The ITAM Executive: A Podcast for IT Asset Management Professionals

Host: Kris Johnson, Anglepoint Chief Product OfficerSpeaker: Jeremy Sayler, Director of Anglepoint's Oracle Licensing PracticeIn this episode of The ITAM Executive, Kris Johnson and Jeremy Sayler discuss Oracle's new Verified SAM Partner Program.The Verified SAM Partner Program was introduced at Oracle CloudWorld in October 2022 and officially went live in June 2023, Anglepoint was verified in Q1 2024. Clients in the program must work with a verified SAM managed services provider to deliver Oracle an annual baseline report of license entitlements and consumption.Benefits of being in the program include audit reprieve, generous remediation options, and Oracle license optimization. Anglepoint is happy to be a Verified Partner in the program.By listening to this episode, you’ll learn about:The details of Oracle's new Verified SAM Partner ProgramThe benefits of the program, including audit reprieveThe qualifications to join the programHow Anglepoint became a Verified PartnerAnd more

Speaker: Rebecca Horton, Sr. Director of Red Hat Licensing at AnglepointIn this episode, Rebecca Horton, a seasoned expert in open-source technology and Red Hat solutions, sheds light on the impending end-of-life (EOL) of CentOS Linux 7 and how organizations can execute a seamless Red Hat transition.Rebecca pulls back the curtain on open-source software, highlighting the expansive nature of the open-source community. She explains the layers of open-source distribution, from community-driven projects like CentOS to enterprise-ready solutions offered by vendors like Red Hat. Emphasizing the pivotal role of open source in driving innovation, Rebecca stresses the need for organizations to understand the risks and requirements associated with EOL transitions.Moreover, the discussion covers the significance of thorough planning and collaboration among stakeholders to facilitate a smooth Red Hat transition without disruption to business operations. With CentOS 7 reaching EOL on June 30th, 2024, Rebecca navigates through the implications and offers insights into migrating to Red Hat solutions. She elucidates the differences between regular and extended support, guiding listeners through the process of subscription management and optimization. Rebecca underscores the importance of thorough discovery and patch management practices, advocating for tools like Red Hat Discovery to streamline the process.By incorporating Red Hat’s suite of solutions, Rebecca demonstrates how organizations can not only navigate the transition seamlessly but also leverage the full potential of open-source technology to drive innovation and growth.By listening to this episode, you will learn about:The risks and considerations of open-source softwareHow to discover and managed CentOSMigrating to Red HatAnd more

Speakers: Benjamin Coon, Senior Consultant; Chris Hayes, Principal ConsultantThis episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our webinar, “Broadcom’s VMware Licensing Changes Decoded.”In this episode, Benjamin Coon, Senior Consultant of Specialty Licensing at Anglepoint, and Chris Hayes, Principal Consultant of Anglepoint’s ITAM Program Transformation practice, discuss the significant licensing changes to VMware by Broadcom, dissecting the nuances of these alterations.There are three key categories of change: the transition from perpetual to subscription-based licensing, introduction of new product bundles, and a shift in license metrics from CPU to core-based. Many organizations may face challenges in adapting to these alterations and the episode advocates for best practices such as understanding license compliance and implementing robust demand planning processes to navigate the transition effectively.The focus then shifts towards audit response and defense strategies in the context of the acquisition. Chris stresses the necessity of establishing an aligned response framework within the organization and communicating it effectively. Furthermore, he warns against sharing information with publishers without proper approval and emphasizes the importance of controlling the written record to prevent potential pitfalls during audits or negotiations.The podcast wraps up by highlighting Anglepoint's VMware assessment services, which offer tailored support to organizations grappling with the evolving VMware licensing landscape. Benjamin and Chris encourage listeners to leverage Anglepoint's expertise in optimizing software and technology assets amidst regulatory changes. Through these discussions, the podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges posed by the VMware licensing changes and offers actionable insights to navigate them effectively.By listening to this episode, you will learn about:The three key licensing changes from VMware by BroadcomWhat to watch out for when facing a renewal How to mitigate risk and price increases due to the changes How Anglepoint can help your organization through this transition And more

