Software Asset + Cloud Services Konferenz (SACS) Rückblick

The first Software Asset + Cloud Services Conference (SACS) took place on September 21 and 22, 2022 in Frankfurt/Main. Organized by Voice e.V. and Complion, the gathering of IT executives, vendor managers, IT buyers and license/contract managers offered both interesting technical presentations and a great opportunity for knowledge exchange as well as networking.

Around 100 participants gathered at the Westin Grand in the heart of Frankfurt for two days of exchanging experiences with Software Asset & Efficiency Management and Commercial Cloud Management. The conference is characterized by the fact that IT managers and license managers are among themselves and there is no sponsoring by external providers. Instead, users and experts from the associations Voice e.V., DSAG, DOAG and MBUF come together at SACS for a trusting exchange in a "familiar" atmosphere.

In almost 40 presentations, workshops and panel discussions, topics around compliance and profitability, organization and processes, demand management, contract clauses and legal lifehacks, as well as tools for on-premises software and cloud services could be discussed.

In addition to the technical input, the lectures and workshops always focused on the exchange of experiences among the participants.

In the panel discussion with representatives from Volkswagen, Continental and thyssenkrupp, the change from the traditional SAM organization to a creative Software Asset & Cloud Service discipline in the company was discussed.

The Vendor Observer Competence Center of Voice e.V. (more information can be found on the VOICE website under the following link), which normally reports on the changes and innovations at the major software and cloud providers in a monthly virtual session, was represented on site at SACS with four live sessions. In a combination of presentation and moderated discussion, topics such as Cloud FinOps, the cost-efficient procurement of Microsoft Online Services and empirical values with the deployment and licensing models of SAP S/4HANA were considered here in particular.

Participants were also able to exchange professional ideas outside of the presentations and community discussions. The venue provided ample opportunities for this with culinary highlights and lounge areas. The evening event on the first day of the conference could also be used for discussions and networking.

After the successful realization of the first event this year, the planning for 2023 has already started. The date of SACS 2023 will be published shortly. It is best to make a note of the date then already. You can already look forward to an exciting program next year.

Author: Tobias Philipsen