The ITAM Forum Podcast

John Schwartzenberger from Flexera and Kelly Yip explores the complex reality of managing major software vendors in today’s IT landscape. Gain a clear understanding of why Tier 1 vendors are so difficult to control, how SaaS sprawl and shadow IT create hidden risks, and why entitlement data is often a critical blind spot. The episode also introduces the idea of a proactive onboarding framework - showing how consistent, strategic approaches can replace reactive management and bring order to the chaos of vendor relationships.

"All the information is out there: training, best practices, maturity assessments—use them to become a stronger practitioner." - John Schwartzenberger

ITAM teams face new challenges in tracking AI software, managing dynamic licensing models, and controlling cloud costs. Without a clear strategy, organisations risk overspending, compliance issues, and a lack of visibility into AI-driven assets.

Parpreet Singh from TMG joins us in this episode as we explore how ITAM teams can evolve to meet the demands of AI, including the impact of AI on software licensing/asset tracking and best practices for cost optimisation.

"The future is moving toward context-based AI and away from general platforms pulling information from across the internet - and that’s the right direction" - Parpreet Singh

In this episode, we explore why strong relationship management is essential to successful ITAM. From driving collaboration to enabling meaningful change, we look at how building trust, improving communication, and fostering inclusivity can amplify the impact of your ITAM practice. You’ll hear practical ways to develop these soft skills, strengthen partnerships, and navigate today’s fast-moving business landscape with confidence.

Tune in as we unpack how IT Asset Disposition can be so much more than a necessary expense. In this episode, we share practical examples and market benchmarks that show how the right approach can cut costs, minimise waste, and even turn a profit. Hear how forward-thinking organisations are transforming their ITAD strategies — and get ideas you can put into action in your own.

Want to know more? Well, why not watch our on-demand webinar. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8qtY8p0CQpm3C1FQgCa8RA#/registration

In this episode with Martin Thompson and Aamer Trambu (SoftwareOne) we delve into the critical role of relationship management in ITAM, emphasising its significance in fostering collaboration and facilitating change. They also discuss how embracing relationship management—including effective change management—can enhance communication, build trust, and create a more inclusive environment. As well as this, we hear about Aamer's personal journey into ITAM and his thoughts on the ITAM industry as a whole.

“You might be early in your career, but don’t underestimate the value you bring—sometimes you’re exactly who the team turns to when it matters most.” – Aamer Trambu

In this episode Kelly Yip and Meesha Nayan (TMG), delve into the importance of adopting a continuous learning mindset within ITAM. They discuss common barriers to learning, such as time constraints and a lack of resources, and explore practical strategies for fostering a culture of learning. Listeners can learn about various avenues for continuous education, including certifications, webinars, and networking events that can enhance ITAM skills. They also highlight the value of mentorship programs and peer-to-peer learning as effective means of cultivating a growth mindset. Join us to discover how committing to lifelong learning can position ITAM professionals for success in an ever-evolving industry.

“Everything needs a business outcome — even technical work ultimately ties back to cost, spend, and impact.” – Meesha Nayan

Welcome to ITAMantics, where our experts unpack the headlines shaking up the ITAM world. In this May 2025 episode AJ Witt, Martin Thompson, and Kelly Yip explore the stories making waves across cybersecurity, licensing, and sustainability.

Stories discussed this month:

Cybersecurity breaches hit UK retailers M&S and the Co-op — what ITAM can learn from the fallout

Social engineering tactics and the growing risk to asset and security management

Broadcom’s aggressive VMware licensing audits — what they mean for your estate

The rise of the secondary software market and what’s driving its momentum

How ITAM and FinOps collaboration can strengthen organisational resilience and efficiency

In this episode, we’ll delve into the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for sustainable IT. While AI technologies offer significant potential for optimizing operations and improving energy efficiency, they also come with increased resource demands, such as substantial data center requirements, cooling systems, and the raw materials needed for hardware.

We’ll explore whether the energy savings from AI initiatives are sufficient to offset these resource consumption impacts and how organizations can effectively navigate this balance. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the role of IT Asset Management (ITAM) in leveraging AI for sustainability while considering the broader environmental implications.

“We’re seeing a lot of the ITAM technologies measure and calculate the emissions and power consumption of those devices — data that’s really valuable for ESG teams, who quite often have been estimating carbon impact using cost as a proxy” – Luke Caswell at SoftwareOne.

FinOps has long focused on managing cloud spend—but that's beginning to change. In this episode, AJ Witt speaks with Jennifer Kuvlesky at Flexera about the March 2025 FinOps scope expansions and what they mean for SaaS and data center environments. They explore why FinOps is broadening its horizons, how this shift impacts ITAM professionals, and what organisations should expect next.

"With cloud data, you can't do your job without understanding where and how things are being used—it's essential for managing spend and securing value." - Jennifer Kuvlesky at Flexera.

Download Flexera's State of Cloud Report: https://info.flexera.com/CM-REPORT-State-of-the-Cloud?lead_source=Organic%20Search

Join us for Wisdom Unplugged UK 2025! You know what ITAM is. You know what FinOps is. Learn how to get them working better together. Hear from end-user practitioners who've done it. Register here: https://itamreview.zohobackstage.eu/WisdomUnpluggedUK2025#/

More companies are turning to refurbished and second-source equipment, but what’s driving the shift? And how has the industry evolved over the years? AJ Witt speaks with Neil Peters-Michaud (Cascade Asset Management), to talk about the changing landscape of ITAD, how COVID-19 reshaped supply chains, and why reuse and refurbishment are becoming the new normal.

"COVID forced the industry to focus more on repair and refurbishment—because when new devices weren’t available, reuse became essential." – Neil Peters-Michaud

Listeners can request our Benchmarking Report here: https://cascade-assets.com/cascade-benchmarking-report/