Managing software assets in a global enterprise

The IBM Corp invents, develops and manufactures IT products, including computer systems and software, system networks, storage hardware and microelectronic products. The IBM CIO Global Infrastructure Architecture and Strategy (CIO GIAS) team is responsible for running and optimizing IBM's internal IT operations which include more than 500,000 users connecting to over 20,000 servers across 170 countries. The solution described below, implemented between 2008-2010, is a response to managing software licenses in one of the world's largest distributed enterprises. © 2011 IEEE.