Software asset management (SAM) – which ensures companies are compliant with software licence terms – is available as a hosted, managed service, thanks to a new system launched by Liken Group.

The service is aimed at removing the operational pains and reducing the costs of running SAM software internally.

Conventionally, companies bought a SAM tool and implemented it themselves. But it is seen as yet another compliance overhead that IT departments have to cope with.

Furthermore, SAM tools record what software is running on a network, but they don't cross-match this with actual software licences, and automatic identification alone cannot keep pace with all the software updates on a typically distributed corporate network.

Liken’s service uses the customer’s own software or Liken's e-link licence management toolkit, to gather data at regular intervals from across the customer’s network. The data is then sent via a secure link to Liken’s servers to check that executable files are accurately reconciled.

While initial data is processed, Liken experts review the client’s internal controls and procedures for purchasing and storing software. At the same time an independent risk assessment is compiled identifying file-sharing software, outdated versions and any other installed software that impacts on the security of the network.

Knowing what is installed does not mean that the network is compliant. Therefore, Liken compiles a detailed compliance report. This adheres to best practice standards including ISO/IECs: 19770, 17799 and 27001 and ITIL. Liken also works closely with FAST and the Business Software Alliance.