The Risks

The waste is not limited to the direct cost of the unnecessary software. “The failure of organizations to keep a handle on their software … exposes then to many other risks, including cyberattacks on uncontrolled software and audits from revenue-hungry vendors,” 1E said in a statement.

It also ties up money that could otherwise be spent on adding value to the business, such as innovation and customer relationship management.

Further, adds Kevin Hooton, a software asset management specialist for SoftwareOne, a Switzerland-based software licensing specialist with U.S. operations, companies can save on help desk costs simply by having stronger control over their software. “It’s realty hard to pass along accurate information to folks who are manning the help desk,” Hooton says.