What is Software Inventory?
Software inventory refers to the complete list of software programs that are installed on a computer or network. It includes information such as the software name, version number, and the number of licenses owned. Software inventory is essential for organizations to keep track of the software they own, ensure compliance with licensing agreements, and manage software updates and patches.
What are the types of Software Inventory?
There are two main types of software inventory:
Hardware-based software inventory: This type of inventory involves using specialized software or tools to scan the hardware devices in a network and collect information about the installed software. It can provide detailed information about the software installed on each device, including the version number, installation date, and license details.
Software asset management (SAM) inventory: SAM inventory relies on software asset management tools to track and manage software licenses, usage, and compliance. It provides a centralized view of software installations across the organization, allowing efficient license management and cost optimization.
How to complete Software Inventory
To complete a software inventory, follow these steps:
01
Identify the scope: Determine whether you want to conduct a hardware-based software inventory or implement a software asset management (SAM) inventory system.
02
Choose the right tools: Select software or SAM inventory tools that best suit your organization's needs and budget.
03
Scan hardware devices: If conducting a hardware-based inventory, use the chosen tool to scan the hardware devices in your network and collect information about the installed software.
04
Implement SAM inventory system: If opting for SAM inventory, deploy the chosen SAM tool and integrate it with your network to track software installations and licenses.
05
Regularly update the inventory: Set up a schedule to regularly scan hardware devices or update SAM inventory data to keep the software inventory accurate and up to date.
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