Case Studies
Callserve - SAM empowers Business and
Technological Advantage
Executive Summary
Callserve Communications Limited's Internet telephone services rely upon
cutting edge technology based around a sophisticated server architecture.
Proper management of this complex environment is essential in order to
maintain competitiveness, whilst controlling costs in the most appropriate way.
During a technology refresh, Callserve approached Microsoft for assistance in
establishing their precise licensing position and how best to approach future
developments. We (SAM Solutions TLC) were asked to conduct a full
Software Asset Management (SAM) Review, the first step of which was to
complete a comprehensive audit of all IT assets. We then implemented the
tools and processes to manage assets throughout their lifecycle, providing
proper management information allowing consistent cost control whilst being
better prepared for future developments within their market.
Challenge
Callserve hosts a telecoms infrastructure that allows hundreds of thousands of
customers worldwide, using both Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and the Public
Internet, to make low cost, high quality telephone calls. The Review needed to focus
upon providing an information rich solution enabling Callserve to make both rapid
decisions in this highly competitive global market, while also supporting the on-going
development of innovative VoIP-based enhanced voice services.
First priority was to establish Callserve's true licensing position (comparing the total
amount of software installed to the effective licensing they actually owned) followed by
training, guidance and advice on how to usefully control costs, make licensing
decisions for their future needs and introduce licensing management and procurement
best practice.
Solution
Callserve's desktop and complex server environments were fully reviewed to ensure
they conformed to relevant licensing regulations. We then mapped out in detail the
existing server hierarchy, enabling us to give Callserve expert advice and guidance on
the licensing model relating to this particular IT infrastructure.
The final review and report process outlined the results of the analysis and
comparison activities; summarised the existing effective licensing status of the
business, and also provided the new licensing model for the proposed revisions to the
IT infrastructure.
Throughout the process wherever possible we imparted knowledge and advice to
Callserve on how changes to the technical infrastructure would affect their existing
licensing and how best to procure and manage the changing environment specific to
Callserve's exact technical needs.
Benefits
Establishing and maintaining a precise
licensing position ensures that Callserve
are compliant. It also allows Callserve to
make informed strategic decisions
regarding future licensing procurement.
Certainty of the correctness of their
licensing status puts them in a strong
negotiating position with resellers and
avoids over-purchasing.
Knowledge of how licensing regulations
relate specifically to their complex
infrastructure in both the server and
desktop arenas, enables Callserve to
purchase future licenses in the most
effective manner.
A more centralised purchasing function,
and single vendor contracts, using
volume purchasing agreements, will
result in significant cost savings in future
license procurement.
Callserve's ability to respond rapidly to
market or competitive change as well to
be an industry innovator in a rapidly
evolving industry is improved by the
information gained during the SAM
process, in being able to upgrade their IT
infrastructure as and when necessary in
a faster, more controlled manner.
Savings made as a result of the SAM
process are re-invested to ensure
Callserve's continued competitive edge.
Of particular benefit to Callserve's
constantly changing business and
industry leading innovation, is the
improved negotiating strength in terms of
new investment, acquisitions and
mergers, based upon confidence that the
information acquired fully supports their
'due diligence' activities.
Today's expectations around Corporate
Governance mean that conformity of
licensing is a key part of reducing any
possible risk of unexpected financial
and/or operational impact associated
with enforced software reviews.
Knowing what software is installed helps
reduce network security risks by ensuring
un-licensed and unauthorised software is
managed and ultimately removed.
SAM Partner
Established in 1995, The Lapworth
Consultancy Ltd provides Information
and Communications Technology
solutions, services and support. TLC
aims to supplement customers' existing
in-house staff and systems with their
own skills and experience to ensure
customers reap the benefits of
flexibility, best business practices, and
return on investment.
TLC's principles have quite naturally
lead to the development of a SAM
Solutions team enabling TLC to share
their in-house knowledge and expertise,
allowing their customers to effectively
manage their software assets both now
and in the future.
SAM Solutions TLC have been working
in close partnership with Microsoft since
2002, and possess wide-ranging skills
and experience in all areas of the SAM
process, including:
- methodology
- tools and implementation
- inventory review
- training
- policy and process review
- ongoing asset management
SAM Solutions TLC aim to provide
customers with the knowledge and
information to successfully manage
their software investments in line with
their specific needs in the most cost
effective manner.
Customer Quote
"Before we conducted our Software
Asset Management Review with TLC,
Microsoft technology was looking
worryingly expensive for us. SAM has
now helped to accurately cost our asset
needs and as a direct result we are
looking again at wider use of a
Microsoft platform for our growth.
Compared with software costs we
expected at the outset, our Software
Asset Management has paid for itself
many times over in a very short period"
Fast Facts
Customer Profile
Europe's Largest VoIP Enhanced
Services Provider
Challenge
Establish true licensing position in
complex server environment
Callserve's SAM Solution
Microsoft Licence Review
Implementation of Audit and
Licence Management Tools
Design and implementation of SAM
focussed Processes
On-going Licensing advice and
Management of SAM Solution
Benefits
Software License Compliance
Effective Change and Risk
Management
Optimised management information
Control of IT costs allowing targeted
re-investment
Increased competitiveness
Partner
SAM Solutions TLC
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