Have your say at computerweekly.com
Users need a software management framework
With regard to your articles on software licensing (Computer
Weekly, 25 July), we agree that software management can be complex
and that something needs to be done to simplify the process.
The management of software has been a confusing process, with a
huge number of suppliers having no commonality in their licensing
models or product identification. The software asset management
sector has for a long time remained unregulated, with no
measurement for best practice. In this climate
it has been difficult for users to identify qualified asset
management practitioners or measure their effectiveness.
Many types of licensing exist, and this can be daunting, but it
should be noted that these mechanisms provide flexibility for using
applications through a variety of platforms and devices.
While licensing will remain complex, a robust framework for
effective software management is the solution. The recently
launched ISO 19770-1 Software Asset Management Processes Standard
provides this framework and will help organisations adopt best
practice.
We are creating a certification scheme for ISO/IEC 19770-1 that
will provide a guarantee that certification partners are qualified
to help software users achieve ISO 19770-1 compliance.
The good news is that we are getting lots of support from the
software industry to help us drive best practice and make licensing
as stress-free as possible.
Zak Virdi, board member, Investors in Software
Open source can free firms from licence
lock-in
Your report on the complexity of software licences (Computer
Weekly, 25 July) raises another, less obvious benefit from the
adoption of free open source software.
Despite the number of different open source licences, the
freedom embodied in most, such as those compatible with the General
Public Licence, grants unrestricted use of software. This allows IT
departments to eliminate delays in negotiating or obtaining
licences, and the need for audits, filing and renewal – all an
increasing part of the work of IT departments but adding nothing to
the business.
Organisations should be free to choose from different suppliers
only those services that are beneficial, and not be locked into
many years of being milked.
Leon Stringer, Stafford
Don’t overlook open source in licence
debate
I find it odd that in an issue so devoted to the topic of
licensing, open source/free software is not mentioned. As an
alternative to all the problems presented with proprietary
licences, while having its own set of challenges, you would have
thought there would have at least been one article looking at open
source software and where it stands in “The Licensing Debate”.
Scot Roberts
Why ‘risk’ is more user friendly than
‘security’
While agreeing with most of Ian Wylie’s views, I was intrigued
by his comment, “Information security, in all its forms… still
covers at best 50% of the information risk.” (Computer Weekly, 25
July).
Aren’t information risk and information security practically
analogous? Surely both areas should cover the risks of compromising
information assets, whether by disclosure, lack of availability or
loss of integrity/quality, though I accept that security
specialists tend not to concern themselves with data quality
issues.
My experience is that senior management is far more receptive to
a discussion of “risk” than “security”, which has too many negative
connotations of stopping people doing things and excessive
bureaucracy. “Risk” is less scary and implies a more holistic,
pragmatic consideration of business needs.
The onus is on information security/risk/assurance professionals
to present a clear business case for security, including an
estimate of potential losses if it is not implemented, and of any
effects that the introduction of extra security measures may have
on operational effectiveness.
Tony Troy
Where are the IT-savvy non-executive
directors?
With regard to Richard Barker’s letter (Computer Weekly, 18
July), the lack of board representation goes beyond the CIO. Where
are the IT non-executive directors?
IT has a profound effect on business performance, compliance and
shareholder value. All of these issues are overseen by the
independent non-executive directors but there are few, if any, IT
non-executive directors on the boards of plcs.
Name withheld by request
Answer back
Do you have a fresh take on someone's opinion on this page, or
something to say about a Computer Weekly article? E-mail
computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk.
Please include a daytime phone number.
Vote for your IT greats
Who have been the most influential people in IT in the past 40
years? The greatest organisations? The best hardware and software
technologies? As part of Computer Weekly’s 40th anniversary
celebrations, we are asking our readers who and what has really
made a difference?
Vote now at:
www.computerweekly.com/ITgreats