Transcript Distributed Asset Management Making The Business

Distributed Asset Management
Making The Business Case
What Is Distributed Asset Management?
 Distributed Asset Management is an automated
service for tracking IP devices and/or software packages
on enterprise networks
 Can be managed by a third party, delivered as
software as a service (SaaS)
 Thumbnail ROI: Asset tracking is ignored often by small and midsize
companies
 But tracked assets are more easily and cost-effectively managed than
those which are not
 Beyond tracking assets, related infrastructure services include patch
management, software distribution
The Nuts And Bolts Of A SaaS Solution
Distributed Asset Management
How It Works
 Range of IP devices that can be tracked : PCs, laptops, servers,
networked attached storage, network printers
 Small programs that do not affect performance are installed on devices.
The programs report the status of devices to the monitoring service provider
 Devices are polled frequently to see if there have been changes to their
status
 This auditing function promotes effective IT policy management
 Communication to the service provider is encrypted to prevent data theft
 Customers can check status of assets via Web console
Is It Right For Your Organization?
Distributed Asset Management
 Physical asset management is time consuming
and costs are rising because of IP device
proliferation – IDC projects a 66% growth
of devices on networks by 2012
 Workers are increasingly mobile: IDC projects
that 73% will be mobile by 2011
 Many deskbound workers are outside the company firewall
 Automation of IT management processes reduces labor costs, optimizes
limited resources
 Options to consider: IT staff (resource constrained); packaged
software (requires staff); offshore providers (competitive price,
management issues); domestic providers (competitive price)
Questions And Considerations
Distributed Asset Management
Key Questions To Consider:
1. What is our current method of device
and software asset management (if any)?
2. What is asset management costing us in
terms of IT staff hours or third party fees?
3. How much time is wasted due to lack of enforcement of IT policies governing
software loaded onto company computers?
4. How much time is invested each month or year in software patches/upgrades or
other forms of configuration management?
5. What else could IT do to add value to the business if it wasn’t performing these
tasks?
Calculating ROI Of Unmanaged Solutions
Distributed Asset Management
Unmanaged Costs To Consider
 Cost of ignoring asset management and
related administrative services is mostly
hidden
 Risk of lost or mismanaged assets, which can't
be depreciated and must be replaced
 Unmanaged assets can lead to compliance problems for companies in
regulated industries
 Unmanaged desktops: business people pulled into unproductive tasks
as a result. Some estimates are $5,900 per desktop annually
 Additional administrative processes burden staff amid a downturn
Calculating ROI
Distributed Asset Management
Benefits Of Managing Distributed
Assets
 Leads to higher return on investment from
depreciation of assets
 Leads to better device management and
enforcement of IT policies
 More efficient procurement, budgeting and contract management
 Cost of service varies but industry standard
is $1 - $2 per device per month
Must-Have Elements Of A Solution
Distributed Asset Management
Vendor Evaluation Checklist
 Service Level Agreements that
meet your business goals
 Automated, Web-based service
and monitoring
 Live phone support as needed
 Free Trial
 Small footprint on PCs, no performance drag on network
Our Company’s Business Case
Distributed Asset Management
 Our current approach to IP asset management:
_______________________________________________________________________
 How many IP devices do we have?

Desktops____ Laptops____ Network Printers____ Other________
 What software do we need to manage?_________________________
________________________________________________________
 How much time do we currently spend managing our assets?

Average cost per hour = _____________ Total:_______________
 What’s the potential cost of a security breach due to unpatched software?
_______________________________________________________
 Estimated cost of distributed asset management solution:__________
 Projected savings:__________________________________________
 Do we currently use 3rd-party technology providers? _____

Results?_____________________________________
Resources For Further Analysis
Distributed Asset Management
Industry Resources
 Should your organization adopt emerging industry standards? See
PAS55 endorsed by the Institute of Asset Management
 Should you join an industry group? See International Association of
Information Technology Asset Managers
 Does your IT staff need asset management certification?
 Does your organization need software asset management?
 Does your organization need software configuration management?
Resources For Further Analysis
Distributed Asset Management
bMighty.com Resources
 6 Ways Technology Can Help Your Business Survive The Great Recession
 Outsourcing Your IT: Off-The-Shelf Vs. Custom Built Solutions
 Why Outsourcing the IT Department Makes Sense for Smaller Businesses
 How To Boost Operating Efficiency With TCO
 TechEncyclopedia: Enterprise Asset Management
 11 IT Best Practices: Monkey See, Monkey Do?