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At a time when digital transformation is driven by software, software asset management, or SAM, is more than just an IT job; it is a strategic lever for competitive advantage, governance, and business resilience. SAM has become a topic of discussion at the board level, rather than just an operational requirement, as businesses operate in complex, hybrid environments.

What Is Software Asset Management (SAM)?

The methodical process of overseeing and maximising software resources from purchase to retirement is known as software asset management. SAM provides real-time visibility, licensing compliance, and affordable software that meets changing security standards, legal requirements, and business objectives in today's complex IT environments.

When implemented effectively, SAM:

  • Prevents overspending by identifying underused or redundant licenses
  • Reduces audit risk through license compliance
  • Informs strategic renewals and IT investment planning

Why Software Asset Management Matters More Than Ever 

  • Audits from multiple vendors are more frequent and complex.
  • SaaS sprawl and hybrid deployments obscure license visibility.
  • Shadow IT and unmanaged software inflate risk and waste.

SAM, supported by strong software license management and software asset inventory management capabilities, addresses these challenges head-on. It enables IT leaders to speak the language of business value, reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO), enhancing IT governance, and supporting sustainable digital strategies.

Top 10 Software Asset Management Tools To Watch in 2025

IT may become a value facilitator rather than a cost center by choosing the appropriate SAM platform.  The top 10 tools that will transform how businesses manage software in 2025 are listed below.

1. HCL BigFix

Connecting Endpoint Management and Software Asset Management. HCL BigFix is unique in providing an integrated view of endpoints and software assets, enabling automation, security compliance, and real-time patching within a single, unified solution.

Strengths

  • Comprehensive Endpoint Coverage: Enforcing security policies and managing hardware and software assets are two aspects of comprehensive endpoint coverage.
  • Unified Security and Asset Management: Its SAM features are deeply integrated with endpoint security, providing a holistic approach to IT asset management.
  • Patch Automation & Remediation: This reduces exposure from out-of-date or unauthorized software by automating vulnerability remediation.
  • Extremely Scalable: Adapts to distributed and global environments and supports small to large companies.

Weaknesses

  • Cost consideration: Despite having many features, BigFix might have a higher total cost of ownership than lighter SAM solutions that only concentrate on software.

Competitive Comparison

Compared to other software asset management tools, BigFix offers stronger endpoint management integration and lets you build interesting workflows such as 

  1. Software Request followed by Software Deployment
  2. Finding unused software, followed by its remote uninstallation

Certified by IBM and Oracle, BigFix has a score of 91% "Willingness to Recommend" in Gartner’s 2025 report.

BigFix is ideal for enterprises looking to address multiple business challenges through a unified solution with a single-agent deployment.

2. Flexera One

Built for enterprises managing sprawling, multi-cloud, and hybrid environments

Strengths:

  • Comprehensive audit readiness tool
  • Robust software spend analytics
  • Certified by IBM and Oracle

Weaknesses:

  • Higher price point
  • Longer implementation cycles for smaller teams

Gartner Rating: 4.5/5

 

3. Snow License Manager 

Targeted at mid-to large-sized organizations, focused on ease of use

Strengths:

  • User-friendly dashboards
  • Strong discovery and reporting features

Weaknesses:

  • Less adaptable for complex, hybrid environments

Gartner Rating: 4.3/5

 

4. ServiceNow SAM

Best for enterprises already invested in the ServiceNow ecosystem

Strengths:

  • Integration with ServiceNow ITSM
  • End-to-end software lifecycle workflows
  • BigFix integration enhances software visibility.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited standalone capability in discovery and depth
  • Higher total cost for smaller organizations

Gartner Rating: 4.2/5

 

5. Ivanti Neurones for ITAM 

Ideal for IT teams seeking automation and real-time insights

Strengths:

  • Consolidated view of software and hardware assets
  • Predictive analytics and automated compliance alerts

Weaknesses:

  • Onboarding complexity
  • Requires resource investment

Gartner Rating: 4.4/5

 

6. ManageEngine Asset Explorer

Designed for SMBs entering structured SAM initiatives

Strengths:

  • Cost-effective
  • Easy to implement and use

Weaknesses:

  • Limited in scalability
  • Limited automation

Gartner Rating: 4.3/5

 

7. Certero  

Best fit for cloud-first enterprises and SaaS-heavy operations

Strengths:

  • SaaS optimization
  • License forecasting tools

Weaknesses:

  • Weak support for on-prem environments

Gartner Rating: 4.2/5

 

8. IBM License Metric Tool (ILMT)  

Suited for organizations with extensive IBM software portfolios

Strengths:

  • Compliance with IBM’s licensing requirements
  • Simplifies audit processes

Weaknesses:

  • Does not support non-IBM software needs

Gartner Rating: 4.0/5

 

9. Asset Panda  

Custom-fit for businesses with tailored asset tracking requirements

Strengths:

  • Flexible asset configurations
  • Mobile-first design

Weaknesses:

  • Requires time-intensive customization
  • Not SAM-centric by default

Gartner Rating: 4.4/5

 

10. Lansweeper

Good for enterprises needing network-wide asset discovery

Strengths:

  • Deep scanning and automated inventory
  • Real-time compliance status

Weaknesses:

  • Lacks advanced SAM and optimization capabilities

Gartner Rating: 4.3/5

 

Key Takeaway

Software Asset Management is evolving from a compliance checklist to a cornerstone of IT leadership strategy. It's no longer optional. With the correct vision and tools, SAM promotes risk-aware digital growth, increases IT agility, and reduces costs.

IT teams can lead with clarity, control, and confidence by investing in modern SAM systems like HCL BigFix, regardless of your objectives – whether they seek to reduce software waste, strengthen compliance, or increase business resilience.

Patching, compliance, software licensing management, and software asset inventory management can all be integrated with HCL BigFix in 2025.

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We’re here to help you find the right solutions and support you in achieving your business goals.

  |  April 9, 2025
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