SaaS Licences: 30% of Them Go Unused

Many companies face difficulties in controlling and monitoring the actual usage of SaaS licences.

Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions have become a popular choice for organisations looking to streamline operations and reduce costs. However, according to data compiled by the consultancy Gartner, a worrying problem has emerged: approximately 30 % of SaaS licences purchased by companies go unused, representing a significant waste of resources and an unnecessary financial burden.

The SaaS model offers numerous benefits, such as flexibility, scalability and continuous software upgrades. However, many companies are at a crossroads, as they seek to take advantage of these benefits, but also face the challenges of managing and optimising the licences purchased.

Lack of monitoring and oversight

The fact that 30% of SaaS licences are not being used is a clear sign that there is an underlying problem in the management of these solutions. One of the main reasons for this under-utilisation is the lack of monitoring and supervision by companies. Often, organisations purchase licences on an ad hoc basis, but do not regularly monitor whether these licences are still relevant or whether they can be reduced or reallocated more efficiently.

In addition, many companies face difficulties in controlling and monitoring the actual usage of SaaS licences. Lack of visibility and control can lead to inappropriate allocation of licences, resulting in wasted resources. Without a clear understanding of who is using which licence and how often, organisations cannot optimise their software investment.

Economic and operational implications

Under-utilisation of SaaS licences has not only economic but also operational implications. By not utilising the full functionality and capabilities of SaaS solutions, companies do not take full advantage of the potential of these tools to boost their efficiency and productivity. In addition, maintenance and support of unused licences remains an ongoing cost, increasing the financial burden for organisations.

To address this problem, it is critical that companies establish an effective SaaS licence management process. This involves regularly tracking licence usage, assessing the relevance of licences, and reallocating or cancelling licences that are not being used optimally. It is also important to have tools and systems in place that provide visibility and control over SaaS licences to optimise their allocation and ensure their proper use.