ICL launches asset tracking software solution

ICL has launched WebAsset, an asset-tracking package that manages IT and non-IT related products. The software was originally developed for ICL`s internal use to track assets within ICL and is now being made available to the general market.

ICL Microsoft consultant, Sundra Pillay said: "WebAsset provides a simple method for asset accounting across all types of equipment from tables and chairs to IT equipment. It simplifies financing and auditing procedures and is less time-consuming for asset value verification," he explained

WebAsset is based on a Microsoft platform consisting of SQL, IIS and is accessed via a web browser.

The software has now been extended to cover other business environments. It can now be used to track any type of movable or immovable asset. For example, a typical office employee will have associated with them a desk, chair, PC, printer, PC monitor, and even notebook computer. Within the PC itself there are certain software assets that require licences and components such as memory and disk.

Pillay said WebAsset is unique in that it is able to track assets by employee, meaning that for every employee there can be a specified number of assets. The software is especially helpful if an employee resigns and the employer needs to check what belongs to the company.

In searching for information, it is possible to key in an employee`s name and obtain a report covering their associated assets. It is also possible to track items by serial number. The location of equipment can be determined as well as the software-licensing configuration for each specific user.

The reporting capabilities are extensive. Users can manually compare the number of licenses purchased against the total number of licenses running. This will immediately show whether illegal software has been loaded, as well as identifying the person running the software. It also caters for software that is being hosted.

"The fines for running unlicensed software from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) are high and WebAsset assists companies in determining and managing their software licenses," he added.

Another benefit is the ability to track stolen equipment. Using the serial number, it is possible to track and identify missing equipment.

Reports can also cover a specific department or group of employees or even product type. This makes it possible to analyse, for example, the number and type of memory cards installed across the company or in a department.

It is also possible to perform a costing exercise, calculating the cost of equipment being used by each employee or department.

"WebAsset is an immensely powerful tool and will most certainly lead to cost savings in terms of reducing theft and eliminating the use of pirated software," said Pillay.

ICL is looking to take this product to market via channel partners. Kethan Parbhoo, Business unit manager of the Solutions Division at ICL explained: "We believe that we have a world class locally developed product that is cost-effective flexible and is also offered on a ASP model basis. With ICL investing in the solution as a technology partner, we need resellers who understand their customers unique requirements to help us take this to the market."

Interested partners can contact Kethan Parbhoo or Liesl Muller on 011 233-5911.