SLM/SAM License Management Tools

Software license management has become a crucial challenge for modern organizations. With dozens or even hundreds of applications in use, manually keeping track of licenses can easily lead to errors, unnecessary expenses, or non-compliance. Fortunately, there are specialized tools that automate and simplify this task.

In this blog, we analyze the main Software License Management (SLM) and Software Asset Management (SAM) tools, their advantages, approximate costs, and how to choose the best option depending on your company’s needs. We will explore everything from the most recognized commercial suites to open-source tools and even integrated options from vendors like Microsoft or IBM—comparing their advantages and pricing to help you make the best decision.

What is Software License Management (SLM/SAM)?

Software license management, known as SLM (Software License Management) or SAM (Software Asset Management), involves controlling and optimizing the use of software programs in a company. Essentially, SLM/SAM tools allow you to keep a centralized record of which software is installed, how many licenses are available, and how many are actually being used.

Traditionally, these solutions focused on software installed on internal (on-premise) devices. However, modern tools also cover cloud assets and SaaS subscriptions. Their main goal is to ensure that the organization complies with each vendor’s licensing agreements, preventing non-compliance situations that could result in fines during software audits. At the same time, good license management helps identify underused licenses or unauthorized software (Shadow IT), reducing unnecessary expenses and improving security. It’s worth noting that SAM is a broader concept that covers the entire lifecycle of software assets (from purchase to retirement), while SLM focuses specifically on license administration and compliance.

Importance of License Management Tools

Having a dedicated license management tool is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Without an SLM/SAM solution, organizations often rely on spreadsheets or manual counts, which carry a high risk of errors. This often translates into costly fines if an audit reveals unlicensed usage, or unnecessary expenses for licenses no one uses. In fact, several studies indicate that good license management can reduce annual software costs by 10% to 30% by eliminating payments for unused licenses.

A good license management tool provides complete visibility over a company’s software landscape. IT managers can quickly identify which applications are under-licensed or oversized and take action before problems arise. These tools also support budget planning by providing exact figures on how many licenses are really needed. They improve relationships with software vendors by demonstrating proactive and transparent control over product usage. Additionally, managing unauthorized software (“Shadow IT”) becomes easier, strengthening security and compliance with internal policies. Finally, an SLM tool saves IT staff time by automating tracking tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic projects instead of manual counts. In summary, investing in license management is investing in peace of mind and operational efficiency.

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Advantages of Using SLM/SAM Solutions in Your Company

Implementing a license management solution brings multiple benefits. The most notable include:

  • Cost savings: Identifies unused or redundant licenses so they can be canceled or reassigned, reducing software spend.
  • Legal compliance: Ensures the company remains within the terms of each license agreement, avoiding fines for overuse in potential audits.
  • Simplified audits: Keeps all necessary information organized and accessible, making the software audit process easier during external reviews.
  • Full visibility: Provides an up-to-date inventory of all software and its usage, giving IT complete control over which applications are installed and how they are used.
  • Operational efficiency: Automates license tracking and sends alerts (for example, when a license is about to expire), reducing administrative workload and human error.
  • Less Shadow IT: Helps detect software installed without IT authorization, reducing security risks and ensuring all applications in use are approved and under control.

Key Features of License Management Tools

When evaluating different SLM/SAM tools, it is worth focusing on the functionalities they offer. Some key features include:

  • Automated inventory: The tool should automatically discover and identify all software installed on company devices, avoiding reliance on manual records.
  • Usage monitoring: It should track how many users or devices use each application and how often. This visibility into real usage helps detect underutilized licenses or expansion needs.
  • Alerts and reminders: Advanced solutions send alerts when a license is nearing expiration, when the permitted number of installations is exceeded, or when unauthorized software appears on the network.
  • Compliance reports: It is essential to generate reports comparing purchased licenses with those in use (license position), ready to present in case of an audit. This includes documenting the key terms of each agreement.
  • Integration with ITSM/CMDB: Ideally, the tool integrates with existing IT management systems (help desk tools, Active Directory, cloud platforms) to cross-reference data and automate processes—for example, freeing up licenses when an employee offboards.
  • Contract management: Allows you to store details of licensing contracts and agreements (vendor, purchase date, expiration, agreed metrics). This makes it easier to stay on top of upcoming renewals and have the information needed to negotiate better terms with each vendor.

FlexNet Manager: Comprehensive Management for Large Enterprises

FlexNet Manager (by Flexera) is one of the most established SAM tools on the market. It is designed for large companies with complex environments and multiple software vendors. FlexNet provides comprehensive license management, covering everything from traditional on-premise software to cloud applications.

