Certified Software Asset Manager (CSAM)

The IAITAM Certified Software Asset Manager (“CSAM”) Course is a foundational education program that ensures students are able to manage software assets. Students also learn about the ever-changing variables throughout our industry. From software piracy and compliance issues to legislation and organizational challenges, it is necessary to evaluate both the internal and external influences that bring about change in how organizations manage their IT assets. A successful Software Asset Manager must look at the overall goals of the organization and determine where Software Asset Management will be a strategic influence in achieving those goals.

During this course, students learn best practices in Software Asset Management, the “when” and “why” to question whether something should or shouldn’t be done, how to clearly identify goals, and how to quantify success with metrics. Software Asset Management (“SAM”) is the set of business practices that support the use of software within an organization and frequently involves a new view on how and why software traverses throughout the organization. SAM is currently considered a necessary business function by many organizations who view Software Asset Managers as key contributors to their overall organizational success. Some of these goals include:

1. Reducing Risk
2. Increasing Accountability
3. Uncovering Savings
4. Gaining Control of the IT Environment

To be successful, Software Asset Managers need to learn what the Software Asset Management business best practices are and how to implement and leverage those best practices in a way that is tailored to their organization.

The Certified Software Asset Manager Course represents the combined knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing software information, laws and regulations. This information is collected and focused into an education and training certification course that will equip students with the knowledge of new standards covering software applications as well as the severe penalties associated with not being aware or adhering to current and upcoming regulatory mandates.

Students will also learn the importance of Software Asset Management in the current, dynamic ITAM environment. It has never been more important that there is at least one individual within an organization whose focus and training is devoted and specialized in Software Asset Management. Organizations are able to actualize long term value and benefits that are derived from that specialization. Everything begins with the CSAM course and certification and is designed to provide a core function and foundation from which to build any ITAM program.

The CSAM Program is developed by professional Software and Hardware Asset Managers who codify a number of existing IAITAM professional development programs. The CSAM Certification as produced by IAITAM has evolved over the past 10 years to encompass the changes experienced within the profession as well as adding notable credibility to any organization’s IT Asset Management Program.

The CSAM Certification test is designed to guide individuals within the profession to gain awareness of existing software regulations, the importance of adhering to the regulations and how those regulations have an effect on every aspect of current and future business endeavors. Additionally, students learn the importance of a proactive stance when concerning software compliance as well as the steps necessary to achieve this end result. Instruction is focused on Communication and Education, Policy, Procedures, Project Management, Software Assets and Compliance Management. The CSAM instruction and related materials will bring to light the importance of a well planned and executed Software Asset Management Program.

This interactive and instructor-led course is available through both online instruction as well as in-person in a traditional classroom setting. The goal is for ITAM professionals to review existing organizational infrastructure and effectively enhance any Software Asset Management Program thus creating a mature program that meets global expectations.