Since January of 2013, we have taken a look at the top 10 Software License Optimizations Blogs from the previous year. This list includes the most read blogs, regardless of when they were published. Two years ago, we added a second “top ten” list of those blogs that were written only in the previous year. Having the two lists to compare show both the overall topics that are important to our readers, along with those subjects that were more timely in the previous year.
This year, we are adding something extra, a list of those blogs that have made multiple top ten lists since we began this annual review.
Most popular blogs in 2017 (published any time):
- An Introduction to Microsoft SQL Server Licensing
- Why a SKU is important to Software Asset Management
- Track These Software Asset Management Program Metrics for Success
- How will Microsoft licensing for Windows Server 2016 affect you?
- Oracle Database Licensing in a VMware Virtual Environment (Part 1 of 3)
- Congratulations to SoftwareONE for Winning the ITAM Review Partner of the Year Award!
- Should I be using a Triad License Server Configuration?
- You’re Getting Warmer—License Management for Hot, Warm, and Cold Backup Servers
- Microsoft SQL Server Licensing – A Deeper Look
- Congratulations to Astute Licensing for the ITAM Innovation Award!
Our top blog for 2017 is a terrific piece that provides an overview of the complex topic of Microsoft SQL Server Licensing. This is vital information for any organization. Not surprising, 5 of these top ten blogs in 2017 are either specifically about Microsoft licensing, or refers to Microsoft in the piece. For instance, our #2 blog “Why a SKU is important to Software Asset Management” is one of the most popular we have ever posted. Published in 2010, it has made 6 consecutive top ten lists since we began this annual review, and uses specific examples from Microsoft. The #5 blog on Oracle Database licensing is another one that has appeared in every top ten list since inception, and is one of the most read pieces of all time. Be sure to schedule time to read these blogs!
A pair of blogs in our 2017 top ten need to be mentioned because they review the achievements of two of our valued partners. “Congratulations to SoftwareONE for Winning the ITAM Review Partner of the Year Award!” was published just in early December, yet still was the 6th most read blog of the year. “Congratulations to Astute Licensing for the ITAM Innovation Award!” was published in November, and still made the top ten list. Both SoftwareOne and Astute Licensing are members of our global network of partners that help deliver value to our customers.
Most popular blogs in 2017 (published in 2017):
- An Introduction to Microsoft SQL Server Licensing
- Congratulations to SoftwareONE for Winning the ITAM Review Partner of the Year Award!
- Microsoft SQL Server Licensing – A Deeper Look
- Congratulations to Astute Licensing for the ITAM Innovation Award!
- Beware of SAP Indirect Access
- A Letter to a New Software Asset Manager
- The Year Ahead for Software Asset Management
- Visibility into the Cloud
- Fusion, in More Ways than One
- Dealing with Complex Licensing and Software Request Workflows
The standout blog published in 2017 in terms of potential impact is “Beware of SAP Indirect Access.” This piece reviewed the court decision in the SAP UK v Diageo Great Britain case, where SAP received a ruling that user license fees also apply to Diageo’s 5,800 indirect users, with a potential liability of £55 million. This blog is an essential read for anyone that leverages SAP data in an external system.
And for the first time, here are the blogs that have appeared in multiple top 10 lists, including the year and position on that list:
- Oracle Database Licensing in a VMware Virtual Environment (Part 1 of 3)
(2017 – 5, 2016 – 2, 2015 – 1, 2014 – 1, 2013 – 1, 2012 – 5) - Why a SKU is important to Software Asset Management
(2017 – 2, 2016 – 3, 2015 – 2, 2014 – 4, 2013 – 4, 2012 – 10) - How will Microsoft licensing for Windows Server 2016 affect you?
(2017 – 4 , 2016 – 1) - You’re Getting Warmer—License Management for Hot, Warm, and Cold Backup Servers
(2017 – 8, 2016 – 6) - Should I be using a Triad License Server Configuration?
(2017 – 7, 2016 – 10)
Did you know that in almost every SLO blog, we include links to more detailed and in-depth information? Whether a white paper, webinar, or analyst report, our blogs give you an easy way to learn related information from authoritative sources.
For 2018, we plan on bringing you practical information, industry trends, tips and tricks, and thought leadership on topics and important issues you can leverage in your company or organization. Please subscribe to the SLO Blog by using the link on the top of this page or by using the Software License Optimization subscription link.
And we love comments! Be sure to add your thoughts or questions to every blog.
To close out this first Software License Optimization Blog for 2018, I want to share two other channels where you can get the latest info from Flexera. First, you can follow SAM Insights on Twitter. This is the Flexera Twitter feed dedicated to #SAM, #ITAM, and #SLO. Also, be sure to subscribe to the Flexera YouTube Channel with over 600 product, education, and thought leadership videos where you can learn how Flexera is reimagining how software is bought, sold, managed and secured.
On behalf of everyone at Flexera, we would like to thank you for reading our blog and we look forward to engaging with you across all our social media channels in 2018!