The new year has arrived, and Software Asset Management (SAM) is thrilled to announce advancements and achievements that align to elevate the customer experience.
Discover the New SAM Communications Hub
Launched on January 2, a SharePoint-based SAM Communications Hub is designed to streamline the software management experience. The following sections will help provide quick access to important resources:
- “How Do I…?” FAQs: Quickly find solutions to your most common software questions.
- Software Learning Center: Access a collection of training materials and helpful links.
- Dedicated Pages: Stay updated with the latest details on SAM programs and operational news.
Keep an eye out for even more enhancements this year.
Join Interactive Learning Sessions
Get ready for an engaging learning experience. Starting in the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, SAM in End User Experience (EUX) will host dynamic virtual Brown Bag Lunch & Learns, featuring industry-leading tools like Nitro, bioRender, and Parallels:
- Easy Enrollment: Register effortlessly via Microsoft Bookings.
- Proactive Participation: Submit questions in advance and ensure queries are addressed.
- Engaged Learning: It is recommended that attendees enable their cameras to enhance interaction.
Exciting Renewal Changes in 2026
Staying Ahead with Renewal Schedules
Plan ahead with new renewal survey schedules hosted on the Communications Hub. Know before the survey emails start hitting Outlook. For those planning to be away for an extended period of time, this can provide lead time so that renewals can be coordinated in advance.
Streamlined Process Changes
Effortless and efficient – SAM is refining the renewal process, offering the following:
- Extended Survey Duration: Surveys now run for 4 weeks, providing additional response time.
- Enhanced Budget Verification: Managers and Department Renewal Coordinators will vet budgets before submission.
- Focused Approval Process: Budget Approvers collaborate directly with managers and Department Renewal Coordinators.
- Automated Licenses: If no response is received by the survey’s end, licenses will be automatically cancelled – with no grace period extensions.
- Integrity and Consistency: Maintaining process integrity means no modifications can be made to responses once submitted.
Vendor Oversight and Continuous Improvement
A recent discovery with Parallels reducing licenses too soon raised awareness. In response, EUX and End User Services are dedicated to stricter vendor oversight to avoid future issues. This will help ensure vendors live up to their promise.
Celebrate the ServiceNow Zurich Upgrade
The Zurich rollout introduces the innovative SAM Workspace in ServiceNow – paving the way for future enhancements. The Enabling Applications Development team was instrumental in making this possible.
Embrace these monumental changes and innovations and get ready for a fantastic year of enhanced software asset management. SAM is available to provide support every step of the way.