Automated License Reclamation Across Network Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large and complex organizational networks face challenges in managing software licenses effectively, often leading to over-purchasing or under-purchasing due to simplistic management techniques, and require a method to track license usage across multiple cost centers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for license reclamation and deployment that automatically identifies unused software assets, flags them for reclamation, and redeployments them within or across network segments, utilizing a network of systems including desktop management, license reclamation, asset inventory, and procurement systems, with databases to track and manage asset usage and cost center associations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple licensing management techniques are applied to large and complex network systems, then the management process becomes easier to implement, but license tracking accuracy deteriorates leading to over-purchasing or under-purchasing
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex network into manageable components by implementing automated agents at individual workstation levels and organizing assets into hierarchical groups. This allows simple local monitoring while maintaining global visibility across the entire network, resolving the contradiction between ease of implementation and tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous feedback loops where automated agents monitor license usage in real-time, report status to central management, and trigger automated reclamation or allocation actions. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate tracking without requiring complex manual management processes.
2Measurement precision
If automated querying and monitoring of all workstations is implemented, then license usage tracking precision improves, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated agents deployed at workstation levels that independently monitor their own license usage, report status, and execute reclamation actions without requiring complex central coordination for each individual action. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring license allocation rules, reclamation policies, and cost center associations before monitoring begins. This allows the automated system to operate with simple decision logic based on pre-established criteria, reducing runtime complexity while maintaining accurate tracking.
3Productivity
If license reclamation and redeployment is automated across network segments, then productivity and cost efficiency improve, but the complexity of managing multiple cost centers and segments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universal cost center management that can handle multiple segments, departments, and organizational structures through a single unified framework. The same automated reclamation and allocation mechanisms work across all segments simultaneously, improving productivity without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of automated license management software that mediates between individual workstation needs and organizational cost center requirements. This intermediary automatically handles the complexity of cross-segment license allocation, enabling efficient redeployment without burdening human managers with complex multi-segment coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for managing and implementing an asset license reclamation program across a network. The status of an asset, such as computer software, is automatically determined and if the asset does not meet particular use criteria, the asset may be flagged for reclamation and/or redeployment, either within the same network segment or in a separate network segment.