Finding the right software license management technology is hard enough. It’s even more challenging if your network environment includes servers running Citrix or Windows Terminal Server (WTS), as precious few tools provide usage statistics or management capabilities for applications delivered through these platforms.

To manage software in a Citrix or WTS environment, you need technology that collects software usage data not only at the server level, but also at the end-user and machine level.  And in order to effectively manage license compliance, you’ll want to explore capabilities that allow you to control in an automated fashion which end users and/or machines can run those licensed applications.

There are three software license types you need to consider in Citrix or WTS environments, each of which requires a different approach to license management. (more…)

Earlier this week, Kris blogged about analyst predictions for stronger growth in technology spending for 2010.  Among the areas expected to drive the growth are new hardware purchases (fueled in part by migrations to Microsoft Windows 7), continued adoption of virtualization technologies, and pent-up demand for PCs created during capital budget freezes of 2008 and 2009.  Given the anticipated increase in IT investment levels, I thought it might be interesting (and helpful) to take a look at how the upcoming release of Express Software Manager 9.5 can help your organization as your IT budget starts to show signs of life:   

• Migration Planning Reports:  If you expect to migrate to Microsoft Windows 7, you’ll be able to take advantage of Express Software Manager’s new “Express Query Builder,” which will allow you to specify certain machine configurations or attributes to target your planning efforts.  For example, you can run a report to see all the machines running Windows XP whose RAM is less than 2GB. 
• IT Purchase Tracking System:  With Express Software Manager’s brand new purchasing interface, you’ll be able to track and manage the entire lifecycle of your hardware and software assets, from purchase through retirement.  You’ll be able to enter or import unlimited purchasing details at any time, before or after assets are deployed; easily assign and allocate assets to users and organization groups; reconcile purchasing details with inventoried assets, keep track of contract expiration dates; and run summary-level and detailed reports on your IT purchases.  
• Enhanced Support for Virtual Environments:  If you plan to roll out more virtualization technology in 2010, you’ll be happy to hear that Express Software Manager has enhanced its support for virtual machines. In addition to Express Software Manager’s existing ability to inventory virtual workstations and server OSs and track and control the launch of applications launched within virtual software environments, you will now be able to identify and display the relationship between a host OS and guest OS in Microsoft environments.  
• New Software Usage Reports: Express Software Manager has always offered powerful software usage reporting to help you identify areas where your organization is over-licensed and spending too much.  With Version 9.5, Express Software Manager will offer new software usage reports your boss will love, showing where money can be saved by renegotiating your 2010 license agreements—and ensure any subsequent software purchases are being put to good use. 

(more…)

We all know that relying too heavily on technology can be perilous.  And while most IT pros recognize that software asset management tools in and of themselves don’t represent a “silver bullet” for managing one’s license position, they generally have a long way to go toward establishing, communicating, and enforcing the SAM processes necessary to address the gaps inherent in any technology.  What may surprise you is that even if you believe you have effective SAM processes in place, you’re still not necessarily in the clear.

Let’s assume you’ve finally got all your ducks in a row: You’ve consolidated all your historical license information, established procedures by which new software purchases and entitlement details are thoroughly documented, developed a sound software usage policy, and configured your SAM tool to reconcile all that licensing information with installed software. You feel confident, and you’re ready to tell your boss that your new SAM program is officially “up and running.” 

(more…)

If you’re an Express Metrix customer planning to upgrade to Windows 7, don’t forget that Express Software Manager has rich hardware and software asset management functionality that will help you plan, budget for, and manage your migration.  One principal area of focus for your pre-migration planning relates to determining which of your existing applications will work with the new OS, and whether your PCs have the capacity to support the upgrade.

From a hardware readiness standpoint, Express Software Manager can inventory all your PCs to determine their CPUs, amount of memory, disk space, and any other hardware attributes that may be important to your migration.  With this information, you can determine whether you need to upgrade your machines, free up space, or replace them altogether.  Here’s just one of Express Software Manager’s hardware inventory reports you may find useful for your upgrade planning (click the thumbnail to enlarge): (more…)

We’re always interested in hearing different ways our customers use Express Software Manager’s computer inventory and software metering reports to make their jobs easier. And believe me, over the last couple of years as budgets have been stretched thin, our end-users have been especially creative in identifying alternative uses.  The one we most commonly hear is to aid in the process of troubleshooting issues on remote PCs. While we certainly don’t claim to be a dedicated help desk tool, customers often provide access to Express Software Manager’s reports to their technical support staff.  Here are a couple of common issues our users are able to identify and tackle using Express Software Manager’s IT asset reporting.

Application Conflicts

(more…)