Best Software Asset Management Tools in 2025

Posted on February 11, 2025February 11, 2025 by Natalie Smith

When it comes to managing software assets in 2025, the game has completely changed. The software asset management tools (SAM tools) available now are more innovative, faster, and more integrated than ever before, making it easier for businesses to stay on top of their software licenses, reduce unnecessary costs, and avoid compliance headaches. One trend we’ve noticed is that many companies are considering ServiceNow SAM Pro due to their investment in the broader ServiceNow platform. In this article, we take a closer look at ServiceNow SAM Pro and other top tools you might want to consider when optimizing your SAM strategy to make the most of your IT investments.

Whether you’re running a massive enterprise or a smaller operation, picking the right SAM tool can make a huge difference in your bottom line. Here, we’ll break down the best SAM tools of 2025, diving into why they stand out and what kind of organizations they’re best suited for.

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ServiceNow SAM Pro

Why It’s Leading the Pack in 2025

ServiceNow SAM Pro isn’t just a tool; it’s a powerhouse. What makes it so impressive is how seamlessly it fits into the ServiceNow ecosystem. If you’re already using ServiceNow for IT service management, adding SAM Pro is like plugging in the final piece of the puzzle. It handles everything from tracking licenses to optimizing usage and ensuring compliance – all while being backed by ServiceNow’s AI-driven insights.

Key Data Points:

Over 90% of large enterprises using ServiceNow SAM Pro report significant reductions in unused software licenses.
Companies save an average of 20% on software costs within the first year of adoption.

Top Features:

AI-powered license optimization.
Automated compliance management to avoid fines.
Integration with IT workflows for streamlined processes.

Challenges: requires investment in the broader ServiceNow ecosystem; licensing costs can be high; it may be overly complex for smaller organizations.

How MetrixData 360 Helps: We help organizations assess whether ServiceNow SAM Pro is the right fit for their needs, ensuring that the investment aligns with business goals. Our team provides cost analysis, implementation support, and expert guidance to simplify complexity and maximize ROI. Additionally, we can run ServiceNow SAM Pro on behalf of our clients, ensuring they extract full value from the tool and achieve measurable cost savings.

Flexera One

Flexera One continues to be a big player in the SAM world. It’s perfect for organizations with complex IT environments that need a deep dive into their software and hardware assets. Flexera stands out for its SaaS management capabilities, which have become increasingly critical as more businesses rely on cloud-based software.

Key Data Points:

Flexera’s analytics tools can identify up to 30% in potential software cost savings.
It supports hybrid IT environments, including cloud, on-premises, and SaaS.

Top Features:

Comprehensive IT asset visibility.
Advanced SaaS management tools.
Customizable dashboards and reporting.

Challenges: can be resource-intensive to implement, there is a steep learning curve for new users, and integration with non-standard IT environments may require customization.

How MetrixData 360 Helps: Our experts streamline Flexera One implementation by mapping your specific IT landscape and licensing requirements. We provide hands-on training and custom integrations to ensure smooth adoption and maximum value. For clients who need additional support, we also run Flexera One as a managed service, ensuring continuous optimization, compliance tracking, and cost savings.

Snow Software

Snow Software is all about actionable insights. In a world where businesses are constantly juggling licenses, audits, and usage metrics, Snow’s ability to deliver real-time data makes it a favorite. It’s a powerful choice for companies managing software across multiple platforms and environments.

Key Data Points:

Companies using Snow Software report an average 25% reduction in audit penalties.
Real-time analytics improve software usage efficiency by up to 35%.

Top Features:

AI-driven optimization recommendations.
Multi-platform support (on-premises, cloud, SaaS).
Proactive compliance and audit readiness.

Challenges: data reconciliation across multiple platforms can be challenging; real-time analytics require high-quality data inputs; some users report performance issues with large datasets.

How MetrixData 360 Helps: We help clean, structure, and validate your software asset data to improve reporting accuracy. Our team ensures Snow Software’s analytics deliver actionable insights by aligning the tool’s capabilities with your business needs. If organizations lack internal resources to manage Snow Software fully, we offer ongoing management services to ensure optimal usage and a strong return on investment.

License Dashboard

If you’re looking for something user-friendly without sacrificing power, License Dashboard is worth a look. It’s particularly great for mid-sized organizations that need effective license management without a steep learning curve.

Key Data Points:

License Dashboard users see an average ROI within six months.
It’s designed for scalability, making it suitable for growing businesses.

Top Features:

Easy-to-use interface for tracking licenses.
Real-time data visualization and reporting.
Cost-effective solutions tailored to your organization’s needs.

