ITAM (IT Asset Management): An Introduction
IT asset management is often referred to as ITAM, and is a set of business practices that support asset tracking, life-cycle management and critical decision making for the IT department. In the context of ITAM, the phrase 'assets' refer to any and all hardware (monitors, keyboards, etc) and software (programs, etc) owned by a company.
In the case of hardware, ITAM would encompass the procurement, maintenance and disposal, renewal or replacement of all fixed assets; basically. physical computer components. One of the main objectives of ITAM is to manage and increase the life-cycle of hardware, thus minimising company expenditure; an ITAM company or asset management software would record the financial information regarding the hardware's life-cycle, allowing the company to make more informed corporate decisions, particularly regarding capital expenditure.
Ideally ITAM software should be fully integrated into a company, making it easier for that company to develop protocols and process specifically designed to cut expenditure and general emissions.
The overall aim of ITAM would be to reduce expenditure and minimise risk, through achieving specific goals. These goals may differ slightly from company to company, but generally would include gaining control of the companies IT assets; decrease expenditure on IT and provide support for corporate decision making; enhance performance of assets; enhance life-cycle of assets; minimise carbon footprint and general company emissions. The ITAM software (or team) would generally also be responsible for the documenntation of all IT related assets in the company, making sure everything is accounted for an properly documented.
ITAM is most effective when it is integrated fully into a company, so that the software is accessed and utilised throughout all departments. This kind of in-depth integration (particularly within areas such as HR, buying and help desks, etc.). allows for a more fluid use of the ITAM software, giving the company the best results for increasing asset life-cycle and lowering annual expenditure.
