SaaSMe Unfiltered: The SaaS Management Podcast

With SaaS adoption skyrocketing in recent years, Software Asset Management leaders are juggling both on-premises and SaaS tools. But what worked for on-premises software simply won't work for SaaS. Managing both types of software demands distinctly different tools and strategies. In this episode, Ben Pippenger breaks down the key differences and shares the winning formula for holistic SaaS managem...

How well are your SaaS apps being used? If you don’t have access to usage data, you’re left in the dark. And that means there’s no way to effectively optimize licensing or make the most of your software investments. In this episode, Ben Pippenger debunks the myth that direct integrations reign supreme and how to get usage data you can act upon. Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anythin...

Tightening budgets. Soaring SaaS prices. The rise of purchasing software in marketplaces. With these shifts, Procurement has their work cut out for them. But there’s a huge opportunity for procurement leaders to be strategic business partners when it comes to software purchasing and renewals. In this episode, Ben Pippenger shares his optimism for Procurement and what teams need to prioritize in 20...

Whether you call them resolutions or goals, setting your intentions for what you want to achieve for the year creates accountability. For IT leaders, there are a lot of shiny objects. What initiatives are going to make an impact this year? In this episode, Ben Pippenger uncovers five key priorities your IT organization needs to focus on 2024. Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything?...

Innovation is key to differentiating your organization in the market and helping you better serve your customers. Yet, it can feel impossible to find the budget to fund it. Enter SaaS management. In this episode, Ben Pippenger shares how SaaS management enables you to drive measurable cost savings that you can use to reinvest in innovation and projects that will be transformational for the busines...

Companies spend a lot on Infrastructure and even more on SaaS. Yet, the market has seen Cloud growth drop dramatically. Clearly, companies have prioritized optimization of their cloud investments. Why aren’t they putting the same emphasis on SaaS optimization? In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains three reasons why, the opportunity at-hand for SaaS cost reduction, and his rallying cry for SaaS m...

Redundant applications get a bad rap. Between wasted spend, low adoption, and operational inefficiencies, you’d think eliminating all redundancies would be the answer. Think again. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains when application redundancy may be ok, factors to consider in your strategy, and best practices to consolidate your software. Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anythin...

Optimizing your SaaS spend has a tangible impact on your company’s bottom line and ability to innovate. If you’re not reporting on the value you’re driving, you’re doing your company – and yourself – a disservice. In this episode, Ben Pippenger breaks down the growing need for managing SaaS costs, why quantifying program value is so hard, and what you need to tie savings results directly back to y...

With 20+ years of IT experience, Keith Sarbaugh has led SaaS management at some of the biggest names in pharma – Eli Lilly & Co, Biogen, and now Zoetis. What’s his secret for driving impact at scale with the business complexities of a pharmaceutical company? In this episode, Sarbaugh lets us in on his enterprise SaaS management strategy, indelible moments that shaped his career, and the bigges...

Just as “Googling” has assimilated into our vernacular, it’s not uncommon for someone to say, “Let’s Zoom,” when asking to video chat. Soaring into popularity during the pandemic, Zoom has become an integral tool for businesses today. It’s also an application ripe for optimization. In this episode, Ben Pippenger examines the complexities of SaaS licensing, the ins and outs of Zoom licensing, and a...

SaaS suppliers are increasing prices at mind-boggling percentages on a spend category that’s already through the roof. That makes getting a favorable renewal feel like a losing scenario. But according to procurement pro and SaaS negotiator Dylan Margonari, there are ways to find a win. In this episode, Margonari delves into how to prepare for your upcoming renewals, the big gotchas in SaaS contrac...

SaaS governance often feels like a four-letter word, yet it’s critical to mitigate risk. The challenge is finding the right balance that enables productivity and innovation without putting your organization in harm’s way. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains SaaS governance, why it’s important, and how to determine the right strategy for your organization.  Have a question you’d like answe...

Rome wasn’t built in a day – and neither is your SaaS management program. Yet it can often feel intimidating to get started, especially for smaller teams. Did this deter the IT team at Juni from getting started? Not a chance! They accepted the challenge, confident in the results it could garner for the business. In this episode, Gibson Schnurr, TechOps Lead, shares an inside look at Juni’s path to...

For many procurement pros, managing SaaS renewals can feel like navigating a black diamond slope with one ski. Without the right equipment, you’ll finish the run with bumps and bruises – if at all. Likewise, organizations often fall short with renewals due to a lack of process, resources, and data. In this episode, you’ll uncover common challenges with renewals, what a scalable process looks like,...

“Execute with precision and lead with a vision” is the mantra Shravya Ravi lives and breathes as a software asset management leader. From supporting software management strategies as a consultant at Deloitte to leading an innovative SaaS management program today at LinkedIn, Shravya is a powerhouse. In this episode, she shares the secrets to building your personal brand as a SAM leader – no matter...

Overages, true-ups, rogue software purchases, and rising SaaS costs are just a few wrenches that can throw off your software budget. To meet your financial goals, it’s important to forecast your SaaS expenditure as accurately as possible – especially since it’s often your second or third largest spend category. In this episode, Ben Pippenger shares what steps you need to take to accurately budget...

With all the potential threats to your organization, it’s easy to fall victim to the Chicken Little mentality. But expounding “the sky is falling” only drives you further from your security goals. That’s why seasoned Chief Information Security Officer Steve Gentry believes security leaders must be business leaders first. In this episode, Steve explains this philosophy, the importance of data over...

If you feel like software is costing you more and more, it’s not a figment of your imagination. It’s a real phenomenon – and according to Gartner will continue at a rate of 15-20% annually. How do you curb steep and unexpected price increases at renewal time? Set a price cap in your SaaS contract. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains what price caps are, why they’re important, and tips to deter...

If you’re wondering whether SaaS management is a must-have or nice-to-have, you’re not alone. As we look back at our guests from the past few seasons, each one has had a unique journey finding the answer for themselves. In this episode, we’ve compiled some of our favorite SaaSMe Unfiltered moments  – stories of stumbling through “oh shit” moments, building a business case and how SaaS managem...

SaaS management is not just a function of IT. It requires a partnership with Finance to be a successful business-led initiative. But sometimes it can be daunting to approach your CFO to get buy-in. In this episode, you’ll learn why SaaS is a challenge for CFOs, the importance of getting them on board, and a blueprint of the business case to get your CFO to say ‘yes’ to a SaaS management platform....

CFOs are no longer just financial gatekeepers. They’ve evolved into strategic advisors that drive impact and alignment across the organization. Today, three-time CFO Russell Lester is living and breathing this elevated role. In this episode, Russell shares his secrets to leveling-up as a CFO, what it takes to build a successful partnership with IT, and how he’s driving business results with SaaS m...

At face value, Procurement intake looks relatively straightforward. Yet the complexity of the decision making process can often make it arduous. With as much as 40% of spend going toward SaaS purchases, it’s not surprising that Procurement wants to ease the burden. But is a separate system just for software worth it? In this episode, Ben Pippenger explores the challenges of intake and the best str...

Looking for insights and best practices from a successful software management team? You don’t want to miss this episode with Ash Rai, who helped build the successful software asset management program at Adobe. Recorded live at SaaSMe 2023, Ash shares his lessons learned and answers attendees' burning software management questions. Key Takeaways: [00:00 - 02:56] Introduction to Adobe's As...