Host: Jeremy Sayler, Anglepoint Director of Oracle LicensingSpeaker: Felicia Parilo, Oracle Global DirectorThis episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our webinar, “Oracle’s VSAM Partner Program Insights: What You Need to Know.” In this episode, Jeremy Sayler, Director of Oracle Licensing at Anglepoint, and Felicia Parilo, Global Director at Oracle, discuss Oracle’s Verified Software Asset Management (VSAM) Partner Program.Anglepoint is now recognized as a verified partner in the VSAM program, aiding Oracle customers in gaining a comprehensive understanding of their software investments.In this podcast episode, Felicia, from the Oracle Global Licensing and Advisory Service, elaborates on the VSAM program’s inception, emphasizing its alignment with Oracle’s customer-centric approach and the collaborative opportunities the partner program offers between Oracle, Anglepoint, and clients to optimize their Oracle customer investments. Jeremy and Felicia then outline the VSAM program’s objectives, which include providing comprehensive advisory services to help clients understand their Oracle customer investments and optimize their software usage.The program encompasses various software asset management services, such as consolidation, optimization, and cloud migration strategies, tailored to individual client needs. Additionally, Jeremy details the logistics of the VSAM program enrollment process, emphasizing its seamless integration into Anglepoint’s existing SAM managed service framework. Finally, the episode addresses potential concerns and skepticism surrounding the program.By listening to this episode, you will learn about:The origins and intentions of Oracle’s VSAM programBenefits and requirements to join the partner programAnglepoint’s Oracle SAM managed servicesCommon concerns and questionsAnd more

Host: Sarah Marriott, Anglepoint DirectorSpeakers: Antonela Agbaje, Software Asset Manager at Sainsbury’s; Dominika Franke, Software Asset Manager at ABB; Kay Twitchell, Deputy Agency Software Manager at NASAThis episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our 2024 Women in ITAM webinar, ‘Measuring & Communicating ITAM’s Impact.‘In this episode, Sarah Marriott, Antonella Agbaje, Kay Twitchell, and Dominika Franke discuss various aspects of measuring and communicating the impact of ITAM within organizations. This panel of experts share their insights and experiences in the field.The episode also delves into the challenges of communicating the value of ITAM, including the need to align ITAM goals with business objectives, prioritize ITAM initiatives amidst competing priorities, and establish ownership for software assets within the organization. They emphasize the significance of building relationships, fostering communication, and celebrating incremental wins to gain momentum and support for ITAM initiatives. Additionally, they discuss the role of women in ITAM, acknowledging how essential it is to have diverse perspectives and skills.By listening to this episode you’ll learn about:Our panelists’ experiences measuring and communicating the impact of ITAMThe importance of ITAM KPIsStrategies for effective communicationThe importance of having women in ITAMAnd more

Host: Jason Kelly, Anglepoint Director of FinOpsThis episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our lightning course, FinOps 101 | Understanding FinOps and Cloud Cost Optimization.In this episode, Jason Kelly, Director of FinOps at Anglepoint, introduces the concept of the FinOps Cycle, comprising the inform, optimize, and operate phases, which form a continuous iterative process. The inform phase focuses on fostering accountability through data transparency, while the optimize phase involves seizing cost-saving opportunities. The operate phase entails making informed business decisions based on the outcomes of optimization efforts, leveraging automation and advanced tools.Jason then highlights the challenges associated with implementing FinOps within organizations. These challenges include the complexity of cloud cost management, organizational conflicts between different departments, resistance to change, difficulty in gaining executive buy-in, and the need for seamless workflow integration. Despite these hurdles, there are strategic approaches for successful FinOps deployment. Iterative adoption, quick wins, and the establishment of a Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE) to facilitate communication and expertise sharing across departments are solutions highlighted in the episode.By embracing the FinOps Cycle and implementing tailored strategies, organizations can overcome challenges, enhance cost transparency, and achieve greater financial accountability in their cloud operations.By listening to this episode you’ll get:An in-depth look at each phase of the FinOps cycle (inform, optimize, operate)An explanation of some of the biggest challenges of implementing and/or maintaining FinOps in an organizationSolutions to those challenges, such as utilizing cloud management platforms for cost visibility and accountabilityAnd moreIf you’re interested in learning more about Jason, connect with him on LinkedIn.Listen in on our latest podcasts by checking out the ITAM Executive.Dig into more insights from ITAM executives by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Host: Jason Kelly, Anglepoint Director of FinOpsThis episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our lightning course, FinOps 101 | Understanding FinOps and Cloud Cost Optimization.In this episode, Jason Kelly, Director of FinOps at Anglepoint, delves into the fundamentals and benefits of FinOps, a practice that merges finance and DevOps to manage cloud financials effectively. He explains the importance of FinOps in maximizing business value within the cloud and highlights its role in fostering collaboration and accountability across various organizational departments. Throughout the episode, Jason offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of FinOps and its future trends, making it an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of cloud financial management.Whether you’re a finance professional, a DevOps engineer, or a business leader, this episode provides valuable insights into optimizing cloud costs and making informed business decisions. By learning about the phases of FinOps maturity and upcoming trends such as standardization efforts and AI integration, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of cloud financial management effectively.By listening to this episode you’ll learn:Why FinOps isn’t only about cost savingsHow practitioners need to balance cost, speed, and quality when it comes to FinOpsAbout future trends in FinOpsHow FinOps and ITAM teams can start working together to acheive shared outcomesAnd more benefits of FinOps

