burden staff amid a downturn

Distributed Asset Management Calculating ROI Distributed Asset Management Benefits Of Managing Distributed Assets Leads to higher return on investment from depreciation of assets Leads to better device management and enforcement of IT policies More efficient procurement, budgeting and contract management Cost of service varies but industry standard is $1 - $2 per device per month

Must-Have Elements Of A Solution Distributed Asset Management Vendor Evaluation Checklist Service Level Agreements that meet your business goals Automated, Web-based service and monitoring Live phone support as needed Free Trial Small footprint on PCs, no performance drag on network

Our Company’s Business Case Distributed Asset Management Our current approach to IP asset management: _______________________________________________________________________ How many IP devices do we have? Desktops____ Laptops____ Network Printers____ Other________ What software do we need to manage?_________________________ ________________________________________________________ How much time do we currently spend managing our assets? Average cost per hour = _____________ Total:_______________ What’s the potential cost of a security breach due to unpatched software? _______________________________________________________ Estimated cost of distributed asset management solution:__________ Projected savings:__________________________________________ Do we currently use 3rd-party technology providers? _____ Results?_____________________________________

Resources For Further Analysis Distributed Asset Management Industry Resources Should your organization adopt emerging industry standards? See PAS55 endorsed by the Institute of Asset Management Should you join an industry group? See International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers Does your IT staff need asset management certification? Does your organization need software asset management? Does your organization need software configuration management?

Resources For Further Analysis Distributed Asset Management bMighty.com Resources 6 Ways Technology Can Help Your Business Survive The Great Recession Outsourcing Your IT: Off-The-Shelf Vs. Custom Built Solutions Why Outsourcing the IT Department Makes Sense for Smaller Businesses   How To Boost Operating Efficiency With TCO TechEncyclopedia: Enterprise Asset Management 11 IT Best Practices: Monkey See, Monkey Do?