Enterprise Opinions

Calling all Hardware Asset Managers and IT Service Management pros. This episode is for you! Martin Thompson speak with George Deligiannoudis, the CEO of Mobilise IT about MDM (mobile device management), EMM (enterprise mobility management), and UEM (unified endpoint management). They also touch on ZTM (zero-touch mobility) and how AI-driven robots and industrial devices fall into all of this. You don’t want to have a security threat arise with these devices either (think HAL 9000). One of our favorite quotes from this episode: “The proliferation of devices and the IoT explosion, which is expected to reach 40 billion+ devices by 2030, is not only becoming a technical nightmare for any enterprise but also a scale and cost issue.”

In this podcast we take a hard look at where we really stand with software audits as we head into 2026 – who’s actually auditing, how their tactics have shifted, and where the real risk now sits. We unpack “cooperative” audit-immunity deals (like IBM’s), the rise of volume-based audits over strategically targeting customers, and the new players stepping in as old names step back. We will also the new audit defence tactics that will be required as we move towards more AI-driven, consumption based metrics. "Within three days of expiring, the Audit letter and hit them out and they're literally coming three days after said like we're going to order you now. When you think about the amount of time it takes them to plan that, because the Audit letter mentions the auditor it mentions the Audit company, it mentions the contract so they've also been planning this over two or three weeks. So they knew before long before the ELA was going to expire that they were going to come in an audit just to make sure that there

AI promises smarter IT Asset Management, but only when the data and decisions behind it can be trusted. In this episode, we unpack how organizations are using data and AI in ITAM, where things can go wrong, and what responsible adoption really looks like. The conversation highlights real-world challenges, governance considerations, and the mindset needed to balance speed, insight, and control. "But in order for us to start leveraging at scale these kind of capabilities, we need to have that foundational trust. And that's nothing new. That's been the case for IT asset management for as long as I've, you know, been in this industry, which is a long time. You know, so having trustworthy data underpinning your IT asset management practice has always been the case, and it's no different now. " - Kieron Dean, SeriveNow

In this episode, SHI and SoftwareOne delve into the critical role of relationship management in ITAM, emphasising its significance in fostering collaboration and facilitating change. We also discuss how embracing relationship management, including effective change management—can enhance communication, build trust, and create a more inclusive environment. Join us as we explore actionable strategies to develop these essential soft skills and elevate the impact of ITAM in today’s dynamic business landscape. "We're in a unique position where we have so much data, and we influence all the business. It is the backbone of any business, and they spend millions on it. It's getting that message across that, we could really drive value with our item knowledge and experience and the data we have." - Jayne Frank-Kelly, SHI

AJ Wit, Mark Bradley, and Ryan Hardcastle delves into the powerful intersection of financial, environmental, and asset management. This episode reveals how integrating these practices can help organisations control costs, reduce their environmental footprint, and meet compliance and risk management objectives, creating a more efficient and sustainable approach to IT operations. "FinOps was the new kid on the block, but over time, both FinOps and ITAM have realised they’re tackling the same challenges from different angles" - Mark Bradley, Flexera

John Schwartzenberger from Flexera and Kelly Yip explores the complex reality of managing major software vendors in today’s IT landscape. Gain a clear understanding of why Tier 1 vendors are so difficult to control, how SaaS sprawl and shadow IT create hidden risks, and why entitlement data is often a critical blind spot. The episode also introduces the idea of a proactive onboarding framework - showing how consistent, strategic approaches can replace reactive management and bring order to the chaos of vendor relationships. "All the information is out there: training, best practices, maturity assessments—use them to become a stronger practitioner." - John Schwartzenberger

ITAM teams face new challenges in tracking AI software, managing dynamic licensing models, and controlling cloud costs. Without a clear strategy, organisations risk overspending, compliance issues, and a lack of visibility into AI-driven assets. Parpreet Singh from TMG joins us in this episode as we explore how ITAM teams can evolve to meet the demands of AI, including the impact of AI on software licensing/asset tracking and best practices for cost optimisation. "The future is moving toward context-based AI and away from general platforms pulling information from across the internet - and that’s the right direction" - Parpreet Singh

In this episode, we explore why strong relationship management is essential to successful ITAM. From driving collaboration to enabling meaningful change, we look at how building trust, improving communication, and fostering inclusivity can amplify the impact of your ITAM practice. You’ll hear practical ways to develop these soft skills, strengthen partnerships, and navigate today’s fast-moving business landscape with confidence.

Tune in as we unpack how IT Asset Disposition can be so much more than a necessary expense. In this episode, we share practical examples and market benchmarks that show how the right approach can cut costs, minimise waste, and even turn a profit. Hear how forward-thinking organisations are transforming their ITAD strategies — and get ideas you can put into action in your own.

