What is BS EN ISO 11662:2010?

BS EN ISO 11662:2010 is a technical standard that provides guidelines and requirements for the implementation of information technology systems in organizations. It focuses on the management of software assets and configuration items throughout their lifecycle. This comprehensive standard covers various aspects, including identification, control, status accounting, and audit of software and hardware components.

Scope and Objectives

The main objective of BS EN ISO 11662:2010 is to help organizations establish and maintain an effective software asset management (SAM) system. SAM ensures optimized utilization of software resources while minimizing risks associated with non-compliance, security vulnerabilities, and inefficient licensing practices. This standard serves as a valuable reference for organizations looking to improve their SAM processes and achieve better control over their software assets.

Key Components

BS EN ISO 11662:2010 comprises several key components to facilitate proper software asset management. These include:

1. Identification and Control: The standard emphasizes the need for accurately identifying and controlling software and hardware components throughout their lifecycle. This involves assigning unique identifiers, maintaining up-to-date inventories, and implementing change management procedures. By doing so, organizations can ensure proper tracking and authorized usage of their software assets.

2. Status Accounting: The standard advocates for establishing a status accounting system to track the current state of software assets. It involves recording changes, updates, and version information to facilitate effective decision-making, maintenance, and reporting. This helps organizations understand the history and evolution of their software assets and enables them to make informed decisions regarding upgrades, replacements, and retirements.

3. Audit and Verification: BS EN ISO 11662:2010 stresses the importance of conducting regular audits to verify compliance with software asset management policies. Audits help organizations identify discrepancies, detect unauthorized software, and ensure adherence to licensing agreements. By maintaining accurate records, organizations can effectively respond to internal and external audit requests and demonstrate their commitment to proper SAM practices.

Benefits of Implementing BS EN ISO 11662:2010

Implementing BS EN ISO 11662:2010 offers several benefits to organizations. It enables them to:

1. Enhance Efficiency: By implementing standardized processes for software asset management, organizations can optimize resource utilization, reduce redundancy, and streamline workflows. This leads to improved operational efficiency and cost savings.

2. Mitigate Risks: Effective software asset management reduces the risks associated with non-compliance, unlicensed software usage, and security vulnerabilities. Organizations can minimize legal liabilities and potential financial penalties by ensuring all software assets are properly licensed and regularly audited.

3. Improve Decision-Making: With accurate and up-to-date information about their software assets, organizations can make informed decisions regarding upgrades, retirements, and replacements. This improves overall IT planning and enables better alignment between organizational goals and technology investments.

In conclusion, BS EN ISO 11662:2010 provides comprehensive guidelines for effective software asset management. By implementing this standard, organizations can enhance efficiency, mitigate risks, and improve decision-making related to their software assets.