Vendors rush to sign up for Investors in Software recruitment drive
SAM organisation delighted with the number of vendor members it has signed over the past three months
Software Asset Management (SAM) organisation Investors in Software (IiS) is celebrating after signing up eight new members in just three months.
IiS was formed last year by the principals of Bytes, Grey Matter and Teksys, and a senior manager from Deloitte & Touche. Its aim is to push the benefits of SAM, and it last year announced that it was looking for additional vendors to supply it with funding (CRN, 7 November).
Since the organisation started its vendor recruitment drive, several firms have joined including Microsoft, Symantec and Centennial Software. VAR SCC has also joined the organisation.
Shaun Frohlich, chairman of IiS, told CRN that he was bowled over by the number of members taken on since its inception.
“To get eight large companies to support us so close to our launch is awesome,” he said. “I never thought we would get so much support so quickly. IiS creates opportunities for all vendors to take control of their software assets and a chance to get their voices heard.”
Frohlich added that the organisation also expects to sign between eight and 10 additional large vendors as members in the coming months, together with up to 15 smaller vendors.
Matt Fisher, vice-president at IiS member Centennial Software, said: “IiS fills an important link in the wider adoption of SAM across the UK. IiS is already having a positive effect on the SAM market.”
Frohlich claimed that, with support from the software industry, IiS will be able to demonstrate a willingness by vendors to simplify the software management process. He also said it would be able to create a worldwide certification scheme.
Nigel Hudson, business development manager at VAR TSG, told CRN that education on licensing and SAM issues was his favoured route.
“Some businesses aren’t aware how their networks have evolved,” he said. “Fundamentally, it’s good news for us if IiS is pushing the notion of correct licensing and SAM.”
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Investors in Software group improves software asset management