If you’ve decided it’s time for your organization to start thoroughly managing its IT assets, it’s likely that you’re looking at free IT Asset Management (ITAM) software with good eyes. The cost of a paid tool can be a drawback, either because you don’t have the IT budget for it or you’re hesitant about its effectiveness. However, cheap can be expensive, and ITAM tools are no exception. They are designed to manage hardware and software, two of the most crucial elements to ensure business continuity. An effective ITAM tool often includes an asset tracking solution, which integrates with service desk software to manage both software licenses and physical hardware from a centralized platform. And trust us, you don’t want to mess with that.
Keep reading to discover the must-have elements to manage your IT inventory properly and avoid future problems (such as fines and unnecessary expenses), as well as the top IT Asset Management solutions out there.
What is free IT Asset Management software?
Before diving into the realm of free options, let’s have a look at what ITAM software is and how it can help organizations manage their assets.
IT Asset Management software refers to a comprehensive system designed to track, monitor, and manage an organization’s IT assets throughout their lifecycle.
This includes hardware devices, software licenses, network equipment, and more. An asset tracking system is a crucial component of ITAM software, providing functionalities such as integration with help desks, categorization of assets connected to networks, and the ability to manage diverse equipment efficiently.
The tool puts together a centralized view of all IT assets that enables organizations to:
- Optimize asset utilization.
- Reduce costs associated with asset procurement and maintenance.
- Enhance Security and Compliance Management.
- Streamline IT operations.
Although free ITAM software offers some of these basic capabilities for no cost, but not all of them.
Let's take a look.
10 best free IT Asset Management software and trials alternatives
These are the ten most remarkable ITAM software options in the market:
1. InvGate Asset Management
InvGate Asset Management is a comprehensive solution to streamline your ITAM operations. To ensure this is the right tool for your organization, it offers a 30-day free trial and, after that time, you can turn it into your working instance.
It includes all the key features mentioned needed for a robust IT Asset Management strategy, including a comprehensive CMDB, and several integrations (like remote desktop, and InvGate Service Management, that together are a killer combo for your IT operations).
Its intuitive UI makes it easy to use agents of all tiers and allows a quick implementation - between 2 and 4 weeks!
The solution offers several tools to do this like spreadsheet templates to move from your Excel inventory to your ITAM tool.
To take a look at it, you can try its live demo and play with all its features!
2. OCS Inventory NG
OCS Inventory NG is another popular open-source option. This software allows you to manage IT assets across your network, track software deployment, and monitor performance. OCS Inventory NG is particularly well-suited for organizations with a large number of assets and offers comprehensive asset management solutions without the need for paid plans.
3. Spiceworks IT Asset Management
Spiceworks is a well-known name in the IT community, and its free IT Asset Management software is no exception. Spiceworks offers basic functionality for tracking assets, managing software licenses, and monitoring network equipment.
While the free version is limited in certain features, it provides a solid foundation for managing your IT assets.
4. Snipe-IT
Snipe-IT is an open-source IT Asset Management software that offers set of features for free. With Snipe-IT, you can track hardware and software assets, manage software licenses, and generate detailed reports.
The software's cloud-based solution makes it accessible from anywhere, and its community support ensures that you'll have access to help when needed.
5. GLPI
GLPI is a free open-source ITAM solution. It offers a range of features, including asset tracking, Contract Management, Software License Management, and more. It is customizable and provides extensive community support. However, it can be quite complex to set up and configure. This will make it challenging to navigate for users without technical expertise.
6. ManageEngine Asset Explorer
ManageEngine Asset Explorer has a free version that allows you to manage up to 25 assets. Its features include asset tracking, software License Management, Contract Management, and IT Asset Lifecycle Management.
7. Snappy Asset Manager
Snappy Asset Manager counts with a free version of its cloud-based ITAM software, with a limited amount of assets that can be managed. It includes asset tracking, Warranty Management, software license tracking, and reporting features.
