Decoding ITAM Jargon: Your Guide to Terms and Abbreviations

When discussing asset management, it’s easy to get lost in different terms, abbreviations and jargon even if you have been working on the field for a longer time. Learning all of these can be quite useful as you will see and hear them a lot.

We’ve listed the most commonly used IT asset management terms and abbreviations, along with their explanations.

Here are the most common IT asset management related abbreviations and terms:

Asset

In short, an asset can be anything from a device, software, or other equipment that your organization owns and/or uses. Regarding IT asset management, we typically speak about computers, laptops, phones, monitors, AV equipment, servers, headphones, docks etc.

EOL

EOL stands for End of Life. This term is used for devices that have reached the end of their lifecycle at your organization. When this happens, it is typically time to sell the decommissioning device for reuse or scrap it if it has no value. EOL is an important part of your ITAD processes.

ISO 27001

ISO 27001 is a standard for managing information security within an organization. It includes best practices on how to set up, maintain, and improve information security within an organization.

As security is an important aspect of IT asset management, ISO 27001 is something you should demand from your ITAM software.

ITAD

ITAD, or IT asset disposition, is a term used when talked about practices regarding safe and responsible disposal of old or unused IT assets. This includes wiping data, recycling, or reselling assets that are no longer in use. 

Tip: Some modern ITAM solutions offer tools that help you to automate and improve your ITAD processes.

ITAM

ITAM stands for IT asset management. ITAM can refer to practices or software that help you keep track of your organization’s IT assets. ITAM is essentially an umbrella term that includes multiple different concepts.  For example device procurement, management, and eventually recycling or returns. 

Looking for new ITAM software? Let us introduce IDR to you.

ITSM

ITSM, or Information Technology Service Management, is all about how IT teams handle and deliver different IT services to employees and other stakeholders. It involves various processes that are designed to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Lifecycle Management

Lifecycle Management for IT assets covers everything from procurement to management and eventually to recycling or disposal. The goal is to get the best value of your assets throughout their entire lifespan while ensuring data security.

UEM

UEM stands for Unified Endpoint Management. The term typically refers to standardized practices or software solutions used to manage and secure end-user devices within an organization. 

These devices can be, for example, laptops, phones, or tablets. Good examples of UEM software are Microsoft Intune, VMware Workspace ONE, Jamf and Google Workspace.

MDM

MDM, or Mobile Device Management, often refers to a tool that monitors mobile devices such as phones and tablets that your organization uses. Key features of MDMs include automatic enrollment, software updates, usage tracking, security management, and remote data wiping.

OEM

In asset management, OEM refers to Original Equipment Manufacturer. Basically, the company that has manufactured the device. Each IT asset has a warranty time that has been determined by the OEM manufacturer and this manufacturer or its maintenance partners will handle any maintenance during the warranty period.

On-Premise

On-Premises refers to software and other technology that is installed on an organization’s own servers/computers instead of being hosted outside the company. 

Did you know that some ITAM solutions can be hosted on-premise; however, cloud hosting is more common as it offers you greater flexibility and easier access.

Learn how Paf reimagined their asset management and save more than 13 hours per week.