One of its strengths is its extensive software recognition database and licensing models. This allows it to identify virtually any installed application and calculate its usage against license metrics (per user, per processor core, per subscription, etc.). It also includes modules to optimize licenses from specific vendors such as Oracle, Microsoft, or IBM, including the handling of complex metrics (for example, sub-processor licensing on servers).

While FlexNet Manager is extremely powerful and customizable, it typically involves a significant investment. Its higher cost and implementation complexity make it more suitable for large organizations, where software cost savings and risk prevention justify the investment. It also offers customizable dashboards and integrates with corporate inventory systems and directories, providing a centralized view of license compliance across the organization.

Snow License Manager: software license optimization

Snow License Manager (by Snow Software) is another leading solution for enterprise license management. Like FlexNet, it is aimed at medium and large organizations seeking rigorous control of their software assets. Snow stands out for its automatic discovery and data normalization capabilities: it can detect all software installed on workstations and servers, and standardize names and versions to simplify control.

Once the information is collected, Snow License Manager compares actual usage with available licenses, generating a clear licensing position. This allows the IT team to quickly identify license surpluses or shortfalls. The tool supports complex licensing models from vendors such as Microsoft, IBM, or Oracle, helping to avoid unintentional non-compliance.

Snow also incorporates cost-optimization features: for example, it detects underused applications that could be decommissioned, or users assigned to expensive licenses they do not fully utilize. With intuitive dashboards and detailed reports, it makes it easier to prepare for audits and make informed decisions to reduce software spend. It’s worth noting that Snow License Manager can be deployed both on-premises and in the cloud (Snow Atlas), adapting to each company’s preferences and environments.

ServiceNow SAM: license management integrated into ITSM

ServiceNow SAM is the license management offering integrated within ServiceNow’s popular ITSM platform. For organizations already using ServiceNow to manage IT services, adding the SAM module is a natural option. This solution leverages ServiceNow’s CMDB (configuration management database) and discovery agents to automatically inventory software installed across the network.

Because it is integrated into the same platform, license management can be aligned with other IT processes. For example, during employee onboarding or offboarding, licenses can be assigned or reclaimed within the ServiceNow workflow. It also allows compliance and usage reports to be generated from the same environment as the rest of IT operations.

ServiceNow SAM supports both traditional licenses and SaaS subscriptions, although its main strength lies in tool unification. While it offers broad coverage, it is important to note that it requires the ServiceNow platform, which is typically aimed at enterprise environments with significant budgets.

ManageEngine AssetExplorer: affordable on-premises control

ManageEngine AssetExplorer is an IT asset management tool (hardware and software) developed by Zoho Corp., and stands out as an affordable option for mid-sized companies. Unlike larger enterprise-oriented SAM suites, AssetExplorer can be installed on-premises relatively easily. It provides the basic license-tracking features: automatic software inventory via network scanning or agents, recording purchased licenses, assigning them to users or devices, and expiration alerts.

One advantage of ManageEngine is its integration with other products in the suite (for example, ServiceDesk Plus), allowing license management to be linked with support tickets or the organization’s configuration database (CMDB). Its interface is user-friendly and customizable, making it easy for technicians to see license compliance status at a glance.

In terms of cost, AssetExplorer typically uses a licensing model based on the number of managed assets, with options for perpetual licenses or annual subscriptions. It also offers a limited free edition, useful for evaluating its capabilities in smaller environments before investing in the full version.

Ivanti License Optimizer: part of a complete ITAM suite

Ivanti License Optimizer is part of Ivanti’s IT asset management suite (known for integrating ITAM, security, and endpoint management solutions). This licensing tool focuses on optimizing software usage within the organization and ensuring compliance, leveraging the platform’s centralized information.

License Optimizer aggregates data from multiple sources: it can integrate with Ivanti’s endpoint management solutions or with other tools to discover software installations across all devices. It then cross-references this data with recorded licenses to present a clear picture of surpluses or deficits.

As part of a broader suite, it offers advantages such as automatic inventory updates when new software is deployed or when devices are retired. Its reporting module enables compliance and cost-optimization reports comparable in scope to those of other leading tools. Ivanti typically offers this solution under subscription models and it is particularly attractive for organizations already using Ivanti products, as it integrates natively within that ecosystem.

License Dashboard: focus on compliance and audits

License Dashboard is a specialized license management tool that places strong emphasis on compliance and software audit readiness. It offers a highly visual dashboard interface where IT managers can see license status in real time: what percentage are in use, how many are available, and whether there is any risk of non-compliance.

This solution can consolidate information from different sources (PC and server inventories, software purchases) to build a single license database. It then applies licensing rules from multiple vendors to determine whether the company is over-licensed (overpaying) or under-licensed (at potential compliance risk).

