BTG SI to launch new software asset management division

As part of Bytes Technology Group`s (BTG) continuous drive to assist its software clients in better managing and keeping track of their software assets, through its Systems Integration Division (BTG SI) it has created a new division within its Microsoft Solutions portfolio called Software Asset Management (SAM).

The new SAM division will be presented to customers at a business presentation on 20 April at its Midrand Office Park, and will be headed up by former IT director of Metrofile, Arthur Bucas. Bucas will be responsible for identifying and creating new markets for the division, as well as assisting these clients in defining their own software needs.

"With the tightening of control in the industry around licensing and access to software, it is critical for companies to be able to identify to the last decimal point, the software that is in use in the organisation. The motivator here is not just legal compliance, but cost savings as well. A sound architected policy, where a company makes use of only the software it needs, can assist it in saving millions a month," states Bucas. The Microsoft Solutions division of BTG SI headed up by Nick Perkins is not new, and is better known for its Pure Licensing division. The company says it has for some time sold SAM-based products through this division, but has not placed specific focus in the services around this area. Bucas says the new division`s role will be to not only assist customers in identifying products which monitor, track, and even provide security around on network and off network devices, but also to provide services in and around software asset management.

The division will be focused not only around software asset management, but also around managing your software, and then calculating and managing your software itself as an asset.

"IT departments are bogged down enough already, and merely putting in a product without effective project planning or even the right training, where the true capabilities of that product are not explored is spending money for the sake of it. Through SAM we aim to assist customers throughout the process of checking compliance, identifying devices requiring software in the organisation, legitimising that software, and cutting back on software where necessary. In short, it is about total cost of ownership for a company," adds Bucas.

The division already has an arsenal of products which specifically cater for software asset management, namely Centennial Discovery, Prism, Dameware, DeviceWall, Microsoft System Management Server, Microsoft Operations Manager, and Microsoft Application Center. In addition to which it is able to offer customer services around each of these products from purchasing, consulting, project management, training, technical deployment and maintenance, including reporting, managing remotely and support. Products and services will be demonstrated to clients on the 20th.

"There is a benefit to being part of the BTG group, and the greater Altron group; not only do we have a longstanding relationship with Microsoft and other software vendors, but we also have access to a host of some of the best in class skills and services in the market," ends Bucas.