1. Distributed Asset Management Making The Business Case

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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?_____________________________________

10. 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?

11. 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?