2.4 License Management project delivery key elements Besides the elements that need to be managed during the engagement of the project and the activities that need to be done during the design and the implementation of the solutions, there are key elements that should be managed. Even if they are not directly linked with the technical aspects of the project, based on the best practices, not managing them will result in real difficulties in handing over the solution, for the operations to maintain it, and for your client, either internal or external, to use it. The are key elements are: Management of the asset change. There is a well known process called Install, Move, Add, Change (IMAC) that covers that type of asset change. As IBM Tivoli License Manager is measuring software usage on assets, it is important that this is maintain accurately. For example, when a machine is disposed, this change must be reflected in IBM Tivoli License Manager to avoid this machine still being part of the compliance report. The more precise the synchronization between the assets lists and the IBM Tivoli License Manager information is, the more accurate the compliance will be and the easier it will be for the license manager, for example, to reassign disposed licenses to another requestor. During the test phases of the project and the pilot, a regular analysis of the reports must be performed to validate and prove that all processes are implemented as required and data is correct to provide accurate information. The License Management must be done from the acquisition to the disposal of the software. Not covering all the aspects will not ensure accurate compliance. The following enterprise processes may be impacted by a License Management project. It is important to control and communicate with another process owner if the License Management aspects is really integrated and a "bridge" is available. ­ Budget and forecast ­ Acquisition: Controls, clear procedures, and reconciliation ­ Software deployment: Control on exception, business need, centralization, record installations at installation time, and for on demand software. One of the key successes of an License Management project based on IBM Tivoli License Manager, which ensures that the solution is viable during its entire life cycle, is the management of the signatures. You must be sure that the signatures will be maintained adequately and that global enterprise policies are defined around the definition of software signatures. Chapter 2. Project and engagement considerations 47