The ITAM Executive: A Podcast for IT Asset Management Professionals

Episode Overview

In this episode of The ITAM Executive, we highlight insights from Anglepoint’s recent webinar, “Conquering 5 Challenges to Deliver a Successful ITAM Program with ServiceNow.”

The episode explores the challenges and solutions involved in building a successful IT Asset Management (ITAM) program with ServiceNow, as experienced by Jerry Frasier, Program Director for the SAM team at Toyota.

Achieving Intelligent Data

The ultimate goal of an ITAM program should be to have “intelligent data,” meaning organizations should have complete visibility of their IT assets and their usage. Achieving this level of clarity is much easier said than done.  

Toyota’s journey toward intelligent data provides key lessons in overcoming these obstacles.

What You’ll Learn

• How intelligent data drives ITAM success. Overcoming several challenges, including data accuracy, complexity, and communication.
• The role of ServiceNow as a powerful tool for managing IT assets, enabling organizations to gain visibility into their software estate, optimize usage, and ensure compliance.
• The importance of effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in gaining leadership support and driving successful ITAM outcomes.
• How partnering with an experienced provider like Anglepoint can provide the expertise and resources needed to acquire intelligent data and ITAM success.
• And more.

Toyota’s journey to intelligent data emphasizes the importance of having a well-defined ITAM strategy, reliable data, and strong partnerships to achieve success in software asset management.

Hosts: Jesse Good, Senior Client Experience Manager; Brooke Hirsch, Senior Client Experience Specialist

In this episode of The ITAM Executive Jesse Good and Brooke Hirsch, from Anglepoint’s Client Experience team, discuss the recent release of the 2024 Gartner Voice of the Customer report for Software Asset Management (SAM) Managed Services.

This is the first ever report of its kind for the SAM Managed Services industry. Unlike the Magic Quadrant, which relies heavily on analysis from Gartner analysts, the Voice of the Customer (VOC) report is solely based on client feedback, providing an unfiltered look at SAM service providers.

In the episode, Jesse and Brooke cover the methodology used to create the VOC report, which ranks providers based on client reviews in two key areas:

• Interest and adoption: review volume, industry, region, company size
• Overall experience: ratings on support, services, and capabilities

Anglepoint ranks above average in both categories, earning the ‘Customers’ Choice’ title and positioning in the report’s upper right quadrant.

We are grateful to our clients and appreciate their feedback, which helps us continue to improve. If you would like to review Anglepoint, you can at Gartner Peer Insights.

Be sure to check out the Voice of the Customer report in its entirety.

Host: Kris Johnson, Anglepoint Chief Product Officer
Speakers: Rich Toomey, Lead Consultant; Alan Legerlotz, Principal Consultant

Episode Overview

In this episode of The ITAM Executive, Kris Johnson, Chief Product Officer at Anglepoint, hosts a discussion with Rich Toomey and Alan Legerlotz, two seasoned IT Asset Management professionals. What You’ll Learn

This episode provides a comprehensive discussion on the challenges of integrating various ITAM tools, specifically ServiceNow and Flexera, into a company's ecosystem. Some of the main points touched upon include:

1. Integration Realities: Salespeople often oversell the seamlessness of integrating various tools with ITAM platforms. In reality, the data, such as purchase orders, rarely include all the necessary details for automatic normalization of entitlements, requiring significant manual effort.
2. CMDB (Configuration Management Database) Health: The state of an organization’s CMDB significantly impacts the success of ITAM technology implementations. Customizations can create problems when aligning with the Common Services Data Model (CSDM).
3. Data Quality Issues: Inconsistencies in data between various sources (Flexera, ServiceNow, etc.) and manual updates to the CMDB can lead to significant discrepancies, requiring constant governance and reconciliation.
4. Governance and Maintenance: ITAM processes need continuous governance, including regular health checks of the CMDB, catching discrepancies before they become large-scale issues, and preventing the same errors from recurring.
5. Long-term Strategy: The right ITAM tool today may not be the best one in the future. Businesses should remain flexible and evolve their toolsets as their needs change.

Throughout the episode, both Rich and Alan stress that purchasing and deploying ITAM tools is only the beginning—real success comes from ongoing management, monitoring, and a clear focus on desired outcomes, whether it’s cost optimization, risk mitigation, or something else entirely.

Host: Sarah Marriott, Director, Anglepoint
Speakers: Hery Rason, Global ITAM, ABB; Andrzej Skrundz, IT Software Asset Management Sr. Specialist; ABB

Episode Overview

This episode of the ITAM Executive comes from our recent webinar, 4 Steps to ITAM Risk Management with ABB and Anglepoint.

