Software asset management (SAM) vendor Centennial Software has launched new resources and training programs designed to help firms implement SAM initiatives more effectively and learn best practices in software management.

Centennial SAM Essentials is based on the MindManager workflow management software and features a collection of workflows and best practices which the firm has documented in templates, according to Centennial's Matt Fisher.

"It's aimed at those people in an organisation tasked with achieving SAM, and is [based on] the ISO 19770-1 standard, which we have simplified," he added. " They can edit, and pick and choose which policies they need to apply, and if you have to sell investment [in SAM] to the board, the RoI is easier to prove using this."

In addition, Centennial announced a new SAM Academy training initiative, which offers firms online or classroom-led courses ranging from the licensing fundamentals of the major vendors and general best practices, to more advanced ISEB accreditations.

In related news, the perils of buying pirated software - one of the drivers for good asset management processes - were highlighted this week with the discovery of one of the UK's worst cases of software piracy.

Derby-based Michael Walton was found to have been selling illegal copies of specialist architectural software on eBay and now faces up to 10 years in jail, according to reports.

"Criminals have now refined their strategy and are selling at almost retail price in order to avoid suspicion," explained Najeeb Khan, vice-Chair of industry body the Business Software Alliance. "By ensuring software is purchased from a reliable and trustworthy source, organisations can not only ensure compliance and prevent copyright breach, but can also reduce their exposure to the potential risks of unlicensed software use, such as virus attack, software failure and system downtime"