License Dashboard is often appreciated for its practical focus: it includes features to manage contract renewals, store license documents, and generate reports ready to present to auditors. As for the business model, it is usually offered as a subscription or cloud-based service, which simplifies implementation without large upfront investments. It is an interesting option for mid-sized organizations seeking robust license management without the complexity of larger suites.

Zluri: automation in SaaS license management

Zluri represents a new category of tools focused on managing licenses for SaaS (Software as a Service) applications. Many companies have moved to cloud solutions, and Zluri helps bring order to that sprawling SaaS ecosystem. The platform connects to SSO systems, corporate email, and other sources to automatically detect which cloud services are being used—even those procured without going through IT (Shadow IT).

With unified information, Zluri shows how many subscriptions exist for each application, how many are actually used, and which are inactive. It enables deprovisioning of unused accounts, reassigning licenses to those who need them, and receiving alerts before renewals to avoid paying for unnecessary subscriptions. By focusing exclusively on SaaS, Zluri streamlines optimization of this type of spend. The tool itself operates under a SaaS model, with subscriptions based on the number of users or monitored applications, and is especially useful for companies using dozens of cloud tools. Note that this kind of platform focuses on SaaS and does not manage locally installed software licenses, so it is usually complemented with traditional SAM tools for full coverage.

Snipe-IT: open-source alternative for license administration

Snipe-IT is one of the best-known open-source options for managing IT assets, including software licenses. Being open source, Snipe-IT can be downloaded and hosted for free on your own server, making it a very attractive alternative for organizations with limited budgets. The tool lets you register all software assets, associate licenses (keys, seat counts, expiration dates), and assign them to users or devices.

While it does not have the advanced automatic discovery features offered by commercial solutions, Snipe-IT provides the essentials to keep an organized inventory. It includes useful features such as license-expiration alerts, basic reporting, and a simple web interface from which technicians can easily add or remove licenses.

As an open-source tool, support depends on the community and your company’s internal resources for maintenance. Nevertheless, there are companies that offer low-cost hosting and professional support for Snipe-IT. Another open-source alternative worth mentioning is GLPI (with a licenses module), although it typically requires more configuration. In short, Snipe-IT shows that effective license management is possible without investing in proprietary software.

Tools for engineering software licensing

There are also tools aimed at very specific needs or particular sectors. One example is solutions for managing licenses for engineering and CAD software, which often use floating license servers (such as FlexLM or RLM). For these cases, specialized platforms have emerged to monitor and optimize the use of concurrent licenses.

For example, Altair SAO (Software Asset Optimization) is a tool designed for companies using simulation software, CAD, and engineering tools. It analyzes complex usage patterns in floating licenses to identify savings opportunities, predicts demand spikes, and sends alerts when certain applications are saturating available licenses. Similarly, OpenLM is another solution (with open-source and commercial editions) focused on extracting detailed reports from engineering license servers, helping administrators understand who uses costly licenses and when, to optimize distribution.

These specialized tools are typically complemented by a general SAM. They are particularly useful in industries where spending on design or simulation software is very high and each license represents a significant investment.

Integrated tools in Microsoft, IBM, and others

It is worth remembering that several software vendors offer their own tools or built-in features to help customers manage licenses. For example, Microsoft provides software inventory capabilities through System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Microsoft Endpoint Manager. These allow you to detect which Microsoft products (and, to a lesser extent, third-party products) are installed across the network. Likewise, Microsoft 365 provides dashboards to manage Office 365 subscriptions, assigned users, and cloud license consumption.

Similarly, IBM offers IBM License Metric Tool (ILMT) to control the use of its programs in virtualized environments and ensure compliance with its complex licensing requirements (especially useful to avoid sub-capacity penalties). Other vendors, such as Oracle or Adobe, also provide specific reports or utilities to audit the use of their products.

These integrated solutions are often free or included with support contracts, but their scope is limited to the vendor’s ecosystem. If a company uses software primarily from a single manufacturer, it can rely on these basic tools. However, in heterogeneous environments with multiple vendors, global-scope SAM tools will still be necessary to obtain a complete view.

Pricing and licensing models in SLM/SAM tools

The cost of license management tools varies widely depending on the vendor and the scope of the solution. The most comprehensive enterprise suites (FlexNet, Snow, ServiceNow, etc.) are typically sold under annual subscription models or volume licenses. Pricing is generally calculated based on the number of managed assets or users. In many cases, a fixed price list is not published: companies must request a custom quote that considers their size and specific needs. These solutions can represent a significant investment (on the order of tens of thousands of euros per year for large organizations), although the savings they generate in software costs usually justify the spend.

Tools aimed at mid-market companies, such as ManageEngine AssetExplorer or License Dashboard, offer more affordable pricing. They may have one-time payment editions (perpetual license plus annual support) or subscriptions at a lower cost than enterprise-grade tools. It is also common to find limited free versions to evaluate the product (for example, AssetExplorer has a free edition for up to 25 nodes).