We are very pleased to be joined by our colleagues at ABB for this discussion. Anglepoint and ABB have a very collaborative partnership with both teams functioning as one unit to enhance SAM maturity and address risks effectively at ABB.

This collaboration is essential due to the decentralization of ABB’s operating model, known as ‘The ABB Way.’ Because of this, it is essential that IT Asset Management practices are aligned and adaptable to meet different business needs across the organization.

These factors led to the creation of a 4-step process in a new ITAM Risk Management Framework, which will be covered in this episode.

What You'll Learn

By listening to this episode, you will learn about each of the steps in ABB’s ITAM Risk Management Framework. The steps to this risk remediation process are:

• Measure: Conduct regular Effective License Positions (ELPs) and Risk & Opportunity Assessment Reports (ROARs) that assess compliance position and provide actionable recommendations to optimize the environment.
• Prioritize: Register ROAR risks into an internal Global Risk & Compliance (GRC) tool, prioritized by value and likelihood to occur.
• Manage: Utilize actionable intelligence in Elevate to project manage ITAM risk remediation and opportunity realization.
• Action: Enable product owners and business areas to make informed decisions, understand their options, and take action based on detailed information segregated by their scope of responsibility.
• (Back to) Measure: Report on the progress made during the next ELP and ROAR and celebrate successes!

We hope you enjoy this episode. Please reach out to us if you have questions or would like to learn more about this risk remediation process.

Speakers:
Mandi Sue Bleau, Anglepoint Director of Microsoft Service Delivery.
Myles Adley, Anglepoint Senior Consultant, Service Delivery  

This episode of the ITAM Executive comes from our recent webinar, Microsoft 365 License Optimization Through Effective User Profile Management. The episode focuses on optimizing Microsoft 365 user profiles to ensure that your organization is using the most appropriate and cost-effective subscription plans. Mandi Sue Bleau (MSB) and Myles Adley emphasize the importance of regularly reviewing user profiles to align subscription levels with actual usage needs.

They also discuss the challenges posed by frequent Microsoft 365 updates and changes, which can complicate software license management.

Key topics discussed in the episode include:

• The importance of regular checks on the Microsoft 365 portal and internal profile reviews to manage software licensing effectively.
• The role of user profiling in identifying and grouping users based on their feature needs, helping organizations to right-size their applications and avoid overspending.
•  The introduction of Anglepoint’s 365 Selector tool, which automates matching user needs with the correct subscription levels.
• The potential cost savings (10-20%) from optimizing Microsoft 365 user profiles and reducing unnecessary features or licenses.
• The necessity of involving various stakeholders, including  security teams, in the decision-making process to ensure that the chosen subscription levels meet both business and security requirements.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our 365 Selector Tool.

Host: Kris Johnson, Anglepoint Chief Product Officer
Guest: Ron Brill, Anglepoint President & Chairman, Chair at ITAM Forum, Chair at ISO ITAM Standards Committee  

In this episode of The ITAM Executive, Kris Johnson and Ron Brill discuss the necessity and increasing importance of real-time IT Asset Management.  

Traditionally, ITAM has focused on audits for software compliance and contract negotiation. These practices often rely on manual processes and Excel sheets. With the rapid pace of technological changes, ITAM needs to evolve from a point-in-time practice to real-time data management.  

This evolution will empower organizations to use generative ai technologies to better manage licenses, enhance cybersecurity, and reduce costs. Utilizing technology, such as automation, with artificial intelligence, and intelligent tools, will be crucial in achieving real-time ITAM.  

Listen as Ron and Kris discuss this critical transition (and the strides that Anglepoint has made) to real-time ITAM.  

By listening to this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The evolution and future of ITAM
• The need for intelligent document processing (and Anglepoint's experience with it so far)
• The organizational impacts of automation and performing tasks with AI
• The future landscape of ITAM
• And more

Should these be "of the" instead of at?  [SL1]

Host: Kris Johnson, Anglepoint Chief Product Officer

Speaker: Jeremy Sayler, Director of Anglepoint's Oracle Licensing Practice

In this episode of The ITAM Executive, Kris Johnson and Jeremy Sayler discuss Oracle's new Verified SAM Partner Program.

The Verified SAM Partner Program was introduced at Oracle CloudWorld in October 2022 and officially went live in June 2023, Anglepoint was verified in Q1 2024. Clients in the program must work with a verified SAM managed services provider to deliver Oracle an annual baseline report of license entitlements and consumption.

Benefits of being in the program include audit reprieve, generous remediation options, and Oracle license optimization. Anglepoint is happy to be a Verified Partner in the program.