Challenges: best suited for mid-sized organizations; lacks advanced automation features of larger platforms; scalability may be limited for enterprise-level needs.

Certero

Certero brings a unified approach to SAM, covering everything from on-premise software to SaaS and cloud assets. What sets Certero apart is its focus on providing a single-pane-of-glass view, which simplifies asset management for IT teams.

Key Data Points:

Organizations using Certero report up to 40% improvements in asset visibility.
The platform’s unified design saves IT teams an average of 10 hours per week.

Top Features:

Unified platform for software, SaaS, and cloud.
User-friendly design with strong reporting tools.
Comprehensive compliance tracking.

Challenges: the unified platform approach requires full adoption to maximize benefits; it may not integrate seamlessly with legacy systems; reporting features can require customization.

How MetrixData 360 Helps: We support phased adoption strategies, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting existing IT operations. Our integration specialists customize Certero’s reporting functions to align with your organization’s unique requirements.

Spiceworks Inventory

If you’re a smaller business or just dipping your toes into SAM, Spiceworks Inventory is a solid option. It’s free to use, lightweight, and gets the job done without overloading you with unnecessary features.

Key Data Points:

Spiceworks Inventory is trusted by over 2 million IT pros worldwide.
90% of users say it’s ideal for smaller environments with straightforward needs.

Top Features:

Simple implementation and usability.
Core SAM functions without added costs.
Best for small businesses or teams managing limited assets.

Challenges: Limited capabilities for large-scale enterprises; lacks advanced compliance and optimization features; primarily suited for small businesses with basic SAM needs.

How MetrixData 360 Helps: Our team augments Spiceworks Inventory with additional SAM processes, compliance tracking, and cost-optimization strategies, enabling smaller businesses to extend their SAM capabilities without over-investing in complex tools.

Cut Cloud Costs by 40% with FinOps: Your Ultimate Guide to Financial Efficiency

Posted on August 31, 2023October 28, 2024 by Ben Tight

Ready to slash your cloud expenses? Discover the secret to cutting cloud costs with FinOps and save up to 40%! From understanding FinOps to implementing a culture that fosters savings, this insider guide offers real-life anecdotes and a step-by-step roadmap to financial efficiency. Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your cloud operations into a powerhouse of savings!

Understanding FinOps and Its Importance

In the realm of cloud management, keeping a tight rein on costs is a constant challenge. Like an elusive fish, expenses can slip away. However, a solution exists, one that can help you regain control and trim cloud costs by an impressive 40%. Say hello to FinOps, a transformative approach that’s reshaping the game. Join us as we dive into FinOps and reveal strategies that can reshape your cloud operations.

Learn more: Spend 40% less

What is FinOps?

FinOps represents the harmonious union of finance and cloud operations, resulting in a strategic concoction that delivers both efficiency and innovation. Just like discovering a secret formula, the journey into FinOps was born from the challenges of budgetary management. This innovative approach turned the tide on many projects, and today, we’re here to share its secrets with you.

Why IT and Procurement Should Care

For IT professionals, FinOps bridges the gap with finance, while procurement gains the ability to make informed decisions that win accolades. Consider the experience of collaborating with a client that grapples with overspending. Through the magic of FinOps, we orchestrated a remarkable cost reduction while boosting innovation. You won’t want to miss out on these outcomes.

The 40% Savings Roadmap

Analyzing Cloud Usage Patterns

Get ready to roll up your sleeves. Analyzing cloud usage is akin to treasure hunting. There was a time when an instance came to light, revealing its redundancy as it devoured thousands in its wake. The process of deactivating that entity seemed akin to stumbling upon a goldmine. The key lies in data analysis which guides you toward areas of excess spending. Utilizing innovative tools helps you chart a course back to financial balance, setting you on the right path.

Right-Sizing Instances

Think of right-sizing as finding the perfect pair of jeans—too snug and they’re uncomfortable; too loose and you’re left with an excess. Remember a project resembling tight jeans from high school? Streamlining it brought extraordinary savings.

Choosing Appropriate Service Tiers

Have you ever paid for an extravagant car wash only to realize your car is immaculate? Service tiers mirror this scenario. Use data to help you assess your past and current needs before diving into a purchase. Choose wisely, and you’ll experience smooth sailing—choose poorly, and you’re stuck in a mire.

Avoiding Overprovisioning

Picture buying groceries for a grand dinner, only to realize few attendees are coming. Leftovers galore, and nobody wants them. This relates to overprovisioning. Keep resources under watch to dodge this predicament.

