Software Asset Management (SAM) has emerged as a critical discipline for organisations in the ever-evolving information technology landscape. The effective management of software assets not only saves money but also ensures compliance and reduces security risks. However, organisations are facing a significant challenge today – the SAM skills gap.
What’s the software asset management skills gap?
The SAM skills gap is the shortage of professionals with the necessary expertise to manage software assets effectively. According to recent data from the BCS, this skills gap is widening, posing a considerable risk to organisations across the UK.
A recent study found that three-quarters of software asset management professionals believe a SAM skills gap exists.
The impact of the SAM skills gap
The consequences of not addressing the SAM skills gap are profound. Organisations that lack skilled SAM professionals are at risk of financial losses due to overspending on software licenses or facing hefty fines for non-compliance. Security vulnerabilities can also emerge when software assets are not managed correctly, potentially leading to data breaches.
Research shows the FCA has already collected fines totalling £11 million since 2018 while engaging legal teams to support claims, delayed revenue, and lost business opportunities, which can all be costly for businesses. This highlights the urgency of addressing the skills gap.
Identifying SAM skill requirements
It’s crucial to understand the key skill requirements in this field to bridge the SAM skills gap. SAM professionals need expertise in software licensing, data analysis, compliance regulations, and negotiation skills. Moreover, they must adapt to the evolving landscape of technology and licensing models.
Strategies for bridging the SAM skills gap
Organisations can employ various strategies to address the SAM skills gap effectively. One essential approach is investing in training and development programs. These programs not only upskill existing employees but also attract new talent to the organisation.
Apprenticeship Programs
Establish apprenticeship programs in collaboration with educational institutions. These programs can provide hands-on training and experience to individuals interested in pursuing a career in SAM.
Offer mentorship opportunities within your organisation to guide apprentices and help them gain practical skills.
Cross-training for IT staff
Cross-train existing IT staff with relevant skills in IT support, procurement, or compliance to become SAM professionals.
This approach can be cost-effective as it leverages the knowledge and experience of current employees. For example, IT staff may look to cross-train and specialise in
security testing,
test techniques or
app testing.
Certification incentives
Encourage employees to pursue
SAM certifications by offering incentives such as financial support for exam fees or additional paid time off for study and preparation.
Recognise and reward employees who attain SAM certifications to motivate others.
Collaboration with industry associations
Partner with industry associations and organisations dedicated to SAM and IT asset management. These associations often provide
resources, training, and networking opportunities.
Attend conferences and
webinars organised by these associations to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
Online learning platforms
Invest in
online learning platforms that offer SAM courses and modules. These platforms provide flexibility for employees to access training materials at their convenience.
Consider providing subscriptions to such platforms for employees to encourage self-paced learning.
Guest lectures and workshops
Invite specialists in your team to conduct guest lectures and workshops within your organisation.
These sessions can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge directly from experienced practitioners.
Gamification of training
Use gamification techniques to make SAM training engaging and interactive.
Create challenges, quizzes, and competitions that encourage employees to learn and apply SAM concepts in a fun and competitive way.
In-house training departments
Establish an in-house training department or team dedicated to SAM education and development.
This department can create customised training materials and programs tailored to your organisation’s specific SAM needs.
Regular skills assessments
Conduct regular skills assessments to identify knowledge gaps and training needs among your IT staff.
Use the results to design targeted training programs that address specific weaknesses.
Peer learning groups
Encourage the formation of peer learning groups where employees can collaborate, discuss SAM topics, and share knowledge.
Peer learning fosters a sense of community and can be an effective way to reinforce learning.
Vendor collaboration
Collaborate with software vendors who may offer training and certification programs related to their products.
These vendor-specific certifications can be valuable for SAM professionals dealing with specific software products.
Continuous improvement culture
Foster a culture of continuous improvement within your organisation. SAM is an ever-evolving field, and employees should be encouraged to stay updated with the latest developments.
By implementing a combination of these strategies, organisations can take proactive steps to bridge the SAM skills gap effectively and ensure that they have a competent and knowledgeable team managing their software assets.
The role of professional training
Professional training plays a pivotal role in bridging the SAM skills gap. Accredited SAM training programs, such as those offered by
TSG Training, provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in SAM roles.
According to the BCS report, organisations that invested in professional SAM training saw a 25% reduction in compliance issues and a 15% reduction in software overspending. This underlines the effectiveness of structured training programs in mitigating the risks associated with the SAM skills gap.
Tips for individuals seeking SAM careers
Pursuing relevant certifications and educational paths and staying updated with industry trends are essential for those aspiring to build a career in SAM. Continuous learning is key to thriving in this dynamic field.
In conclusion, the Software Asset Management skills gap is a pressing concern for organisations today. Failing to address it can lead to significant financial losses and security risks. However, by understanding the gap, identifying skill requirements, investing in training, and partnering with professional training providers like TSG Training, organisations can bridge this gap effectively. Moreover, individuals seeking SAM careers can take proactive steps to gain the necessary skills and certifications to thrive in this field.
As the demand for skilled SAM professionals continues to grow, organisations that invest in SAM skills development will undoubtedly reap the benefits of cost savings, compliance, and enhanced security.
