Software asset management (SAM) plays a critical role in ensuring that your software infrastructure is up-to-date and efficiently managed. For MSPs using Lifecycle Manager, understanding what software data is collected is key to leveraging the platform’s capabilities. This article walks you through the types of software information collected by Lifecycle Manager and how this data is utilized to enhance your software management processes.
Lifecycle Manager simplifies the process of software asset management by collecting specific data points essential for accurate reporting and version tracking. This data is gathered from your integrations, providing a comprehensive view of the software landscape without complicating the process.
In the new UI, select the client and open Manage > Software to review collected software. See Discovering client software assets for current list and export controls. Software inventory is separate from Microsoft 365 subscription licensing.
Key data points collected
The effectiveness of SAM in Lifecycle Manager is based on the collection of several critical software data points:
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Device Name:
- Shows the name of the device associated with the software record. Device names are display labels and are not guaranteed to be unique.
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Product Name:
- Identifies the software asset. This is crucial for tracking installations across different devices and ensuring the software inventory is current.
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Publisher:
- Indicates the software vendor. This information is used to manage licenses and compliance.
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Build Version:
- Records the version number of the software. This is essential for version control, ensuring compatibility between different software and hardware components, and planning for upgrades.
