ISO/IEC Grants Extended Distribution of Important Software Asset Management Standard Enhancements

Addressing the call for harmonious world-class SAM practices, the revision now includes four successive tiers to serve as a common language for software asset management programs. Beginning with Tier 1: Trustworthy Data, each tier is a grouping of the established ISO/IEC 19770-1:2006 standard processes and is based on ISO/IEC JTC1 SC7 research results that prioritize repeatable license compliance processes.

To obtain a copy of the preview, visit the websites of the following organizations who are liaisons to the WG 21 team; the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the Information Systems Audit and Control Associations / IT Governance Institute (ISACA/ITGI), the International Association of IT Asset Managers (IAITAM), and the IT Service Management Forum International (itSMFI). For further information about downloading and the review process, please visit the official website of WG21 at http://www.19770.org/Tiered-SAM-Review.

While the feedback period continues until 01 March 2011, reviewers are encouraged to complete their analysis and provide feedback as soon as possible. A summary of the feedback, scheduled to be published in May 2011, will be sent to reviewers who provide contact information.

"The tiers in this revision closely align with the processes defined in the current and successful 19770-1:2006 standard," explained Dave Phillips, editor of the revision. "Preliminary research suggests that these tiers offer the phased and measurable standard adoption that organizations have been requesting. For instance, organizations can assess their license compliance processes and then demonstrate conformance to Tier 1 of the 19770-1 revision."

To facilitate accessibility, the new draft also includes guidance annexes and a standards roadmap. Guidance annexes relate industry guidance and practices to the SAM standard. The standards roadmap is a planning tool to synchronize management systems standards as well as capability and organizational maturity assessments with SAM business practices.

David Bicket, the WG21 Convener, adds "The WG21's liaison organizations are significant contributors to the successful development of SAM standards, helping to ensure that major developments like this revision meet or exceed the needs of our mutual constituencies."