However, it has limited integration capabilities with other IT systems. This can result in manual data entry and hinder the seamless exchange of information between different IT processes.
Pros and cons of free IT Asset Management software
Before committing to a free IT Asset Management software, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. While these tools offer significant benefits, they also come with limitations that you should consider.
Pros:
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Cost-effective: Free IT Asset Management software can help you manage assets without straining your budget.
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Basic functionality: Most free tools offer essential features like asset tracking, software license management, and reporting.
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Community support: Open-source options often have active communities that can provide assistance and updates.
Cons:
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Limited features: Free versions may lack advanced features like automation, integration with other systems, or advanced reporting capabilities.
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Scalability issues: As your organization grows, you may find that free IT Asset Management software no longer meets your needs.
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Potential security risks: Some free tools may not offer the same level of security as paid options, putting your asset data at risk.
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When to consider paid Asset Management software
While free IT Asset Management software can be a great starting point, there are times when investing in a paid solution is the best choice for your organization. Here are some scenarios where you might consider upgrading to paid asset management software:
1. Need for advanced features
If your organization requires advanced features like automation, custom fields, or integration with other systems, a paid asset management software may be necessary. Paid options often provide more robust tools for managing complex asset environments.
2. Scalability concerns
As your business grows, so will your asset management needs. Paid asset management software typically offers scalable solutions that can accommodate a larger number of assets and users.
3. Enhanced security requirements
Security is a top priority for any organization. Paid asset management software often includes enhanced security features like encryption, user accounts, and role-based access control to protect your asset data.
4. Need for dedicated support
Free IT Asset Management software often relies on community support, which can be hit or miss. Paid options usually come with dedicated support teams that can assist with setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
PRO TIP: A good way to understand your needs and ensure you are choosing a tool that is aligned with your goals is to write and send out an ITAM RFP (here you have a free template to do so!).
Best practices for implementing IT Asset Management software
Implementing IT Asset Management software effectively requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices to ensure a smooth and successful deployment:
1. Define your Asset Management goals
Before implementing any software, it's essential to define your asset management goals. Determine what you want to achieve, whether it's improving asset utilization, reducing manual data entry, or ensuring software license compliance.
2. Involve key stakeholders
Involving key stakeholders in the implementation process is crucial for success. Ensure that IT teams, finance departments, and other relevant parties are on board and understand their roles in asset management.
3. Start with a comprehensive inventory
Before deploying IT Asset Management software, conduct a thorough inventory of all your assets. This will provide a baseline for tracking and managing your assets moving forward.
4. Train your team
Even the most user-friendly interface can be challenging without proper training. Ensure that your team is trained on how to use the software effectively, including how to track assets, manage licenses, and generate reports.
5. Regularly update asset records
Asset management is an ongoing process. Regularly update your asset records to reflect changes, such as new purchases, disposals, or software updates. This will ensure that your asset data remains accurate and up-to-date.
6. Monitor and review your Asset Management efforts
Regularly monitor and review your asset management efforts to identify areas for improvement. Use the reporting features of your IT Asset Management software to track key metrics and make data-driven decisions.
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Is free IT Asset Management software right for you?
Free IT Asset Management software can be an excellent solution for organizations looking to manage their assets without a significant financial investment. However, it's essential to understand the limitations of these tools and consider whether a paid solution might better meet your needs.
By carefully evaluating your asset management goals, considering the pros and cons of free options, and following best practices for implementation, you can make an informed decision that will benefit your organization in the long run.
Remember, while free IT Asset Management tool offers a cost-effective way to manage your assets, it's important to regularly assess your needs and be prepared to upgrade to a paid solution if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best free IT Asset Management tool?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, as the best software depends on your specific needs. However, some popular options include Snipe-IT, OCS Inventory NG, and Spiceworks.
2. Can I manage software licenses with free IT Asset Management software?
Yes, many free IT Asset Management software options include tools for managing software licenses and ensuring compliance.
3. What are the limitations of free IT Asset Management software?
Free IT Asset Management software often has limited features, scalability
