Performing SaaS discovery and inventorying all the software installed on a company’s on-premises environment has always been a challenging task. But at least we know where to look: servers, desktops, and laptops, often with clearer and more mature methods. Even with the addition of mobile devices, the basic concept remains the same — it’s about discovering what’s installed and consolidating data sources.
But the scenario has changed drastically with the digital transformation accelerated by the pandemic and the advancement of the model SaaS (Software as a Service). Now, we have a new challenge: how to discover and manage SaaS inventory, which is often outside the direct reach of IT?
The impact of BYOD and home office
The adoption of the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) has intensified in recent years, especially with the rise of remote work. Employees access SaaS tools on their own devices, often without any oversight from the IT team. And let’s be honest: no one wants to install a corporate inventory agent on their personal laptop.
This creates a huge blind spot for IT: software is used for corporate purposes, but without visibility or control. And if software is being used for work, it should, in theory, be properly licensed for corporate use — which is rarely guaranteed in this context.
SaaS: The New Inventory Black Hole
In the SaaS world, the presence of an application on a device does not necessarily mean that there is an active subscription. And even if there is, Who is using it? How much does it cost? Is it being used efficiently?
SaaS discovery and inventory has evolved to answer questions that go far beyond “what’s installed?”. Now, we want to know:
- Are there duplicate or underutilized subscriptions?
- What SaaS tools are in use within the organization?
- Who are the users of each application?
- How much is being spent on each?
What to expect from SaaS discovery in 2025?
In 2025, the scenario is clear: Companies that do not have full visibility into their SaaS assets are exposed to financial, compliance and security risks. The volume of applications in use grows exponentially, often without IT approval — the famous Shadow IT.
Modern discovery tools have evolved to address this new reality. They not only identify SaaS usage, but also help to:
- Increase IT governance.
- Consolidate data from multiple sources;
- Analyze adoption and engagement levels;
- Identify savings opportunities;
Do you want to better understand what is in use in your company?
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