BSA launches SAM program for Karnataka PSUs

BANGALORE, INDIA: Business Software Alliance (BSA) in partnership with the Center of E-Governance, Government of Karnataka announced the launch of the program “Relevance of Software Asset Management (SAM) for Public Sector Undertakings” which aims to take the ISO Standard of Software Asset Management (SAM) and its benefits to the State-run PSUs in Karnataka.

With the program BSA aims to introduce the principles of SAM, its salient features and its core business benefits to PSUs as part of its education / awareness initiatives with the support and endorsement of the Center of E-Governance, Government of Karnataka.

SAM enables companies and organizations to efficiently and effectively manage and track their software licenses as valuable company assets throughout its life cycle of procurement, deployment, usage, maintenance and retirement following and adopting very high standards of IT Governance and implementing robust IT Policies, enabling cost savings, risk management and operational efficiencies.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. D.S. Ravindran, CEO, Center of e-Governance, Government of Karnataka said, “In the last year, the IT spend by the government was close to Rs. 300 crore. All PSUs are now also coming up with their own IT needs and it is important to adopt this standard of SAM with good IT governance practices in order to enable the state of Karnataka to be more productive and cost-efficient.”

Keshav S. Dhakad, Chairman of the BSA India Committee said that public sector enterprises in our country play a critical role to represent the state’s prowess in industry and economic growth and they are large users of IT resources. “During recessionary times, PSUs provided economic stability and financial support to several institutions. With the understanding and adoption of ISO recognized SAM, these national and state resources can improve their data security processes, system stability, optimizes costs and fulfill compliance obligation which are all critical factors in ensuring the health and safety of Karnataka’s valued Public Sector Enterprises,” Dhakad added.

Dhakad further said that BSA was privileged to partner with the Center of E-Governance to facilitate the awareness and training of SAM through this program to these organizations and we are confident that program will add to the overall IT competitiveness of the State.

As India grows economically at a faster rate, the government sector organizations will have to adapt to rapid changes to cater to the infrastructure and routine needs remains the top preferred destination for IT business across the globe with a GDP of $83 billion.

Public sector enterprises in Karnataka contribute greatly to the state’s growth, competitiveness and employment, performing functions of national, economic and social importance.

In Bangalore, there are almost 150,000 IT engineers, which is more than the actual Silicon Valley numbers. Therefore, it becomes critical that enterprises display the required leadership in IT governance to help Karnataka retain and sustain its strong economic development and IT competitiveness.