If asked, “what does the ITAM Program deliver?” the answer is information. This is the quintessential expectation of all ITAM customers. Unfortunately, this expectation is easier said or asked than done. Complete and accurate information depends on complete and accurate data. This data is created by a series of events that involve tools, processes, and people. People follow processes using tools for automation that produces data that ITAM then curates to deliver information. Information is the lifeblood for managing IT assets, whether you are in IT, IT security, legal, finance, or some other role.
To summarize, ITAM exists if you have IT. ITAM is a core competency because an organization cannot compete without IT. The need for ITAM evolved due to the decentralization of management and the affordability of IT. ITAM has several definitions depending on the context, contributing to the challenge of describing ITAM to the organization. The organization comprises several functional areas where most, if not all, can benefit from an ITAM Program. The lifecycle of an IT asset needs to be managed to produce complete and trustworthy data curated by ITAM. Suppliers of IT products and services must be managed to maximize value and reduce risk. Tools are necessary for the ITAM Program because of the automation required to collect data. Chances are that your organization is behind on implementing an ITAM Program.
Years have gone by with little to no discipline in managing assets. Correcting these transgressions will take some time and requires an engineering approach to start the program and then make incremental improvements. ITAM is a sound investment for any organization because it benefits many people and functional areas, continuing to pay for itself year over year.
