Top 10 Open Source Software Asset Management (SAM) Tools
- Snipe-IT – IT asset tracking and license management
- GLPI – Full IT asset and service management
- OCS Inventory – Automated software discovery
- Ralph – Enterprise asset and cloud tracking
- Open-AudIT – Network discovery and compliance
- AssetTiger – Cloud-based asset tracking
- i-doit – IT documentation and CMDB
- FusionInventory – Automated IT asset discovery
- CMDBuild – Advanced IT asset management
- Itop – IT service management with asset tracking
Top 10 Open Source Software Asset Management (SAM) Tools
Software Asset Management (SAM) tools help organizations track, manage, and optimize their software licenses to ensure compliance and cost efficiency. While many enterprise-level SAM solutions come with high costs, open-source alternatives offer powerful capabilities without licensing fees.
These tools help businesses manage software lifecycles, monitor usage, and prevent non-compliance risks. Below is a detailed look at the top 10 open-source SAM tools available today, including their best use cases, features, and benefits.
Read about Selecting the right Software Asset Management (SAM) tool.
1. Snipe-IT
Best for: IT asset tracking and license management
Snipe-IT is a widely used open-source SAM tool designed for IT asset tracking. It enables organizations to manage software licenses, assign user assets, and generate detailed reports. It is especially useful for IT teams managing internal hardware and software resources.
Key Features:
- Web-based interface with multi-user support
- License tracking and expiration notifications
- API integration for automation
- Cloud-hosted and self-hosted options
- Customizable asset fields and detailed reporting
2. GLPI
Best for: Comprehensive IT asset and service management
GLPI is an IT asset management and service desk software with strong SAM capabilities. It helps businesses track software deployments and manage license compliance while providing a full IT help desk solution.
Key Features:
- Software and hardware inventory management
- License compliance tracking
- Ticketing system for IT support
- User and permission management
- Integrated financial management for asset purchases
3. OCS Inventory
Best for: Automated software discovery and inventory
OCS Inventory provides organizations a powerful way to collect hardware and software inventory data. It integrates with GLPI for enhanced asset tracking and is ideal for businesses needing real-time software usage discovery.
Key Features:
- Automatic discovery of software installations
- Network and device monitoring
- Integration with other asset management tools
- Open-source and extensible with plugins
- Multi-platform support (Windows, Linux, MacOS)
4. Ralph
Best for: Enterprise asset management with cloud support
Ralph is a full-featured asset management system that helps businesses track software licenses, data centers, and cloud environments. It is particularly useful for companies managing hybrid IT infrastructure.
Key Features:
- License management with usage tracking
- Integration with VMware and cloud services
- REST API for automation
- Custom reporting capabilities
- Visualization of IT assets and relationships
5. Open-AudIT
Best for: Network discovery and software auditing
Open-AudIT is an open-source IT asset discovery and audit tool designed to help organizations manage software and hardware assets effectively. It is particularly beneficial for companies needing real-time inventory scanning.
Key Features:
- Automated network scanning for installed software
- Compliance reporting and software usage tracking
- Scheduled and on-demand audits
- Web-based dashboard with role-based access
- Custom scripting for advanced audits
6. AssetTiger
Best for: Cloud-based asset management
AssetTiger is a free asset management solution with a limited free-tier option. Though not fully open-source, it provides free use with core features, making it ideal for small businesses seeking cost-effective asset tracking.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based license tracking
- Barcode and QR code asset tagging
- Maintenance scheduling and alerts
- Role-based permissions
- Mobile-friendly interface
7. i-doit
Best for: IT documentation and CMDB integration
i-doit is a configuration management database (CMDB) tool with robust SAM functionalities that help organizations document IT assets and software licenses. It is particularly useful for IT teams requiring comprehensive documentation.
Key Features:
- License tracking and compliance reports
- IT documentation and change management
- Integration with monitoring tools
- API support for automation
- Data export options for compliance auditing
8. FusionInventory
Best for: Automated IT asset discovery
FusionInventory is an open-source asset discovery tool that integrates with GLPI. It enables businesses to track software installations and licensing and helps IT departments manage hardware and software across different locations.
Key Features:
- Software inventory collection
- License and contract management
- Remote agent deployment
- Integration with ITSM tools
- Automated network scanning and reporting
9. CMDBuild
Best for: Advanced IT asset management
CMDBuild is an enterprise-grade open-source IT asset tracking and configuration management tool. It provides an advanced CMDB (Configuration Management Database) for organizations needing deep IT infrastructure insights.
Key Features:
- Customizable workflows for license management
- Integration with IT service management tools
- Role-based access control
- REST and SOAP API support
- Advanced database for relationships between IT components
10. Itop
Best for: IT service management with asset tracking
Itop is an open-source IT service management (ITSM) tool that includes SAM capabilities, making it useful for tracking software licenses and ensuring compliance while integrating with IT support processes.
Key Features:
- IT asset and software license tracking
- Service desk integration
- SLA monitoring and reporting
- Customizable workflows
- Multi-company support for managed service providers
Final Thoughts
Open-source SAM tools provide businesses with cost-effective solutions for tracking and managing software assets. Whether you need basic license tracking, automated software discovery, or full IT service management, these tools offer a range of capabilities suited to different organizational needs.
Implementing an open-source SAM tool can be a great first step for businesses looking to reduce software licensing risks, prevent compliance issues, and optimize costs.
Would you like assistance in selecting the best SAM tool for your business? Let us know!
FAQs
What is a SAM tool, and why is it important?
A Software Asset Management (SAM) tool helps organizations track software usage, manage licenses, and ensure compliance, reducing costs and audit risks.
Are open-source SAM tools reliable for enterprises?
Yes, many open-source SAM tools are widely used by businesses, offering strong features like inventory tracking, compliance monitoring, and automation.
How do SAM tools help in software license compliance?
They monitor installations, compare them against license entitlements, and generate reports to identify compliance risks before audits.
Which open-source SAM tool is best for small businesses?
Snipe-IT and AssetTiger are great for small businesses due to their user-friendly interfaces and cloud-based options.
Can open-source SAM tools integrate with ITSM platforms?
Tools like GLPI, i-doit, and Itop offer integrations with IT Service Management (ITSM) systems for seamless IT operations.
How do SAM tools help reduce software costs?
They identify unused or underutilized software, allowing businesses to reallocate or eliminate unnecessary licenses.
Do open-source SAM tools track SaaS applications?
Some tools like Ralph and Open-AudIT provide cloud and SaaS tracking, but features vary by tool.
What challenges do businesses face when implementing SAM?
Challenges include incomplete data collection, resistance to adoption, and integrating the tool with existing IT infrastructure.
Which SAM tool is best for network discovery?
Open-AudIT and OCS Inventory specializes in network discovery, identifying all installed software across connected devices.
Do SAM tools require technical expertise to implement?
Some tools, like Snipe-IT, are user-friendly, while others, such as CMDBuild, may require IT expertise for customization.
Are there open-source SAM tools that offer automation?
Yes, tools like FusionInventory and GLPI provide automation for software discovery and reporting.
How do SAM tools help prevent software audits?
By maintaining accurate records of licenses and usage, businesses can proactively address compliance issues before an audit occurs.
What should I consider before choosing a SAM tool?
Key factors include compatibility with your IT environment, license tracking capabilities, reporting features, and ease of use.
Can SAM tools track both software and hardware assets?
Yes, most SAM tools, like Ralph and GLPI, provide software license tracking and hardware asset management.
How often should software assets be audited using SAM tools?
Regular audits, at least quarterly, help ensure compliance and optimize software spending.
