Focus Topic

SAM Optimisation: Save Up to 30% on Software Costs

Efficient and Sustainable Million-Euro Savings Through Systematic Software Portfolio Cleaning

Your organisation is paying too much for software. This isn't conjecture, but statistical reality. The global SAM market is growing from $4.35 billion in 2025 to $5.21 billion in 2026 – representing explosive annual growth of 19.7% ¹, because organisations worldwide are discovering the immense savings potential in their software landscapes.

Our solution: Software Portfolio Cleaning. A systematic process that eliminates redundant applications, reduces licence costs by up to 30% ², and establishes sustainable governance.

What Exactly is Software Portfolio Cleaning?

Software Portfolio Cleaning is the professional rationalisation of your entire software landscape. Picture this: 1,500 software products, 800 contracts, €92 million annual expenditure – and nobody has oversight.

This is precisely where Portfolio Cleaning begins. Through intelligent analysis, duplications are uncovered, unused licences identified, and contract conditions optimised.

The result: Transparency, control, and measurable cost savings.

The Path to Savings through Strategically Implemented Portfolio Cleaning:

Phase 1: Gaining Overview

We begin by scanning your complete software portfolio. AI-powered tools systematically classify all data sources. What was previously opaque becomes transparent and manageable.
Phase 2: Applying Seven Optimisation Levers

Our proven system utilises seven strategic levers:

Supplier Consolidation – Fewer vendors mean stronger negotiating position
Licence Model Optimisation – Pay only for what you actually use
Third-Party Support – Alternative maintenance can save over 60% of maintenance costs ³
Redundancy Elimination – Why have three tools for one task?
Alternative Products – Often equivalent, more cost-effective solutions exist
Contract Timing – The right negotiation moment saves millions
Price Increase Defence – Protection against cost shocks like Broadcom/VMware (+700%)
Phase 3: Establishing Governance

Our Three-Drawer Model structures decisions clearly: Quick Wins for the IT department, strategic projects for the CIO, business-critical matters for the board.

This creates clear accountabilities and rapid successes.
Phase 4: Ensuring Sustainability

Portfolio Cleaning isn't a one-off project. Through systematic processes and cultural change, software becomes a strategically managed asset.

Our Success From Practice

An Example from the Insurance Sector:
Total potential of almost €10 million identified through 2030. ROI was positive in the first year (slightly over €400,000 investment → a bit more than €500,000 initial savings). More than 60% of the software portfolio was cleaned in just around 4 months.

But the figures tell only half the story. The real value lies in cultural transformation: software evolves from cost factor to strategically managed asset.

Successfully Overcoming Typical Challenges

"This costs more than it brings!" – This change resistance is normal when employees have never had to economise. Our Mindshift Initiative overcomes this hurdle through systematic communication.

Vendor Escalations like VMware's acquisition by Broadcom demonstrate: Without proactive strategy, costs explode. Portfolio Cleaning creates alternatives and negotiating power.

Incomplete Data is the norm. Even with inadequate SAM tools, significant progress can be achieved – through intelligent analysis and gradual optimisation.

Why Portfolio Cleaning is Particularly Important Now

The SAM market is growing from $4.6 billion in 2026 to a projected $10.4 billion by 2033 4. Simultaneously, current studies show: IT spend wastage remains between 20% and 30% 5.

The consequence: Those who don't act now lose financial scope for innovation and growth.

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Intero Consulting Expertise:

Your Guarantee for Sustainable Success

At Intero Consulting, we combine deep SAM expertise with proven change management methodologies. Our team masters both the technical aspects of licence management and the communicative challenges of complex transformation projects.

What distinguishes us:

Our consultants bring specialist knowledge in contract, licence, and pricing models whilst employing innovative AI solutions with Zero-Data-Leak guarantee. From board presentations to technical implementation, we cover the complete spectrum.

Recognition at board level and outstanding evaluations in internal customer satisfaction assessments demonstrate: Your Software Portfolio Cleaning project is in the best hands with Intero Consulting.

Our promise: We don't merely optimise your costs, but establish structures for long-term efficiency and strategic IT governance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Software Portfolio Cleaning

How long does a typical Portfolio Cleaning project take?

The analysis phase typically takes 3-4 months. In our reference project, we processed 63% of the portfolio in 128 days. Implementation of measures then extends over 12-18 months.
What cost savings are realistic?

Gartner studies show: Software Licence Optimisation can reduce software costs by up to 30% 6. With third-party support, 50-60% reduction in maintenance costs is possible 7. Our practical experience confirms these ranges.
What happens to employees whose software is removed?

Involving the works council is a critical success factor. Through systematic employee surveys and alternative solutions, win-win situations emerge instead of conflicts.
Is Portfolio Cleaning worthwhile for smaller IT budgets?

From €1-2 million software spend annually, Portfolio Cleaning typically pays for itself in the first year. The methodologies scale for smaller organisations too.
How do you handle business-critical systems?

Our Three-Drawer Model treats business-critical applications at board level. Security and availability have absolute priority over cost savings.
What distinguishes Portfolio Cleaning from normal licence management?

Classic licence management focuses on compliance. Portfolio Cleaning goes further: it questions the necessity of every piece of software, optimises contracts, and establishes strategic governance.
Can I conduct Portfolio Cleaning internally?

In principle yes, but external expertise significantly accelerates the project and brings proven methodologies plus change management competence. The investment pays for itself through better results in shorter timeframes.