What is the definition of an it asset?
In this post, we’ll cover IT asset management (ITAM) – a definition, why ITAM matters, how it is related to ITSM, and how it will change in the future. Show Table of Contents hide IT Asset Management (ITAM): A Definition Why It’s Important to take a Structured Approach to ITAM How ITAM Will Change in the Years Ahead IT Asset Management (ITAM): A DefinitionIT asset management (ITAM) is a business function dedicated to managing, optimizing, and leveraging IT assets. Ultimately, the aim of ITAM is to ensure the organization maximizes the usage of its IT assets. To better understand what this means, let’s define a few key concepts related to ITAM:
While ITSM focuses on services, ITAM focuses on assets – and both are designed to maximize the value of IT and reduce inefficiencies. Why It’s Important to take a Structured Approach to ITAMAs with any other business process, the more detailed, structured, and measurable that process, the better the results will be. More specifically, businesses that take a structured approach to ITAM will see:
Naturally, adopting a fully structured approach to ITAM is easier said than done, and IT directors must take the time to research each option carefully. Then, once a decision is made, that new approach must be fully integrated into the business. Approaches to ITAM One of the best approaches to ITAM is through the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). ITIL is a well-known set of best practices dedicated to IT service management. The ITIL framework provides a set of processes, procedures and operations that enable IT organizations to provide consistent, high quality services to both the organization and its customers. The latest version of ITIL, ITIL 4, also includes processes dedicated specifically to ITAM. Here are a few key ITAM definitions and categories as they are found in ITIL 4:
ITIL 4 also offers a clear definition of the IT asset life cycle. Its stages include:
Each of these stages, incidentally, fits within the overall ITIL framework. Before attempting to make use of this process, therefore, it is necessary to have already implemented ITIL in one’s own organization. How ITAM Will Change in the Years AheadFor years, digital innovation has been fueling major disruptions across every sector of the economy. Many of those trends were further accelerated during 2020, when companies around the world were compelled to adopt new technologies and work modes, such as cloud computing and remote working. This paradigm shift is still underway and it will continue to shape the way organizations handle IT assets. Generally speaking, we can expect to see:
In short, the digital revolution is far from over. As that revolution continues to transform the digital enterprise, we should expect to see even greater emphasis placed upon IT disciplines, such as ITIL, ITSM, and ITAM. What is considered an IT asset?Definition - An IT asset is any company-owned information, system or hardware that is used in the course of business activities. Learn more: An IT asset management program allows an organization to maintain a complete inventory listing without requiring employees to physically or manually check assets.
Which is the definition of an IT asset in ITIL?IT asset is any financially valuable component that can contribute to the delivery of an IT product or service. The scope of IT asset management typically includes all software, hardware, networking, cloud services, and client devices.
What are IT assets examples?Examples of IT Assets. Infrastructure Hardware. This category includes the hardware typically associated with network systems managed by a dedicated IT department. ... . In-House Software or Applications. ... . Software Licenses. ... . Infrastructure Lease Agreements. ... . Company-Owned Devices. ... . Digital Data. ... . Planning. ... . Acquisition.. What are the four components of the IT asset?Each IT asset begins with a strategy and decision regarding 1) what is needed from it, 2) how it can be acquired, 3) how it will be used, and 4) how it will be funded.
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