FlexNet Manager Suite leverages Microsoft System Center to deliver next-generation software asset management. It provides SAM and license optimization capabilities that complement Microsoft solutions. It uses SCCM for discovery and inventory then reconciles data from multiple sources to provide an optimized license position according to applicable product use rights. It enables application lifecycles in the organization and manages both the operational and contractual lifecycles of software.

1. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages
W H I T E PA P E R
Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next
Generation Software Asset Management

2. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft
System Center to Deliver Next Generation
Software Asset Management
Executive Summary FlexNet Manager Suite for Enterprises provides next
Flexera Software boasts a long history of partnering with generation Software Asset Management (SAM) and
Microsoft to deliver solutions that add value to Microsoft license optimization capabilities that also complement
products such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Microsoft solutions. This paper provides an introduction
Manager (SCCM), Windows 7, App-V, MDOP, Visual to best practice software asset management using FlexNet
Studio, etc. Flexera Software’s flagship InstallShield and Manager Suite and illustrates the value-add for Microsoft
AdminStudio product lines are essential tools in the tool and its customers.
belts of Systems Center administrators. Flexera Software’s
Leverage Flexera Software and SCCM to Manage the Full
Lifecycle of the Enterprise Software Estate
Application Enterprise License
Readiness Optimization
A Single Solut ion for MSI Software License
Packaging, App-V, Management and
and Windows 7 Migrat ions License Compliance
Workflow Manager
Discovery, Inventory &
Identify Usage Tracking
Rationalize Purchased vs. Installed
Reconciliation
Assess Compatibility
Chargeback, License
Reharvesting
Plan
Optimize License
Fix & Package Consumption via
Entitlements
Deploy
Forecast Future Needs
Speed Adopt ion of Rat ionalize Value of
Windows 7/8,
Monetize Business Enterprise Agreement
App-V, IE 8/9 Relevance of SCCM
2

3. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next Generat ion Software Asset Management
Effective Software Asset Management (SAM) provides device inventory, application usage data, and configuration
organizations with many tangible benefits including management. Building on Microsoft SCCM’s discovery and
reduced risk of unbudgeted expenses for software license inventory capabilities, Flexera Software’s products provide
non-compliance, contract optimization, and “right sizing” reconciliation of information from multiple data sources—
IT software spend. An effective SAM practice within Microsoft SCCM, Contracts, HR, Purchasing—to provide an
customer environments also greatly benefits their software optimized license position in accordance with the vendor
providers such as Microsoft. With the knowledge that product use rights that apply to a given software title.
customers are accurately managing their software portfolio FlexNet Manager Suite produces actionable data for (i)
and continuously maintaining license compliance, vendor negotiations—avoid over-buying and under-buying
Microsoft can trust the true-up process, avoid unlicensed licenses; (2) annual Enterprise Agreement true-ups; and (3)
software installations, avoid use rights violations, ensure ongoing license compliance.
the proper contractual agreement level, and ultimately
drive more revenue. Enabling Application Lifecycles with SCCM
Unlike the fairly simple lifecycle of hardware assets,
Given that software applications comprise over 30% of software asset management involves a complex lifecycle in
the typical IT budget, organizations are anxious to track the organization. Applications:
these expenses, reduce their software costs, and eliminate • ust be packaged and deployed
M
risk in their software portfolio. Microsoft customers want to • an become shelfware
C
be in compliance, but in today’s world of complex license • an be upgraded or migrated to new platforms
C
models and product use rights, organizations encounter • ome with product use rights that govern installation
C
significant challenges in understanding their license position and usage
and achieving continuous compliance. Flexera Software’s • ave ongoing costs associated with maintenance and
H
FlexNet Manager Suite provides a comprehensive and support
robust solution to automatically reconcile licenses across
the organization. Applications follow two distinct lifecycles within the
organization: the operational lifecycle and the contractual/
Flexera Software’s next generation software asset governance lifecycle. Microsoft SCCM is central to both the
management and license optimization solution leverages operational and contractual application lifecycles and forms
Microsoft SCCM as a foundational component for enterprise the foundation for successful application management.
Upgrade/ True-Up
Migrate
Maintenance
Manage
Applicat ion Reconcile Applicat ion
Operat ional Contractual
Lifecycle Lifecycle
Deploy
Upgrade
Test
Procure
Package Contract
3

4. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next Generat ion Software Asset Management
On the operational side, applications must be packaged, contractual compliance, eliminate under-buying, and avoid
tested, distributed to the proper users, inventoried, and over-buying.
managed for high availability. As applications move
through their lifecycle, the computing environment is Flexera Software’s FlexNet Manager Suite automates the
constantly changing. Legacy applications need to be software asset management function and optimizes ongoing
migrated to ensure compatibility with new operating software spend throughout the contractual lifecycle of the
systems and technologies such as Windows 7, 64-bit, software estate. FlexNet Manager Suite leverages Microsoft
Internet Explorer 8/9, Office upgrades, etc. Newer SCCM as the basis of the SAM process and provides
technologies such as App-V emerge requiring detailed license consumption reports based on the actual
applications to be re-packaged and re-deployed under license model or license metric.
different formats. Flexera Software delivers solutions
to automate packaging for deployment through Flexera Software is the only organization that provides
Microsoft SCCM and automates the adoption of solutions for both the operational and financial asset
Windows 7 and App-V with our Application Readiness management lifecycles of applications and seamlessly
product line. Using AdminStudio, organizations are able integrates with Microsoft SCCM. Microsoft SCCM is
to adopt Windows 7 and App-V faster and more cost the intersection of Flexera Software’s enabling solutions
effectively. AdminStudio also enables organizations to including AdminStudio and FlexNet Manager Suite.
realize the full value of Microsoft SCCM by providing a Flexera Software works with Microsoft SCCM customers
fast and flexible packaging solution for all applications to drive cost savings, eliminate risk, and effectively
in the organization. manage the software portfolio. With AdminStudio
and FlexNet Manager Suite, Flexera Software moves
At the same time that applications are progressing through organizations from a state of SAM chaos to a state
their operational lifespan, the procurement arm of the of control.
organization is managing the contractual or financial
lifecycle of the software estate. The contractual lifecycle Expanding the Community of SCCM Stakeholders
includes price negotiations, selection of the most efficient Effective SAM encompasses several areas of the enterprise
procurement channel, agreement on terms of Master including Purchasing, Finance, Operations, Legal, and
License Agreements and other contracts, procurement, Governance. Information pertinent to software licenses
organizational chargeback, true-ups and renewals, in most organizations is silo-ed from both a technology
license reconciliation, vendor management, and ongoing and process perspective. The Purchasing, Contracts/legal,
maintenance payments. internal Governance, and Operational IT groups typically
do not have the technologies or processes in place to share
Most importantly, both the operational and financial critical information about software purchases, installations
roles within an organization have an obligation to ensure and license entitlements.
Best Pract ice SAM
Software Asset Management
Purchasing IT Operations Legal Internal Audit
The purchasing department is responsible for purchasing committee is responsible for ensuring the company is
the business applications the company needs to achieve fiscally responsible and safe from litigation and fines
maximum productivity. The IT department is responsible related to non-compliance issues.
for delivery and ongoing support of business applications.
The legal or contract management department is These groups all play key roles in the software asset
responsible for protecting the company’s best interest management lifecycle. Each department is accountable
when negotiating contracts with software providers. for maintaining license compliance, but has no method
The internal audit department or corporate governance to collaborate. FlexNet Manager Suite provides the
4

5. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next Generat ion Software Asset Management
collaboration technology for these groups to share critical IT Operations. FlexNet Manager Suite provides the best
information, align licensing intelligence, and implement of both worlds – deep, out-of-the-box Microsoft SCCM
effective SAM. integration with a business portal tailored to the needs of
the financial and procurement community. By delivering
Although some SAM solutions provide “add-on packs” business information to business users in a financially-
to Microsoft System Center for the purposes of asset oriented web-interface, Flexera Software is able to expand
management, business users who negotiate software the community of stakeholders with a vested interest in
contracts are not typical users of Microsoft SCCM. ensuring the successful rollout and expansion of Microsoft
Therefore, the visibility and accountability into the success SCCM within the organization.
of Microsoft SCCM within the environment is limited to
FlexNet Manager Suite customers typically realize 8-27% Managing Complex License Models
savings on their overall software spend after implementing The major challenge for organizations in implementing a
FlexNet Manager Suite. It reduces risk and enables SAM solution is the pure complexity of licensing.
organizations to optimize their entire software portfolio. Most organizations own thousands of applications
With these tangible benefits, business users become provided by hundreds of software publishers. Each
champions and drive executive sponsorship for the success software publisher typically has five or more different
of Microsoft SCCM. FlexNet Manager Suite protects an license metrics to calculate the license consumption for
organization’s investment in Microsoft SCCM by making their products. Without a solution to automatically
it an integral integration point for the strategic business calculate license position, it becomes impossible for
function of SAM. organizations to manage their entire software portfolio.
5

6. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next Generat ion Software Asset Management
Licensing generally falls into five broad categories of license licensing category has multiple license metrics, varied levels
models – Desktop, Datacenter, Concurrent, Enterprise of risk, cost, and remediation techniques.
Applications, and Company Metrics licensing. Each
Desktop Licensing Datacenter Licensing Concurrent Licensing Enterprise Applications Company Metrics
Licensing Licensing
Example Per-Device Per-Processor Network Professional Company Revenue
Per-User Per-Core Concurrent Use Developer Product Revenue
License Named User Tiered Employee Number of Employees
Metrics OEM Processor Value Units
Microsoft Visio Microsoft SQL Server Autodesk ERP Microsoft Exchange
Example Microsoft Office Windows Server Cadence CAL
CRM
Applications Adobe Professional Symantec Veritas Line Bentley SFA
Flexera Software
InstallShield
Risk of Non- High High Low Medium Low
Compliance
Potential Cost
Medium High High High Low
Savings
Recycle, Reharvest Apply Entitlements, Track Usage, License parking, Renegotiate
License Mgmt
Apply Entitlements Rearchitect, Outsource Optimize License Accurate User
Techniques Counts, Remix, Lease Assignment
Amount of Software Spend
FlexNet Manager Suite
Each of the categories presents unique license management FlexNet Manager Suite provides customers with the ability
challenges. In the desktop environment, organizations have to ensure compliance with all of their software vendors,
limited visibility and control over installations, increasing including Microsoft. For Microsoft, whose products span
the amount of risk. The datacenter environment is highly multiple categories of license metrics, implementing FlexNet
virtualized, heterogeneous, and is comprised of expensive Manager Suite enables Microsoft’s customers to deliver
applications adding to the pre-existing challenges of the business outcomes of transparency and accuracy in
accurate consumption calculations for complex license licensing. Customers will be able to see the full breadth
models. Expensive concurrent licenses are typically assigned of their Microsoft relationship and stay in continuous
to the organization’s valued knowledge workers, so finding compliance. With FlexNet Manager Suite, organizations
the optimal license count and application mix is critical are immediately and continuously aware of necessary
to preventing productivity loss while avoiding overspend. Microsoft software purchases and can true-up based on
Enterprise Applications are critical and strategic to the accurate numbers. Ultimately, FlexNet Manager Suite
organization, but licenses are frequently over-bought and drives more software revenue for Microsoft products within
under-deployed. In today’s world of MA, outsourcing, and enterprise environments.
divestitures, licenses based on company attributes such as
number of employees need to be negotiated and managed
Service Provider License Agreements (SPLA)
carefully as well.
In addition to helping enterprises stay in compliance,
An enterprise-caliber SAM solution must meet the Flexera Software also provides solutions to large
sophisticated license management needs and challenges service providers to accurately calculate SPLA fees for
across all licensing categories. However, most SAM hosted software and services. FlexNet Manager Suite
solutions in the market only support the simpler desktop provides a SPLA license model and calculates monthly
licensing scenarios. Desktop-only license solutions are SPLA usage based on user access to hosted server
less strategic and do not reconcile licenses for the most farms. The SPLA licensing capability within FlexNet
expensive applications within the organization thereby Manager Suite enables Microsoft to easily capture
limiting their ability to meet an organization’s true SAM revenue from service providers.
business needs.
6

7. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next Generat ion Software Asset Management
Product Use Rights from violation of Product Use Rights than by software
In addition to verifying purchased versus consumed, piracy itself.
companies must also ensure they are in compliance with
license entitlements, such as Product Use Rights (PUR). Product Use Rights are extremely complex across all
Most software vendors believe they lose more revenue licensing categories:
Desktop Licensing Datacenter Licensing Concurrent Licensing Enterprise Applications Company Metrics
Licensing Licensing
Example Per-Device Per-Processor Network Professional Company Revenue
Per-User Per-Core Concurrent Use Developer Product Revenue
License Named User Tiered Employee Number of Employees
Metrics OEM Processor Value Units
Downgrade, Upgrade, License Mobility, Geography or Transaction Type Merger, Divestiture,
Multiple Installation, Virtualization Rules, Site Usage, Restrictions, and Subsidiary
Example Secondary Use, Clustering Rights, Overdraft Rights, Upgrade Categories, Language,
Product “90 Day” Rules, Hot/Cold Backup Use, Feature/Product License Level Average vs.
Use Transferability Disaster Recovery, Bundle Use, Remix Rights, Watermark,
Rights Installations, Virtualization Rights, Role Restrictions, Calculations,
Production vs. Named User License Parking Rights Employee vs.
Non-Production Rules, Recycling Rules Contractor Usage
Platform Restrictions
Product Use Rights may also differ across agreement levels, – umber of CALs required by the hosting machine of
N
for example, customers on Microsoft’s Software Assurance each installation?
program often enjoy expanded Product Use Rights. – s the installation on a virtual machine?
I
Product Use Rights in the datacenter licensing category
are especially daunting. These include: number of virtual – umber of processors dedicated to the virtual machine?
N
servers allowed per edition, license consumption rules for – irtual machine rules per the edition and agreement?
V
cold backup or disaster recovery (DR) servers, license rules
– ole of the machine where installed?
R
for non-production servers, provisions for multiple-node
active/passive cluster servers under single licenses, etc. The – re the entitlements covered under Software
A
intricacies of datacenter Product Use Rights compound the Assurance (SA)?
complexity of capacity-based license models (e.g. processor, – f under SA, does “cold backup” use right apply?
I
core license metrics).
FlexNet Manager Suite provides the needed automation
As a simple example, to accurately calculate a license to arrive at the accurate license position for Microsoft SQL
position for Microsoft SQL Server, below are just a few of Server and thousands of other products. The probability
the questions that need to be answered: that Microsoft customers can arrive at an accurate license
– ow many SQL Server entitlements do we own?
H position without an automated solution that incorporates
Product Use Rights is low. FlexNet Manager Suite is the only
– dition of each entitlement?
E
SAM solution that calculates license compliance according
– ow many entitlements are CAL-based and number
H to actual Product Use Rights and agreement levels.
of CALs?
– ow many entitlements are processor-based and
H License Mobility Product Use Right
number of processors for each?
In July 2011, Microsoft will launch a License Mobility
– here is SQL Server installed?
W
Product Use Right enabling enterprises on current
– dition of each installation?
E Software Assurance to move licenses for specific
– s there a corresponding entitlement match for
I products to off-premise cloud or service providers.
each installation? Only FlexNet Manager Suite incorporates this product
use right into compliance calculations and tracks the
– s the installation/entitlement covered by downgrade/
I off-premise consumption of licenses. FlexNet Manager
upgrade rights? Suite provides the transparency Microsoft requires to
– umber of processors on the hosting machine of
N enforce the License Mobility product use right.
each installation?
7

8. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next Generat ion Software Asset Management
FlexNet Manager Suite Overview
FlexNet Manager Suite is a next generation Software Asset FlexNet Manager Suite delivers unprecedented levels of
Management (SAM) and license optimization solution automation for management of software assets within
that allows organizations to effectively manage software the organization, producing the highest possible return
assets throughout their lifecycle. FlexNet Manager Suite on investment (ROI). With FlexNet Manager Suite,
provides out-of-the-box integration to Microsoft SCCM to organizations optimize application spend and eliminate
import software and hardware inventory details. FlexNet under-spending scenarios. The FlexNet Manager Suite
Manager Suite also gives license administrators the ability solution manages software recycling, re-harvesting,
to turn application usage collection on and off based on software allocation analysis, cost center chargeback, license
licensing events and dates. FlexNet Manager Platform, the compliance remediation, optimized software procurement,
core software asset management foundation of the Suite, is and optimized maintenance renewals.
built on Microsoft technologies including Microsoft Server,
Microsoft SQL Server, and Microsoft IIS.
With FlexNet Manager Suite, organizations achieve: Rights library to apply the use rights and accurately
count licenses consumed by applying upgrade/
1. ccurate, Automated License Reconciliation
A downgrade rights, secondary use rights, multiple
FlexNet Manager Suite automatically compares use rights, machine roles, virtualization rights, etc.
purchased versus consumed licenses (i.e. the software FlexNet Manager Suite also provides a SKU library
balance sheet). License consumption is calculated to accurately identify entitlements based on the
according to the appropriate license metric or license purchase agreement and other factors. Flexera
model (per processor, per user, etc). Understanding the Software understands that license management is much
number of available licenses is a crucial decision point more complex than simply counting the number of
in the procurement process and enables organizations installations in the environment.
to reduce risk of non-compliance.
4. oftware Identification and Rationalization in
S
2. udit and True-up Preparedness
A preparation for Windows 7 and App-V migrations
Without an automated solution, software audits As organizations rapidly adopt Windows 7 and
and true-up processes become large projects for App-V, they rationalize the software portfolio and
the enterprise resulting in static data that cannot eliminate duplicate applications. FlexNet Manager
be leveraged for ongoing decision making. FlexNet Suite provides valuable reports that identify the
Manager Suite enables organizations to be applications which should be migrated to Windows 7
continuously compliant, ready for software audits, or App-V based on licensing rights and actual usage in
and builds confidence in the accuracy of the true- the environment. This enables organizations to move to
up process. For Microsoft, the benefits of customer Windows 7 faster and more efficiently. Combined with
compliancy results in increased revenue and cost the Flexera Software Application Readiness solutions,
savings from audit prevention. no company does more to propel Microsoft Windows 7
and App-V adoptions than Flexera Software.
3. n Optimized License Position
A
FlexNet Manager Suite provides a Product Use
8

9. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next Generat ion Software Asset Management
Data Feeds Optimization Engine Reports Alerts
Agent Agent-less • Asset Reports
Discovery for Application • License
Windows, UNIX, Recognition Library Compliance
Linux, MAC,
VMs, etc. • Entit lement
Management
POs Contracts b
SKU Library • Savings
Helpdesk/
Service Catalog
Product UUse
Org/User Data Rights Library
Key functionality provided by the FlexNet Manager Suite • orrectly applies Product Use Rights and Entitlement
C
Enterprise License Optimization solution includes: information to calculate an accurate license position
• Reconciles entitlements to installations based on
• obust contract management functionality including the
R
complex license models ability to track and alert based on terms and conditions
• Supports desktop, datacenter, concurrent, enterprise
• rovides Microsoft agreement wizards for Enterprise,
P
application, and business metrics licensing models Select/Select Plus, Open, and Software Assurance
agreements. Integrates contractual, entitlement, and
• Provides an Application Recognition Library to translate
inventory data based on agreement terms
raw inventory data into commercially-off-the-shelf
software titles, versions and editions • racks software maintenance payments
T
• Leverages Microsoft SCCM inventory
• rovides License Breach and under-buying reports to
P
reduce unbudgeted true-up risk
• Ability to integrate into purchasing system to import
software purchasing data
FlexNet Manager Suite seamlessly integrates with Microsoft
• Provides a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) library to
SCCM, purchasing systems, HR data, Active Directory,
normalize software purchase data and automatically and service desks to provide hardware and software asset
map it to installations management for the enterprise.
Service
Software Manager
Catalog Workflow
License Assset
Deploy PO Available? State
Software
Purchased
• Vendors
• Contracts
Purchasing • Maintenance
SCCM Flexera Software • Installations
HR Core
Configuration CMBD FlexNet Manager • License Optimization
Management Active Directory
Suite • Usage Tracking
• True-ups
Directory • Audit Prep
Federated Reports • Compliance State
Inventory CMBD Optimization • Exceptions
Usage
Reallocation/Retire Assets
9

10. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next Generat ion Software Asset Management
FlexNet Manager Suite also provides reports that detail About Flexera Software
the “cost of compliance” for Microsoft True-ups and license Flexera Software is the leading provider of strategic
breaches. With FlexNet Manager Suite, customers take solutions for Application Usage Management; solutions
the guess-work out of Microsoft licensing events and are delivering continuous compliance, optimized usage and
continuously aware of Microsoft license liabilities due to maximized value to application producers and their
under-buying or use rights violations. customers. Flexera Software is trusted by more than 80,000
customers that depend on our comprehensive solutions-
Conclusion from installation and licensing, entitlement and compliance
FlexNet Manager Suite provides complete and full management to application readiness and enterprise license
integration with Microsoft SCCM and other Microsoft optimization - to strategically manage application usage
technologies to deliver optimized license management for and achieve breakthrough results realized only through the
enterprises. FlexNet Manager Suite is a complementary systems-level approach we provide. Flexera Software is a
solution that customers can use to manage their entire privately-held company and an investment of private equity
software portfolio – from desktop to datacenter and firm Thoma Bravo, LLC. For more information, please go to:
concurrent licensing to ERP/CRM systems. Most SAM www.flexerasoftware.com
providers have a very limited desktop licensing focus and
therefore do not meet the SAM business needs of enterprise
organizations.
FlexNet Manager Suite provides these advantages to
Microsoft and its customers:
• Protects client’s investment in Microsoft SCCM. Fully
integrates with Microsoft SCCM to provide full
contractual lifecycle management of software assets.
• FlexNet Manager Suite uses Microsoft SCCM as a
foundational component of the SAM solution and
extends the Microsoft SCCM value proposition.
• Introduces new executive sponsorship for Microsoft
SCCM and creates business champions within the
procurement, legal, and compliance groups. Increases
the value of Microsoft SCCM to line of business
executives.
• Calculates license consumption based on license
models. For example, accurately reporting SQL Server
license requirements.
• Leverages Microsoft Product Use Rights so both clients
and Microsoft can feel comfortable that clients are
using Microsoft applications in compliance with terms
and conditions.
• Enables clients to accurately plan for new and future
investments with Microsoft
• Shortens or eliminates Microsoft license reviews with
clients
• Increases customers’ confidence in the negotiation
process. Drives new sales and revenue.
• Transforms the Microsoft relationship to a strategic
partnership with ultimate transparency and accuracy
• Helps clients validate and justify investments in
Enterprise Agreements and Software Assurance
X

11. FlexNet Manager Suite Leverages Microsoft System Center to Deliver Next Generat ion Software Asset Management
XI

12. Flexera Software, Inc. Schaumburg United Kingdom (Europe, Japan (Asia, For more office locations visit:
1000 East Woodfield Road, (Global Headquarters) Middle East Headquarters): Pacific Headquarters): www.flexerasoftware.com
Suite 400 +1 800-809-5659 +44 870-871-1111 +81 3-4360-8291
Schaumburg, IL 60173 USA +44 870-873-6300
© 2011 Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. All other brand and product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners.
FPS_WP_TenSteps_Jun11