TOP CHALLENGES FACING THE MODERN ITAM LEADER 
Prioritizing security concerns 

A 2023 IBM study revealed that the average global cost of a data breach is $4.45 million USD. It’s clear that ITAM leaders need to prioritize security in the coming years. However, mitigating these threats is a complex task.  
ITAM leaders must remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, including phishing, domain/email spoofing and malware. They also need to address internal vulnerabilities, such as missing protocols, generational knowledge gaps among users, and the lack of visibility into the business’s hardware, software and data assets.  
By focusing on these areas, ITAM leaders can significantly reduce security risks and protect their organizations from costly data breaches.

Navigating increasing complexity  

The scope of ITAM is growing steadily, encompassing increasingly complex hybrid environments. Today, ITAM spans everything from traditional on-premises applications and infrastructure to cloud services, IoT devices and containers.  
New technology is a key driver of ITAM’s expansion. The cloud-first approach many CIOs have adopted, the rise in mergers and acquisitions, and the need for SAM tools that cater to FinOps, Cloud and SaaS functions are all contributing factors. By embracing these advancements, ITAM can continue to evolve and meet the diverse needs of modern organizations.  

Breaking down silos  

Even within traditional IT departments, silos are prevalent, often resulting in conflicting priorities between ITAM and security teams. This misalignment can lead to several issues:  

• Decentralized purchasing: Silos contribute to shadow IT and unpredictable spending patterns, especially for cloud and SaaS  
• Limited visibility: Without a unified approach, there’s no single view of the truth, hindering effective decision-making  
• Sub-optimal resource allocation: Silos limit opportunities for optimal resource allocation and upskilling, reducing overall efficiency  

Addressing these challenges is crucial for achieving seamless collaboration and maximizing the potential of IT assets.  

 STEPS TO SUCCESS IN 2025 AND BEYOND  
Key focus areas for ITAM leaders to ensure a smarter, more successful future 

1.  ITAM and FinOps convergence 

This collaboration enables teams to master economies of scale for cloud spending and maximize the business value of both ITAM and the cloud. 

2.  Shift from point tools to comprehensive platforms 

Consolidation is a critical component of ITAM success. Leaders should implement platforms that deliver real-time results and offer these key advantages: 

• Unifying management across on-premises software, hardware, SaaS and cloud 
• Sharing data with financial systems to enhance accuracy 
• Ensuring procurement, finance, and legal teams operate using the same processes 

3.  Focus on spend optimization 

With a robust ITAM/SAM platform in place, ITAM managers can focus on cost optimization. This holistic view allows them to reduce license fees, training costs and resources wasted on managing relationships with multiple vendors, elevating them into driving strategic decision-making and innovation.