By listening to this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The details of Oracle's new Verified SAM Partner Program
• The benefits of the program, including audit reprieve
• The qualifications to join the program
• How Anglepoint became a Verified Partner
• And more

Speaker: Rebecca Horton, Sr. Director of Red Hat Licensing at Anglepoint

In this episode, Rebecca Horton, a seasoned expert in open-source technology and Red Hat solutions, sheds light on the impending end-of-life (EOL) of CentOS Linux 7 and how organizations can execute a seamless Red Hat transition.Rebecca pulls back the curtain on open-source software, highlighting the expansive nature of the open-source community. She explains the layers of open-source distribution, from community-driven projects like CentOS to enterprise-ready solutions offered by vendors like Red Hat. Emphasizing the pivotal role of open source in driving innovation, Rebecca stresses the need for organizations to understand the risks and requirements associated with EOL transitions.

Moreover, the discussion covers the significance of thorough planning and collaboration among stakeholders to facilitate a smooth Red Hat transition without disruption to business operations. With CentOS 7 reaching EOL on June 30th, 2024, Rebecca navigates through the implications and offers insights into migrating to Red Hat solutions. She elucidates the differences between regular and extended support, guiding listeners through the process of subscription management and optimization. Rebecca underscores the importance of thorough discovery and patch management practices, advocating for tools like Red Hat Discovery to streamline the process.

By incorporating Red Hat’s suite of solutions, Rebecca demonstrates how organizations can not only navigate the transition seamlessly but also leverage the full potential of open-source technology to drive innovation and growth.

By listening to this episode, you will learn about:

• The risks and considerations of open-source software
• How to discover and managed CentOS
• Migrating to Red Hat
• And more

Speakers: Benjamin Coon, Senior Consultant; Chris Hayes, Principal Consultant

This episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our webinar, “Broadcom’s VMware Licensing Changes Decoded.”

In this episode, Benjamin Coon, Senior Consultant of Specialty Licensing at Anglepoint, and Chris Hayes, Principal Consultant of Anglepoint’s ITAM Program Transformation practice, discuss the significant licensing changes to VMware by Broadcom, dissecting the nuances of these alterations.

There are three key categories of change: the transition from perpetual to subscription-based licensing, introduction of new product bundles, and a shift in license metrics from CPU to core-based. Many organizations may face challenges in adapting to these alterations and the episode advocates for best practices such as understanding license compliance and implementing robust demand planning processes to navigate the transition effectively.

The focus then shifts towards audit response and defense strategies in the context of the acquisition. Chris stresses the necessity of establishing an aligned response framework within the organization and communicating it effectively. Furthermore, he warns against sharing information with publishers without proper approval and emphasizes the importance of controlling the written record to prevent potential pitfalls during audits or negotiations.

The podcast wraps up by highlighting Anglepoint's VMware assessment services, which offer tailored support to organizations grappling with the evolving VMware licensing landscape. Benjamin and Chris encourage listeners to leverage Anglepoint's expertise in optimizing software and technology assets amidst regulatory changes. Through these discussions, the podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges posed by the VMware licensing changes and offers actionable insights to navigate them effectively.

By listening to this episode, you will learn about:

• The three key licensing changes from VMware by Broadcom
• What to watch out for when facing a renewal 
• How to mitigate risk and price increases due to the changes 
• How Anglepoint can help your organization through this transition 
• And more

Host: Jeremy Sayler, Anglepoint Director of Oracle Licensing
Speaker: Felicia Parilo, Oracle Global Director

This episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our webinar, “Oracle’s VSAM Partner Program Insights: What You Need to Know.” 

In this episode, Jeremy Sayler, Director of Oracle Licensing at Anglepoint, and Felicia Parilo, Global Director at Oracle, discuss Oracle’s Verified Software Asset Management (VSAM) Partner Program.Anglepoint is now recognized as a verified partner in the VSAM program, aiding Oracle customers in gaining a comprehensive understanding of their software investments.

In this podcast episode, Felicia, from the Oracle Global Licensing and Advisory Service, elaborates on the VSAM program’s inception, emphasizing its alignment with Oracle’s customer-centric approach and the collaborative opportunities the partner program offers between Oracle, Anglepoint, and clients to optimize their Oracle customer investments. Jeremy and Felicia then outline the VSAM program’s objectives, which include providing comprehensive advisory services to help clients understand their Oracle customer investments and optimize their software usage.

The program encompasses various software asset management services, such as consolidation, optimization, and cloud migration strategies, tailored to individual client needs. Additionally, Jeremy details the logistics of the VSAM program enrollment process, emphasizing its seamless integration into Anglepoint’s existing SAM managed service framework. Finally, the episode addresses potential concerns and skepticism surrounding the program.

By listening to this episode, you will learn about:

• The origins and intentions of Oracle’s VSAM program
• Benefits and requirements to join the partner program
• Anglepoint’s Oracle SAM managed services
• Common concerns and questions
• And more