In the case of open-source solutions such as Snipe-IT, the software itself is free. However, you should consider infrastructure costs (servers to host it) and the time required for configuration and maintenance. Some companies choose to contract third-party support for these open tools, which is still generally cheaper than a commercial suite.

Finally, vendor-integrated tools (Microsoft, IBM, etc.) are often included at no additional cost with certain product licenses or support programs, although their functionality is basic compared to specialized solutions.

Tips for choosing a license management tool

With so many options available, choosing the right license management tool can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to guide your decision:

Assess the size and complexity of your inventory

If your company is small and manages a few key software titles, a simple solution (even open source) may be enough. Conversely, a multinational with thousands of devices and software from multiple vendors will require a robust, enterprise-level platform.

Consider your technology ecosystem

Identify whether you already have an IT platform you can leverage. For example, if you use ServiceNow, its SAM module may make sense. If your environment is heavily Microsoft, SCCM might cover part of your needs. For highly varied environments, an independent, vendor-agnostic tool (Flexera, Snow, etc.) will be more effective.

Define clear objectives

Determine which problem is most urgent: reducing costs from underused software? Preparing for a specific audit? Controlling sprawling SaaS applications? Each tool has particular strengths, so align your needs with its standout features.

Try before you buy

Whenever possible, take advantage of demos or trial versions. Many commercial solutions offer 15- to 30-day trials. This allows your technical team to evaluate the interface, ease of integration, and how much automation it brings to your real environment.

Consider support and community

For paid tools, strong vendor support can be crucial for a successful implementation. For open-source options, check that there is an active community or companies that can provide help if needed.

Finally, involve all stakeholders (IT, procurement, security, and key users) in the evaluation. The best tool will be the one that fits well within your company’s processes and offers the optimal balance of cost, functionality, and ease of use.

The SAM discipline continues to evolve alongside changes in the technology landscape. Some trends to keep in mind include:

Focus on SaaS

With the massive shift to Software as a Service, SAM tools are adapting to manage cloud subscriptions with the same depth as traditional licenses. This has given rise to specialized SaaS Management platforms, and the distinction between SAM and SaaS management is expected to blur.

Integration with FinOps

Increasingly, license management intersects with cloud cost optimization (FinOps). Companies seek a unified view of all IT spend—including on-premise software licenses, SaaS subscriptions, and even public cloud consumption—to make smarter financial decisions.

Automation and AI

New solutions are beginning to incorporate advanced algorithms to predict future license consumption or automatically detect unusual usage patterns. Artificial intelligence could help recommend which licenses to reassign or which subscriptions to cancel based on user behavior.

New licensing models

As technologies like containers and microservices emerge, vendors are introducing novel licensing schemes. SAM tools will have to adapt to monitor less traditional metrics (such as virtual cores, ephemeral instances, etc.) without losing accuracy in compliance.

In summary, the field of license management is far from stagnant. IT leaders will need to stay informed and update their tools and practices as these innovations arise to ensure the organization continues to extract maximum value while maintaining control over its software assets.

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Licendi: strategic partner in license management

In addition to having a solid SAM/SLM tool, it is essential to rely on a trusted provider that offers licenses at the best price with full legal security. In this regard, Licendi becomes a key ally for IT professionals.

Licendi makes it easy to purchase genuine licenses from Microsoft, Adobe, and other well-known brands at reduced prices with instant delivery. This allows IT managers to optimize not only license management but also software acquisition. By combining a license management solution with Licendi’s offerings, companies can maximize savings: on one hand, by controlling which software is truly needed; on the other, by purchasing those licenses cost-effectively and securely.

Furthermore, Licendi provides a specialized team that understands the needs of IT managers and professionals. It’s not just about selling licenses, but about supporting the transition towards more efficient, transparent, and tailored software management for each company.

With Licendi, license management stops being a headache and becomes an opportunity for savings and control.

Conclusion: optimizing license management is essential

In conclusion, efficient software license management has become a cornerstone of IT administration. Without proper control, organizations risk wasting budget on unused licenses or facing penalties for non-compliance. On the other hand, with the right SLM/SAM tool, companies can keep subscriptions under control, optimize the use of each application, and always be ready for audits.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution; the choice depends on each company’s context and specific needs. What matters is taking the step toward proactive license management. With the right strategy and system in place, IT professionals can turn what was once an administrative burden into a competitive advantage. In an increasingly digital world, keeping control of licenses not only prevents issues but also frees up resources and fosters innovation by ensuring that the right tools are available when users need them. Ultimately, license management shifts from being a necessary burden to becoming a strategic business ally.