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 this context, the term ‘assets’ generally refers to all software (programs, operating systems, etc) and hardware (monitors, computers, keyboards, external hard drives, etc) owned or leased 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 and networks. The main objectives of using ITAM is to increase the life-cycle of hardware, in order to diminish yearly costs. 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 general goal of the ITAM software’s use would be to cut spendings and to decrease financial and environmental risk; achieving this through the completion of specific smaller goals or tasks. These goals would generally be to decrease expenditure, provide support, enhance life-cycle and perfomance of assets and to mimimise the companies’ carbon footprint. The ITAM software would also be responsible for the proper documentation and maintenance of all IT based assets in the company.

ITAM is usually at its most effective when properly and fully integrated within a business; this way the ITAM software can be accessed and used by all departments in the company. This kind of in-depth integration (particularly within areas such as HR, buying and help desks, etc.). allows for a fluid and systematic use of the ITAM software, providing the best results for lowering annual expenditure and increasing asset life-cycle.

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