software they’re using.”

However, the idea of implementing a comprehensive SAM program is catching on, according to Michelle Warren, an analyst at Evans Research Corp. in Toronto.

“SAM is picking up steam as more and more organizations recognize the value that proper IT asset management provides,” she says.

Another analyst says that historically, enterprises have employed some version of SAM, but new tools provided by the likes of Microsoft, IBM, Altiris, Hewlett-Packard, Novell and other, smaller companies are taking this a step further. “New metering functions provided by the SAM tool

enable organizations to realize greater savings,” says Nauman Hague, research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group Inc. in London, Ontario.

He says metering functions — available in high-end products such as MSIA — track commonly used programs and also determine which applications have current or expired licenses.

“These capabilities help administrators to quickly determine which software they should upgrade, purchase or discard,” says Hague, adding that SAM tools are available for organizations of all sizes. “If budget is a problem, such tools are even available free online.”

Granger says the work done by Co-

namex reduced the resort’s IT service hours by as much as 50%. With more than 47,000 members to service, Granger is more confident that Ski Bromont’s network will be able to handle the added online traffic.

“Since the server no longer breaks down, we operate at a higher operational efficiency level but require much less IT support,” says Granger.

The resort also realized some software license savings by using Licensing Microsoft Operations Manager, which keeps track of program licenses.

“We now clearly see which licenses are in use and which are parked. This helps us to take advantage of licensing discounts,” says Granger.