What is Shadow IT? How does it impact organization?
Shadow IT – IT devices, software and services outside the ownership or control of IT – is growing. Whilst there are obvious disadvantages to this, organizations need to view it as a wake up call from employees who find their IT provisioning too slow and cumbersome to cope with the realities of their working lives.
From BYOD to new software, IT needs to look long and hard as to why this is happening in the first place before coming up with an answer that meets the needs of both the organization and end users.
Before looking at how shadow IT should be embraced, it is probably a good idea to examine the problems it brings.
Increases Non-compliance
Probably the main issue surrounds software licensing and compliance. Even with strong SAM procedures in place, shadow IT can introduce software that is unlicensed onto corporate devices. This leaves the organization at risk of software audits and should non-compliance be found; fines.
Further problems are caused because normally, new devices and software are thoroughly tested and piloted before being introduced across the organization. Shadow IT misses this necessary process out completely and so can have a negative impact on existing infrastructure.
How can Self-service Overcome Shadow IT?
So, having looked at the negative side of shadow IT, it can seem impossible to see any benefits from it. As we addressed earlier, organizations really need to understand why shadow IT is happening to ensure they react in in the right way.
In the past the IT department was able to lock down the introduction of new hardware and software. Users had neither the know-how nor hardware/software to connect. Now, all this has changed. App stores like iTunes and Google Play enable your employees to browse, purchase, download and install software with just a few clicks. Similarly, devices like tablets and smartphones can be connected to your corporate network easily and quickly via wireless.
What is the answer to overcome shadow IT?
This flexibility is where the answer lies – a self-service app store. By giving your employees the capability to choose and deploy the software and hardware they need to do their jobs (albeit with the necessary checks and sign-offs), you will at a stroke remove the root cause of shadow IT whilst regaining control of what is deployed. What’s more by improving the service levels you give your end users you will be raising the profile and reputation of IT across the organization – a win-win situation.
Implementing App-Centre
Self-service corporate app stores, like Certero App-Centre deliver the flexibility and ease-of-use that your employees want whilst at the same time providing the necessary controls and checks you need to ensure license compliance and infrastructure integration.
Find out more about how Certero App-Centre can help your organization cope with shadow IT.
Want to discuss how you can adopt a self-service app-store? Get in touch with Certero today.
Follow us on Linkedin for more SAM
updates
Read more like this from
Certero
Ready to Speak to the Team that Makes Our Customers So Happy?
Certero’s [software-as-a-service] Solution
Certero help organizations transform their outdated operations and technologies in days and weeks not years. All of Certero’s solutions can be delivered as SaaS with no loss of functionality.
Certero Unified Platform
Learn more about Certero’s truly unique ‘unified’ platform.
Digital Transformation Edition
Transform in days and weeks, not months and years, start your journey now.
Verified Oracle LMS/GLAS Solution
Verified LMS (License Management Services), now GLAS (Global Licensing & Advisory Services) solution.
Cloud Management
Manage Visibility, Cost and Governance of your Cloud Resources
Enterprise Standard Edition – ITAM / SAM for Wintel
Default solution to manage ITAM/SAM for a Wintel environment.
Enterprise Premium Edition – ITAM / SAM for Wintel
All you need in one place to manage your ITAM/SAM for a Wintel & Citrix environment.
Datacenter
Stand-a-lone or holistic solutions for IBM, SAP and Oracle.
Software License Compliance
One Stop Shop, products and services for any solution – all in one
Business Intelligence Solution
See how to turn DATA into INFORMATION then transform into KNOWLEDGE, all in a few clicks.
IT Asset Visibility
Find out: What do I own? Where is it located? Who is using it?
ITSM & CMDB Integration
Populating the CMDB with ‘Quality’ asset information is more critical than ever
SaaS Subscription Management
Discover, manage and optimize your SaaS investments.
Everything in One place, True Unification
Certero for Enterprise ITAM
Networks, printers, routers, Wintel, Mac, Linux, zLinux, Unix, all virtualizations and much more….
Certero for Enterprise SAM
Focused on Wintel software vendors, including automated solutions for Microsoft, Adobe and much more…
Certero App Centre
Enterprise ‘Application Portal’ for Self-Service application provisioning.
Certero for Mobile
Go beyond standard MDM and deliver full management and security for your mobile workforce.
Certero SRDB (Software Recognition)
Transform raw software inventory data into actionable intelligence about application usage and licensing.
Certero for Oracle
Optimize your Oracle Database, Middleware and E-Business Suite applications.
Certero for IBM
Discover and manage all IBM software & entitlements across the network. Dual Inventory, ILMT and Certero.
Certero for SAP Applications
Managing and automating the analysis of complex SAP named user and engine licenses across your estate.
Passworks
An intuitive self-service password reset solution that can reduce service desk calls by 30%.
PowerStudio
PC Power Management solution. Save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
See, Manage and Eliminate Over-Spending with your SaaS Subscriptions.
Certero
Technology Led
Services
Strategic Services
Tactical Services
Certero Channel Partner Program
Our Partner Program opens up Certero solutions to a global network of partners – enabling customers to work with the trusted solution and service providers that know them best.
Join the Partner Program
Information on tiers and ease of doing business.
Deal Registrations
Submit your deal-registrations.
Launching the Program
Highest-rated major SAM vendor on Gartner Peer Insights, launch global Partner Program.
Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice
Rated #1 for SAM Customer Satisfaction year after year, after year
Blog
For the latest in ITAM, SAM, Cloud and SaaS Asset Management
White Papers and eBooks
Download the latest white papers and eBooks for key insights and guides.
News
Read the latest news from Certero and the industry.
Events and Webinars
Keep up to date with Certero’s latest webinars and events.
Videos
View our range of product videos, webinars and customer case studies.
Data Sheets
Download our datasheets which highlight the key benefits and features of our world class products and services.
Case Studies
See how organization around the globe change they way they [Do IT].
We think [and do] IT Differently
About Us
Get to know us more
Our Story
See how our approach is different
Our Journey
A timeline of events
Our Vision, Mission and Purpose
Mission, Purpose and Values
Careers
Browse our current roles
Locations
Find our nearest location