Learn more: See where you’re losing money on licensing

Implementing a FinOps Culture

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Unity and harmonious cooperation are pivotal for IT, finance, and procurement. Witness walls crumble, and ingenious concepts sprout when teams converge. Think of it as a brainstorming soirée with snacks.

Continuous Monitoring & Optimization

Like a garden needing regular tending, FinOps requires constant attention. Regular nurturing breeds savings that flourish over time.

Education and Training

Empowerment lies in education. Initiating a training program in the realm of Financial Operations (FinOps) instigated a significant metamorphosis. Equipping your team with knowledge has the potential to unveil extraordinary results.

Maximize Your Savings: Cut Cloud Costs with FinOps Today

Step up and regain control of your cloud budget. FinOps empowers you to align IT resources, fine-tune spending, and foster innovation while maintaining fiscal prudence.

Embrace Financial Agility

FinOps transcends mere cost-cutting. It equips IT and procurement teams to adapt swiftly to shifting needs—flexibility reigns supreme while projects progress efficiently.

Optimize Cloud Efficiency

Refine instance sizes, select optimal service tiers, and dodge overprovisioning pitfalls. With FinOps insights and tools, you navigate the cloud with savvy decisions, not corner-cutting.

Foster Collaboration and Growth

FinOps brings departments together toward a unified objective. Finance, IT, and procurement harmonize, conjuring strategies that yield remarkable results. Forge a culture valuing innovation and sustainability.

Learn more: Features of SLIM 360

Get Started Now

Don’t dawdle. The benefits of FinOps await. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring enthusiast, a realm of efficiency and savings beckons—initiate cost reduction with FinOps, elevating cloud management to strategic mastery. Connect with us today, and let’s embark on this journey together!

This approach to cloud budget and financial management transcends trendiness; it’s a proven global strategy. Armed with knowledge and guidance, you, too, can unlock the secret, slashing cloud costs via FinOps. Join the movement and secure your savings today!

How SLIM 360 Slashed Office 365 Costs by $300k.

Posted on July 27, 2023June 7, 2024 by Ben Tight

Optimizing costs for software and cloud contracts is a pressing challenge faced by organizations worldwide. Astonishingly, many businesses still need to recognize the significant savings that lie untapped within their Office 365 environment.

While many businesses have embraced the advantages of Office 365, they often miss out on potential opportunities for substantial savings. These overlooked opportunities for cost efficiency can profoundly impact their bottom line.

Introducing SLIM 360, a revolutionary Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) tool designed to unlock maximum cost efficiency for Office 365 users. Organizations strive to optimize software and cloud contracts while maximizing savings.

Are you ready to experience the transformative power of SLIM 360? Embark on enhanced cost efficiency and improved productivity in your Office 365 environment. Let us explore how SLIM 360 empowered a mid-sized enterprise to reveal hidden cost savings, revolutionize operations, and reduce annual expenses by an astounding $300k.

What is SLIM 360?

SLIM 360 offers a comprehensive solution, empowering businesses to uncover hidden cost-saving opportunities and revolutionize their operations. SLIM 360 enables organizations to slash expenses by an astounding $300k per year with powerful features like the following:

Tagging engine for effective categorization
Identification of unused licenses
Streamlined license assignments
Proactive software asset management

Learn more: SLIM 360: Spend 40% Less on Microsoft Licensing

What Case Study Has Been Done With SLIM 360?

Our featured company, an ambitious mid-sized enterprise, had already implemented some cost-cutting measures. However, they suspected that there was still untapped potential for further improvement. Seeking an innovative solution, they turned to SLIM 360 for guidance.

What are the Benefits of Using SLIM 360?

The Tagging Engine: the Power of Effective Categorization

One of SLIM 360’s standout features is its powerful tagging engine, which played a pivotal role in identifying cost optimization opportunities. Leveraging this tool, the company’s IT team swiftly identified services exclusively used by contractors.

These users, responsible for managing the SAP environment, required email access solely for multi-factor authentication (MFA). With SLIM 360’s recommendation, the company seamlessly transitioned from E3 to Exchange Online and Azure AD for MFA purposes only, significantly reducing costs without compromising security or functionality.

Uncovering Unused Licenses

In an eye-opening revelation, the company discovered that it had been paying for several unused Visio, Project, and Power BI licenses. With SLIM 360’s powerful insights, they swiftly identified these dormant licenses and took decisive action to either reallocate them to active users or terminate them altogether. This proactive approach resulted in trimming excess costs and optimizing license utilization, generating substantial savings.

