FAQs: Software Asset Management
How is the Dell Software Asset Management service accessed?
As a cloud-delivered software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution, Software Asset Management is accessed through a standard Web browser using credentials provided by Dell.
How does the service track software on laptops that are not connected to my internal network?
As long as the device connects to the Internet, the information is transmitted through a lightweight application installed on the device and tracked within the platform.
What information does Software Asset Management service collect?
The Software Asset Management agent scans for the software executable files installed on the local hard drives of the managed PC. It obtains attributes from each executable, such as the publisher, software name and version, as well as the file name, file size and file date. It does not collect any confidential data files — only the executable files. It also records Add/Remove Programs, shortcut links and certain pieces of registry information related to the installed software.
If the service captures all of my executables, isn’t that a lot of data to view?
Yes, but Dell has it covered. When the Software Asset Management Web interface displays the software installed in your environment, the executables found by the service are filtered through the Dell Titling Database, a knowledge base of information related to software applications. The executables are then automatically resolved into their licensed parent applications, versions and bundles/suites for easy comparison with license agreements.
Is there a way to tell which applications are actually being used?
Yes. Software Asset Management can provide detailed information on what applications are used by title, publisher or device. You can also get details on the applications that are installed but not being used — allowing organizations to redeploy licenses to other end users, saving organizations the cost of new licenses.
How secure is my data within your platform?
Dell is committed to providing a high level of security for all data handled through the Dell Software Asset Management service. To secure our internal network environment and associated assets, Dell data centers use a number of industry-standard security solutions that include:
- Virus detection
- Email attachment scanning
- System and application patch compliance
- Intrusion prevention and detection systems
- Firewalls
Dell also has administrative controls in place for the Software Asset Management service that involve policy and procedures, such as security policies and testing.
How is Dell Software Asset Management installed on a device?
To deploy Dell Software Asset Management, a lightweight client agent is installed on each managed device. This can quickly be accomplished by:
- Using a System Management tool, such as Dell Distributed Device Management, Microsoft® SCCM or Symantec™ Altiris™
- Active Directory® Group Policy
- Logon scripts
- Imbedding the agent within a standard image
- Dell Custom Factory Imaging — for those customers buying new PCs from Dell Inc.
Are there any additional hardware or software requirements?
No. Since Software Asset Management is a SaaS solution delivered over the cloud, it does not require any capital investments in hardware or software.
What platforms does Dell Software Asset Management support?
Currently, the service supports the following platforms depending on the configuration that you purchase:
- Microsoft Windows® (XP and higher)
- Windows Server® (2003 and higher)
- Apple® Macintosh® (OS X 10.5 and 10.6 for both workstations and servers)
Can I install the client-side software without end-user knowledge?
The Software Asset Management client agent software can be installed without any user interaction. Once installed, the software operates transparently as a service of the operating system.
How does the client-side software connect to the Internet?
By default, the client-side software will attempt to access the Internet directly. However, the software can be configured with your proxy server specifications to send outbound packets online.
What level of support will I receive?
During your Software Asset Management deployment, you will be assigned a Project Manager who will help you plan and manage your implementation. Your Project Manager will also act as your single point of contact for all support issues and questions. During the final stages of your deployment, your support will be handled by the Software Asset Management Technical Support Team.
Can I capture and track end-user information for my devices?
Yes. Software Asset Management can capture the end-user information for a device via a data entry form to allow the end user to type in their name, email address, and other optional information. There is also an add-on module that integrates with Microsoft Active Directory LDAP to upload end user information from your LDAP accounts based on who logged into the device.
How often does the client-side software run an inventory?
Automated inventory schedules can be created through the Software Asset Management web interface. Inventories can be scheduled to run on a weekly, biweekly or monthly schedule. An on-demand inventory for a specific device can also be requested through the Web interface.
What kind of tools does Software Asset Management come with to help with license management?
Software Asset Management comes with a number of features to help you manage your software licenses. You can quickly import all your software purchases into the purchase repository, which provides a single source for all software purchases (licenses, upgrades, media, maintenance renewals and more.) and allows you to track and manage upgrade/downgrade rights and usage as well as manage OEM licenses.
Software Asset Management also has a separate repository for all of your software license agreements and provides automated alerts in advance of true-ups and contract expirations. There is also comprehensive reporting functionality, including the ability to run complex queries and a prebuilt license reconciliation report that automatically gathers entitlement information from the purchase repository to determine proof of license/ownership; it also automatically compares the calculated license ownership against your software inventory to determine under- or over-licensed software products.
I have a proprietary application that was developed internally that I would like to track. Can I do this with the service?
Yes. You can input information pertaining to your application onto a form provided by Software Asset Management. Our support team will then add this application to our titling database and allow you to track your software.
What reporting tool does Software Asset Management use?
All of the reports in Software Asset Management have a wizard-driven interface so you don’t need to learn a complicated reporting tool or know the Software Asset Management database structure.
Can I create my own customized queries?
Yes. You can create and save a query as a template with any name you chose. Later, you can simply rerun your template to generate the query again. As an option, query templates may also be created and shared within your company.
How many reports come with Software Asset Management?
Since Software Asset Management has the ability to create your own customized queries, the number of reports that are available is virtually unlimited.
What types of reports are available?
A wide variety of reports are prepackaged with Software Asset Management to allow you to perform analysis and make decisions based on your software license agreements, software inventory and software usage statistics. Reports include contracts inventory, license reconciliation, system configuration (operating system, software applications) and deployment readiness. Additional reports allow your IT administrator to monitor activity and help ensure that information is up to date.
How do I get started?
To learn how Dell Software Asset Management can help you manage software costs and stay in compliance, please contact a Dell representative today.
