Today the Federation Against Software Theft and Investors in Software (FAST IiS) announced the results of the first tranche of its evaluation programme of commercially available Software Licence Management (SLM) solutions. The programme is part of its mandate to provide independent advice and guidance to organisations seeking to manage software efficiently and legally.

FAST IiS, the UK not-for-profit organisation promoting the legitimate use of software, began evaluating software tools earlier this year to provide an independent and clear set of reviews focused on technical features, design, usability, commercial value, local market support and user experience. The idea is to promote a wider Software Asset Management (SAM) strategy among UK businesses.

John Lovelock, FAST IiS Chief Executive said, “We have conducted these evaluations to bring further clarity to the software asset and licence management cause. Enabling businesses to remain compliant and manage software with a multitude of different licensing options from software vendors pays off delivering considerable, much needed savings in the current economic climate. A business with a grip on its IT estate demonstrates a greater control over all its assets and its costs, creating a value driven business process rather than an overhead as many boards view it.”

SAM Tool evaluation criteria included, amongst other elements:

• Ease of installation and deployment
• Ease of use and quality of documentation
• Efficiency of solution
• Accuracy of audit and sources of audit data
• Licensing knowledgebase (completeness, clarity, dependencies)
• Licensing reconciliation process and advice
• SAM best practice alignment
• Infrastructure required (platform, hardware, memory etc.)

The SAM/SLM software vendors reviewed so far are: FrontRange, Managesoft, Express Metrix and RMS. The evaluation reports are available to download from the FAST IiS website at www.fastiis.org/evaluation

If your business is interested in learning more about managing your software assets then contact FAST IiS at www.fastiis.org.

-ENDS-

About FAST IiS
In September 2008 the Federation Against Software Theft and Investors in Software joined forces to advocate distilled, simplified and unified messaging on software asset management (SAM) and software licence management (SLM) best practice to the end user community. The strength of the two reputable brands encapsulates a holistic approach to driving the professional use of software across the industry and the globe.

The Federation Against Software Theft was formed in 1984; it was the first organisation globally to champion the professional management of legitimate software and protect publishers’ rights. It aims to reduce, restrict and or lessen the incidence of unauthorised dealings in computer software.

The Federation by way of the FAST IiS brand is a not-for-profit organisation that is limited by guarantee and wholly owned by its members. It works on many fronts to promote the legitimate use of software and protect its members’ rights through education, enforcement, lobbying and promoting standards and best practice in business. www.fastiis.org