More profitable through software metering
More efficiency and lower costs through targeted software usage
The IT landscape is constantly evolving. Companies often use a variety of different software solutions - from specialized applications for individual departments to company-wide platforms. Over the years, however, the overview of how intensively these programs are actually used is often lost. With Nexthink, a leading platform for Digital Employee Experience Management, companies can use software metering efficiently to reduce costs and optimize their software landscape.
What is software metering?
Software metering refers to the process of systematically recording and analyzing the use of system and application software as well as software-as-a-service (SAAS) solutions in a company. The aim is to gain insights into the frequency and scope of use of individual applications and services. This information helps to identify unnecessary license costs, eliminate redundant software or justify investments in frequently used applications. Important questions about user behavior patterns are answered, for example: Which licenses are installed but not used? Which licenses are rarely used? Which of them are still needed and which can be uninstalled? Which licenses are used frequently?
Cost benefits through the use of Nexthink
Studies on software waste show that up to 50 percent of software licenses are not used. And only five percent of IT managers say they have “comprehensive transparency” regarding the software licenses they actually use. Various cost drivers can be effectively addressed with Nexthink.
Example from practice: The graph shows the usage of Microsoft Visio in the last 30 days and contains the following information: Out of 982 installed instances, Visio is used on 702 devices (71.5%), while 280 installations remain unused. The proportion of unused licenses is particularly high in the USA (106 devices).
The platform offers innovative solutions to sustainably reduce software costs:
By continuously analyzing software usage, Nexthink shows which (SAAS) applications are rarely used or not used at all. Companies can cancel or reallocate these licenses and thus achieve considerable savings. According to Nexthink, this approach can reduce software costs by up to 30 percent.
Nexthink helps to identify similar or redundant applications. Consolidating to a few, efficiently used solutions not only reduces costs, but also the administrative effort.
Nexthink provides detailed information on the frequency and duration of use of each application. The definition of usage can be defined individually for each application, while the data to be recorded can be flexibly adapted to the applicable data protection guidelines. Based on detailed data, companies can make informed decisions about software investments. The platform shows which applications are indispensable for employees and where there is potential for savings.
Even rarely used software can be indispensable for certain teams. By conducting targeted surveys among the employees concerned, IT can determine whether software is still needed or whether it can be uninstalled. By combining usage data and employee feedback, licensing costs can be optimized without inadvertently compromising workplace productivity.
Nexthink offers powerful automation features that help companies to manage their software landscape more easily and efficiently. This is achieved through a combination of intelligent detection, automated actions and flexible integration into existing processes.
Practical example: Oracle Java license management</br></br>
Problem
Companies often use different Java versions from Oracle and third-party providers, which are subject to different license models. Managing these versions is complex as they affect compatibility, security updates and costs. With Oracle’s new licensing model, unprepared companies can suddenly be faced with high, unexpected costs.
Solution
A package from the Nexthink library helps companies monitor their Java versions and manage license requirements efficiently. It provides a dashboard for real-time monitoring of Java installations, versions and license types. This allows IT teams to quickly identify which Java versions are chargeable and which can be used free of charge. This makes planning easier and prevents unnecessary license costs.
Do you want to take advantage of the benefits of software metering?
We help you to exploit the full potential of software metering with Nexthink. Our services include:
- Consulting and best practices: We bring expertise and advise organizations on designing effective workflows based on best practices.
- Customization and implementation: We help customize Nexthink solutions to meet your organization’s specific needs and integrate smoothly with existing IT infrastructure.
- Training and support: We train your IT staff to use the platform optimally and evaluate the data obtained.
- Proactive optimization: We support you in the analysis of usage data and the implementation of optimization measures.
Software metering with Nexthink: Create transparency, optimize licenses, reduce costs
Software metering with Nexthink is an effective tool for reducing licensing costs, optimizing the software landscape and sustainably increasing IT efficiency. Companies benefit from sound insights into software usage in a variety of ways. By combining real-time analysis, visual processing and automated recommendations for action, Nexthink helps companies to optimally manage software licenses and adhere to compliance requirements. With state-of-the-art technology and our expertise, these potentials can be fully exploited and the digital working environment sustainably improved.
Jens Reichardt
Business Development Executive
E-Mail: jreichardt@spirit21.com
Jens is an expert in the field of device management and Modern Workplace. Whether it’s iOS, Android, Windows or macOS, you are in the best hands with Jens if you have any questions.