In this episode with Martin Thompson and Aamer Trambu (SoftwareOne) we delve into the critical role of relationship management in ITAM, emphasising its significance in fostering collaboration and facilitating change. They also discuss how embracing relationship management—including effective change management—can enhance communication, build trust, and create a more inclusive environment. As well as this, we hear about Aamer's personal journey into ITAM and his thoughts on the ITAM industry as a whole. “You might be early in your career, but don’t underestimate the value you bring—sometimes you’re exactly who the team turns to when it matters most.” – Aamer Trambu

In this episode Kelly Yip and Meesha Nayan (TMG), delve into the importance of adopting a continuous learning mindset within ITAM. They discuss common barriers to learning, such as time constraints and a lack of resources, and explore practical strategies for fostering a culture of learning. Listeners can learn about various avenues for continuous education, including certifications, webinars, and networking events that can enhance ITAM skills. They also highlight the value of mentorship programs and peer-to-peer learning as effective means of cultivating a growth mindset. Join us to discover how committing to lifelong learning can position ITAM professionals for success in an ever-evolving industry. “Everything needs a business outcome — even technical work ultimately ties back to cost, spend, and impact.” – Meesha Nayan

Welcome to ITAMantics, where our experts unpack the headlines shaking up the ITAM world. In this May 2025 episode AJ Witt, Martin Thompson, and Kelly Yip explore the stories making waves across cybersecurity, licensing, and sustainability. Stories discussed this month: Cybersecurity breaches hit UK retailers M&S and the Co-op — what ITAM can learn from the fallout Social engineering tactics and the growing risk to asset and security management Broadcom’s aggressive VMware licensing audits — what they mean for your estate The rise of the secondary software market and what’s driving its momentum How ITAM and FinOps collaboration can strengthen organisational resilience and efficiency

In this episode, we’ll delve into the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for sustainable IT. While AI technologies offer significant potential for optimizing operations and improving energy efficiency, they also come with increased resource demands, such as substantial data center requirements, cooling systems, and the raw materials needed for hardware. We’ll explore whether the energy savings from AI initiatives are sufficient to offset these resource consumption impacts and how organizations can effectively navigate this balance. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the role of IT Asset Management (ITAM) in leveraging AI for sustainability while considering the broader environmental implications.

FinOps has long focused on managing cloud spend—but that's beginning to change. In this episode, AJ Witt speaks with Jennifer Kuvlesky at Flexera about the March 2025 FinOps scope expansions and what they mean for SaaS and data center environments. They explore why FinOps is broadening its horizons, how this shift impacts ITAM professionals, and what organisations should expect next. "With cloud data, you can't do your job without understanding where and how things are being used—it's essential for managing spend and securing value." - Jennifer Kuvlesky at Flexera. Download Flexera's State of Cloud Report: https://info.flexera.com/CM-REPORT-State-of-the-Cloud?lead_source=Organic%20Search

Sustainability in IT is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. But how can ITAM play a role in making organisations greener and more responsible? Is the business world truly aware of the scale of the challenge ahead? AJ Witt and Megan Barradell from SHI share their insights on the topic. "We’ve got the vision, and the willingness is there—but the real question is, how do we actually make it happen?" – Megan Baradell

More companies are turning to refurbished and second-source equipment, but what’s driving the shift? And how has the industry evolved over the years? AJ Witt speaks with Neil Peters-Michaud (Cascade Asset Management), to talk about the changing landscape of ITAD, how COVID-19 reshaped supply chains, and why reuse and refurbishment are becoming the new normal. "COVID forced the industry to focus more on repair and refurbishment—because when new devices weren’t available, reuse became essential." – Neil Peters-Michaud Listeners can request our Benchmarking Report here: https://cascade-assets.com/cascade-benchmarking-report/

In this episode, Kelly Yip speaks with Fulvio Inserra from The Mastermind Group (TMG) about the perception of ITAM within organisations. What is this perception and does it hinder ITAM? Does it keep ITAM within a 'box'? What do you think? Do we need a rebrand? Fulvio always keeps us on our toes with his fresh insights. Here's one of our favourite quotes from this episode: “We all have a role to play. It's all of us collectively. We need to be better at putting shining examples into the spotlight to get others to understand the value ITAM delivers.”

Do you know of any alternative, maybe lesser-known, software suppliers that can save you money while not compromising on quality? Well, here's one. Meet Nitro. It offers PDF and eSign tools. Here's one of our favourite soundbites: "If you're fed up with a particular vendor, go and seek alternatives - vote with your feet and spend your money somewhere else."

Join AJ Witt and Dr. Mike Corey and Dean Bolton from LicenseFortress as they discuss the dos, don'ts, pitfalls to avoid, and more, when it comes to navigating software renewals. Here’s one of our favourite soundbites: “You have to know what you’re consuming. What are you using, and what software or products aren’t you using? If you don’t understand what your use is, you’re in no position to determine what licenses you should get rid of, what licenses you should keep, what licenses you should purchase more of so when the next audit comes, you're not under licensed. It really does comes back to those basics if you want to understand if you’re paying a fair price.”

In this episode, AJ Witt speaks with Robbie Plourde from USU about what's new in SaaS Management, moving from cost to value, and the influence of AI.