Streamlining License Assignments for Efficiency

SLIM 360’s meticulous analysis also revealed instances of service accounts with improperly assigned licenses within the Office 365 environment. By rectifying these license assignments, the company significantly reduced unnecessary expenses. This streamlined approach reduced costs and ensured that every user had the appropriate level of access and functionality, enhancing overall productivity.

Proactive Software Asset Management

Beyond the specific strategies employed, SLIM 360 instilled a proactive software asset management mindset within the company. The organization maintained ongoing cost efficiency by continuously monitoring and optimizing Office 365 costs. SLIM 360 provided regular reports, identified potential areas for improvement, and offered actionable insights to drive further optimization.

Through the intervention of SLIM 360, our featured company achieved remarkable results, slashing costs by a staggering 15%, amounting to an annual savings of $300k. This case study serves as a testament to the vital importance of proactive software asset management in achieving optimal cost efficiency. By harnessing the power of SLIM 360’s robust features, organizations can unlock hidden savings, streamline their Office 365 expenses, and revolutionize their operations.

Learn more: 5 Tips for Controlling Your Microsoft 365 Budget

If your organization seeks to enhance cost efficiency within your Office 365 environment, SLIM 360 is the definitive solution. Experience the transformative power of SLIM 360 and unlock untapped savings today. For more about SLIM 360 and its capabilities, visit our website.

In an increasingly competitive business landscape, every penny counts. Embrace the possibilities of cost optimization with SLIM 360 and embark on a journey of substantial savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced productivity. Empower your organization with the tools to thrive in the modern digital era.

How IT Departments Can Navigate the Complexities of Windows and SQL Server Licensing with Microsoft True Up Support

Posted on March 3, 2023December 3, 2024 by Hailey Austin

As technology continues to evolve and organizations become more reliant on it, managing software licenses and deployments has become increasingly complex and critical. Microsoft’s Windows and SQL Server are among the most widely used software platforms, making it essential for IT departments to ensure that they are adequately licensed and optimized. This is where MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support comes in.

Our Microsoft True Up Support is designed to help IT departments navigate the complexities of Windows and SQL Server licensing and optimize their deployments for maximum efficiency and cost savings. With our team of licensing experts and powerful tools, we can help you ensure that you comply with Microsoft’s licensing requirements and take advantage of all the benefits your licenses offer.

One of our clients, a Fortune 500 Customer, saw significant benefits from using our Microsoft True Up Support. The Director of Infrastructure at this organization stated, “MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support provided us with the expert guidance and tools we needed to optimize our Windows and SQL Server licenses. We reduced our licensing costs by over 30% and ensured that we fully complied with Microsoft’s requirements. The value we received from this service was tremendous, and I highly recommend it to any organization looking to optimize their Microsoft licenses.”

SQL Server Deployments and Additional Tools

In addition to expert guidance and powerful tools, our Microsoft True Up Support also includes:

A comprehensive assessment of your current Windows and SQL Server deployments
A report outlining any compliance risks or inefficiencies in your current licensing and deployment strategies
Recommendations for optimizing your licenses and deployments for cost savings and efficiency
Ongoing support to ensure that you are fully up-to-date with the latest licensing requirements and best practices

We understand the importance of accessing reliable and accurate information when managing software licenses. That’s why we are dedicated to providing IT departments with the expert guidance and tools they need to optimize their Microsoft licenses and deployments. Our Microsoft True Up Support is a cost-effective solution that can help you save time, money, and resources while ensuring that your organization fully complies with Microsoft’s licensing requirements.

Customers Reviews On Microsoft Licensing and True-Up Support:

“MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support was a game-changer for our organization. The team provided a comprehensive assessment of our current licensing and deployment strategies. It recommended several cost-saving measures that we would never have thought of. The tools and support that we received have made it much easier for us to manage our licenses and ensure compliance with Microsoft’s requirements.” – CIO, a large financial services organization.

“We have been using MetrixData 360’s Microsoft True Up Support for several years, and it has been an invaluable resource for our IT department. The team’s expertise and attention to detail have allowed us to optimize our Windows and SQL Server licenses and reduce our costs significantly. We highly recommend this service to any organization looking to manage their Microsoft licenses effectively.” – IT Manager, a large healthcare organization.

At MetrixData 360, we aim to help organizations like yours achieve the greatest value from their Microsoft Office licenses. Our Microsoft True Up Support provides expert guidance, tools, and support to optimize your deployments and fully comply with Microsoft’s licensing requirements.

To explore how our Microsoft True Up Support can help your IT department, we would happily book a virtual consultation with one of our experts.