What is EN ISO 19970-1:2019?

EN ISO 19970-1:2019 is an international standard that provides guidelines for the management and governance of IT assets. It specifically focuses on software asset management (SAM) and helps organizations establish effective practices to maximize the value of their software investments while minimizing risks.

The Benefits of EN ISO 19970-1:2019

Implementing EN ISO 19970-1:2019 brings several advantages to organizations. Firstly, it enables companies to gain better control over their software assets, leading to improved cost-efficiency and compliance. By tracking software licenses and usage, organizations can avoid overspending on unnecessary licenses or facing legal consequences due to non-compliance.

Secondly, this standard promotes the optimization of software usage, ensuring that organizations get the most out of their software investments. Proper software usage monitoring allows companies to identify underutilized assets, plan for license renewals, and negotiate better deals with vendors.

Additionally, EN ISO 19970-1:2019 supports risk management by providing methods for assessing and addressing vulnerabilities associated with software assets. Through proper identification and mitigation of risks related to software deployment, organizations can safeguard their sensitive data and ensure business continuity.

Implementing EN ISO 19970-1:2019 in Practice

To implement EN ISO 19970-1:2019 effectively, organizations should follow a structured approach. The first step is to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all software assets within the organization. This includes not only installed software but also licenses, agreements, and related documentation.

Next, organizations need to establish a SAM policy that outlines the processes and responsibilities for managing software assets. This policy should include procedures for procurement, deployment, maintenance, and retirement of software, as well as guidelines for license management and compliance.

Another crucial aspect of EN ISO 19970-1:2019 implementation is the adoption of suitable tools and technologies to support SAM processes. Software asset management tools can automate tasks such as license tracking, usage monitoring, and compliance reporting, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy.

Finally, organizations should regularly review and update their SAM practices to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard. This includes conducting internal audits, assessing risks, and continuously improving processes to adapt to changing business needs and the evolving software landscape.

Conclusion

EN ISO 19970-1:2019 is a valuable standard for managing software assets effectively. By implementing this standard, organizations can improve cost-efficiency, compliance, and risk management in relation to their software investments. Through comprehensive inventory, well-defined policies, suitable tools, and regular reviews, companies can realize the full benefits of EN ISO 19970-1:2019 and optimize their software asset management practices.