As SAM rapidly evolves alongside emerging technologies, the real challenge is no longer just about managing licenses and defending against audits —but about staying ahead of change. From AI-driven automation to the centralization of SAM functions, shifting organizational models, and increasing cybersecurity demands, professionals need to rethink how SAM will function in the next 3–5 years. This discussion takes a forward-looking perspective on the future of SAM, examining which trends are here to stay, which challenges we need to anticipate, and how to build truly resilient, tech-enabled SAM strategies.
- How to anticipate the next big shift in SAM driven by AI and automation?
- How to redefine SAM roles and responsibilities to fit future business demands?
- How to prepare SAM programs for increasingly compex tech environments?
- How to build resilience into your SAM approach to adapt to licensing shifts and regulatory changes?
- How to align SAM with broader business goals like sustainability, cybersecurity, and digital transformation?
Software Asset Management Analyst, Royal Bam Group Nv
Kevin van Diem joined Royal BAM Group in August 2022 as Software Asset Manager. Previously, he worked for more than 5 years at ITAM solutions Empowering Data as Software Asset Management Consultant / Data Analyst.
The Pop in Your Job:
"I love Software Asset Management (SAM) because I can make a difference in the company. A difference between over-licensed and under-licensed. Software Asset Management helps save money by ensuring we only buy what we need and use. It keeps us legal by managing licenses correctly and avoids fines. We make smarter decisions, save time, and reduce stress. It also improves security by keeping software updated and secure. SAM supports green goals by reducing waste and provides a clear overview of all our software. It boosts productivity by ensuring everyone has the tools they need. Overall, SAM makes everything smoother and more organized. Most importantly, the appreciation combined with the interaction and collaboration with the people drives me the most."
Global IT Asset Manager, On AG
Melad Tashtezar is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in IT asset management and leadership. Currently serving as Global IT Asset Manager at On since June 2024, Melad also holds the position of ITAM Chapter Lead for the UK at ITAM FORUM, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the IT Asset Management industry. Prior roles include Senior and Enterprise IT Asset Manager at Just Eat Takeaway.com from September 2021 to June 2024, and various positions at Imperial College London from October 2012 to September 2021, culminating as Service Catalogue and Asset Lead (ITAM).
The Pop in Your Job:
"I'm fuelled by the challenges of IT Asset Management and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on organisational success. I love the collaborative aspect of my work, working with different teams to achieve shared objectives. Witnessing the direct impact of my efforts on cost savings, innovation, and compliance brings me great pride. I'm also passionate about fostering talent and providing mentorship to new talent in the ITAM Community in and outside of work!"
Software Asset Manager, Volvo AB
Ainis Zaharāns is a dedicated professional working as a Software Asset Manager and subject matter expert at Microsoft, within the Volvo Group. His expertise spans various critical areas, including cost optimization, new demand management, licensing compliance, and internal governance. Ainis plays a pivotal role in facilitating essential activities such as contract renewal, acquisition and divestment support, reporting, and license and software inventory management. With a wealth of experience in licensing, data analysis, and cost management, Ainis excels in fostering collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners and vendors. He honed his skills during his studies at Riga Technical University, specializing in Computer Engineering and Financial Engineering Mathematics. Over the past 10 years, Ainis has worked in various roles related to Software Asset Management and led multiple projects and contributed significantly to building a robust SAM practice.
The Pop in Your Job:
"As a Software Asset Manager, I find immense satisfaction in tackling complex challenges related to licensing. Navigating intricate scenarios to identify the most suitable licensing solutions is both intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Moreover, being at the forefront of introducing cutting-edge technologies is invigorating. Collaborating with stakeholders across different organizational levels further enriches my experience."
Head of License Management, Schaeffler
Joseph is the Head of IT License Management at Schaeffler, overseeing software license agreements, IT service management, and contract optimization. He ensures compliance and cost efficiency in enterprise software procurement. Before it merged with Schaeffler, Joseph led the IT license and contract management at Vitesco Technologies and previously headed contracts and licenses for the automotive sector at Continental, driving strategic sourcing and vendor negotiations.
IT Asset Management Specialist, Linde AG
Tomas is an experienced IT Asset Management Specialist at The Linde Group, where he has been managing IT assets since 2016. With over 15 years in IT asset management and support, he has developed expertise in software license management, procurement processes, vendor relationships, and IT incident resolution. Prior to Linde, Tomas worked at Lenovo, where he held roles as a Staff IT Engineer and a Workstation & Software Asset Management Engineer. His responsibilities included coordinating IT incident resolution across the EMEA region, leading stakeholder meetings, administering asset management systems, and ensuring compliance in software licensing.Earlier in his career, he served as an IT Asset Management Analyst at Hewlett-Packard, where he was responsible for asset data management, reporting, and supporting new customer site implementations.
Royal BAM Group designs, builds, and maintains high quality, sustainable buildings, homes, and infrastructure for public and private sector clients. BAM is one of a few large companies to have set science-based targets to reduce the CO2 intensity of its operations by 50 per cent in 2030 compared to 2015, and is committed to maintaining its place on the Climate Change A List, published by CDP each year. This commitment is set out in BAM’s strategy for 2021-2023, called ‘Building a sustainable tomorrow’, which also aims to provide employees with safe and rewarding work, and generate attractive returns for shareholders. Using the latest industry innovations, our 13,500 employees reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, whilst delivering increased well-being and social value to the communities we serve. With annual revenues of approximately €6,6 billion, the Group supports clients through two main divisions (Netherlands, and United Kingdom and Ireland) and a PPP business. Royal BAM Group is listed on the Amsterdam Euronext exchange.
Founded in 2010, On set out to shake up the running industry with a single transformative product, a completely new cushioning technology for running shoes, CloudTec®. Today, On remains innovation and design-led, delivering industry-disrupting premium footwear, apparel, and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, and all-day activities. Existing at the intersection of performance, design and impact – inspired by athletes, we always look for ‘better’ – something we believe is achieved through continual experimentation, starting again, thinking differently, breaking the mold. Every day our teams continue to cook up trailblazing innovations within our Zurich-based On Lab and across our global hubs from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Shanghai, Portland, Berlin, Yokohama and beyond. We like to keep creativity and innovation in-house, whether it's to create inspiring marketing campaigns, think up next-gen retail spaces, or take leaps in sustainability and product design – it all comes together to deliver on our mission. At On, we're all believers in the human spirit and what it’s capable of. And with every On product, design and innovation, we set out to inspire humans to Dream On.
Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, with its headquarters in Gothenburg, employs about 100,000 people, has production facilities in 18 countries and sells its products in more than 190 markets.
The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for over 75 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle. Schaeffler describes its comprehensive range of products and services in the mobility ecosystem by means of eight product families: From bearing solutions and all types of linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services. Schaeffler is with around 120,000 employees and more than 250 locations in 55 countries, one of the world’s largest family-owned companies and one of Germany’s most innovative companies.
Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company, serving a variety of end markets such as chemicals and energy, food and beverages, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Our 65,000+ employees deliver innovative solutions, technologies and services which make our customers more successful and help to sustain, decarbonize and protect our planet. Our industrial gases and technologies are used in countless applications including production of clean hydrogen and carbon capture systems critical to the energy transition, life-saving medical oxygen and high-purity and specialty gases for electronics. We also deliver state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support our customers.
&nsbp;