Host: Chris Hayes, Anglepoint Principal ConsultantThis episode of the ITAM Executive includes content taken from our webinar, Unlocking Regulatory Compliance and GRC Success: Aligning Your ITAM System with a Robust Risk Control Framework.In this episode, Chris Hayes, Principal Consultant at Anglepoint, explains how ITAM teams can add value to their companies and organizations by aligning their management systems with Risk Control Frameworks.Organizations across the world are subject to many different regulatory and compliance requirements. Aligning the organization to Risk Control Frameworks supports efforts to meet these requirements.When adhering to a Risk Control Framework, ITAM teams can bring a lot of value to the organization by applying the Deming Cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act). Taking this approach emphasizes continuous improvement, measurement, and alignment with organizational priorities.While it’s important that the ITAM team takes action, success certainly will not be achieved alone. Cross-functional coordination and collaboration with other teams across the organization is essential.By listening to this episode you’ll learn:The importance and value of adhering to a Risk Control FrameworkHow ITAM can collaborate with other teams: InfoSec, Governance, Sourcing & Procurement, etc.How to apply the Deming Cycle to your ITAM Management SystemContinuous improvement and report best practicesAnd more

Hosts: Kris Johnson, Anglepoint Chief Product OfficerSpeaker: Ron Brill, Chair of ISO ITAM Standards WG21, ITAM Forum Vice-Chair, Anglepoint President & ChairmanIn this episode of the ITAM Executive, Anglepoint CPO Kris Johnson is joined by Ron Brill, President and Chairman of Anglepoint and convener of WG21 for ISO/IEC, to discuss the anticipated 2024 update to ISO 19770-1, shedding light on the significant changes and advancements in the standard.The conversation delves into the key advancements expected in the 2024 release, including the alignment with FinOps methodology, the addition of numerous process areas for enhanced granularity, and the incorporation of sustainability as a separate process area. Ron and Kris also discuss the management system incorporated in ISO 19770-1, emphasizing its reliance on the PDCA cycle for continuous improvement.Ron touches upon the clarity improvements and feedback-driven streamlining incorporated into the standard. Moreover, he outlines the timeline for the release, with the first ballot anticipated in Q1 2024, paving the way for potential publication by the end of 2024. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive and accessible exploration of ISO 19770-1's evolution, ensuring listeners are well-informed about the upcoming changes and the standard's continuous commitment to industry relevance and improvement.By listening to this episode of The ITAM Executive, you will learn about:The proposed changes to the 19770-1 in the 2024 update, including new process areas for enhanced granularityHow organizations can implement and benefit from the Plan, Do, Check, Act management system for continues improvementThe process WG21 uses to make decisions and changes to the standardHow listeners can get involved with 19770-1 and WG21And more

Hosts: Chris Nielson and Ryan Krueger, Anglepoint Directors of Client SuccessThis episode of The ITAM Executive was created from Anglepoint’s Software Asset Management (SAM) 101 lighting course.In this episode, Chris Nielson and Ryan Krueger, both Directors at Anglepoint, cover the foundational elements of software entitlement, software consumption, software license management, and give an overview of each step in the software asset lifecycle.Sofware entitlement is a crucial part of software asset management. This is understanding what you own – it refers to the rights and permissions associated with using the software. While it may sound simple, measuring software entitlement can be incredibly challenging, especially in complex organization structures. Some of the biggest challenges include knowing the various metrics used to measure entitlement, understanding the different version and editions, and having a firm grasp on appropriate environment use rights.After entitlement comes license consumption management. This is knowing what software is being used. The goal of license consumption management is to ensure compliance and provide accurate and complete data through discover and inventory processes.These software license management processes, amongst others, are essential to ensure that your organization gets a maximum return on software investment over the course of the asset’s lifecycle. Ryan and Chris cover each phase of that lifecycle in detail in the episode.By listening to this episode of The ITAM Executive, you will learn:What software entitlement is and how to appropriately measure itThe importance of license consumption management and an effective license position (ELP)The phases of the software asset lifecycle, from request to disposalAnd more