The ITAM Executive: A Podcast for IT Asset Management Professionals

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

Host: Sarah Marriott, Anglepoint Director

Speakers: Antonela Agbaje, Software Asset Manager at Sainsbury’s; Dominika Franke, Software Asset Manager at ABB; Kay Twitchell, Deputy Agency Software Manager at NASA

This episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our 2024 Women in ITAM webinar, ‘Measuring & Communicating ITAM’s Impact.‘

In this episode, Sarah Marriott, Antonella Agbaje, Kay Twitchell, and Dominika Franke discuss various aspects of measuring and communicating the impact of ITAM within organizations. This panel of experts share their insights and experiences in the field.The episode also delves into the challenges of communicating the value of ITAM, including the need to align ITAM goals with business objectives, prioritize ITAM initiatives amidst competing priorities, and establish ownership for software assets within the organization. They emphasize the significance of building relationships, fostering communication, and celebrating incremental wins to gain momentum and support for ITAM initiatives. Additionally, they discuss the role of women in ITAM, acknowledging how essential it is to have diverse perspectives and skills.

By listening to this episode you’ll learn about:

• Our panelists’ experiences measuring and communicating the impact of ITAM
• The importance of ITAM KPIs
• Strategies for effective communication
• The importance of having women in ITAM
• And more

Host: Jason Kelly, Anglepoint Director of FinOps

This episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our lightning course, FinOps 101 | Understanding FinOps and Cloud Cost Optimization.

In this episode, Jason Kelly, Director of FinOps at Anglepoint, introduces the concept of the FinOps Cycle, comprising the inform, optimize, and operate phases, which form a continuous iterative process. The inform phase focuses on fostering accountability through data transparency, while the optimize phase involves seizing cost-saving opportunities. The operate phase entails making informed business decisions based on the outcomes of optimization efforts, leveraging automation and advanced tools.

Jason then highlights the challenges associated with implementing FinOps within organizations. These challenges include the complexity of cloud cost management, organizational conflicts between different departments, resistance to change, difficulty in gaining executive buy-in, and the need for seamless workflow integration. Despite these hurdles, there are strategic approaches for successful FinOps deployment. Iterative adoption, quick wins, and the establishment of a Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE) to facilitate communication and expertise sharing across departments are solutions highlighted in the episode.

By embracing the FinOps Cycle and implementing tailored strategies, organizations can overcome challenges, enhance cost transparency, and achieve greater financial accountability in their cloud operations.

By listening to this episode you’ll get:

• An in-depth look at each phase of the FinOps cycle (inform, optimize, operate)
• An explanation of some of the biggest challenges of implementing and/or maintaining FinOps in an organization
• Solutions to those challenges, such as utilizing cloud management platforms for cost visibility and accountability
• And more

If you’re interested in learning more about Jason, connect with him on LinkedIn.

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Host: Jason Kelly, Anglepoint Director of FinOps

This episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our lightning course, FinOps 101 | Understanding FinOps and Cloud Cost Optimization.

In this episode, Jason Kelly, Director of FinOps at Anglepoint, delves into the fundamentals and benefits of FinOps, a practice that merges finance and DevOps to manage cloud financials effectively. He explains the importance of FinOps in maximizing business value within the cloud and highlights its role in fostering collaboration and accountability across various organizational departments. Throughout the episode, Jason offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of FinOps and its future trends, making it an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of cloud financial management.

Whether you’re a finance professional, a DevOps engineer, or a business leader, this episode provides valuable insights into optimizing cloud costs and making informed business decisions. By learning about the phases of FinOps maturity and upcoming trends such as standardization efforts and AI integration, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of cloud financial management effectively.

By listening to this episode you’ll learn:

• Why FinOps isn’t only about cost savings
• How practitioners need to balance cost, speed, and quality when it comes to FinOps
• About future trends in FinOps
• How FinOps and ITAM teams can start working together to acheive shared outcomes
• And more benefits of FinOps

Host: Chris Hayes, Anglepoint Principal Consultant

This episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our webinar, Unlocking Regulatory Compliance and GRC Success: Aligning Your ITAM System with a Robust Risk Control Framework.

In this episode, Chris Hayes, Principal Consultant at Anglepoint, explains how ITAM teams can add value to their companies and organizations by aligning their management systems with Risk Control Frameworks.

Organizations across the world are subject to many different regulatory and compliance requirements. Aligning the organization to Risk Control Frameworks supports efforts to meet these requirements.

When adhering to a Risk Control Framework, ITAM teams can bring a lot of value to the organization by applying the Deming Cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act). Taking this approach emphasizes continuous improvement, measurement, and alignment with organizational priorities.

While it’s important that the ITAM team takes action, success certainly will not be achieved alone. Cross-functional coordination and collaboration with other teams across the organization is essential.

By listening to this episode you’ll learn:

• The importance and value of adhering to a Risk Control Framework
• How ITAM can collaborate with other teams: InfoSec, Governance, Sourcing & Procurement, etc.
• How to apply the Deming Cycle to your ITAM Management System
• Continuous improvement and report best practices
• And more