Candidate Resource Guide for Exam 70-673

Preparation Guide for Exam 70-673

TS: Designing, Assessing and Optimizing Software Asset Management (SAM)

This test preparation guide was created by Agnitio Advisors info@agnitioadvisors.com,

www.agnitioadvisors.com.

Introduction
This study guide for Exam 70-673 is intended to give you the depth of knowledge and
resources to become successful and demonstrate your experience to design, implement and
optimize a Software Asset Management (SAM) program, use the SAM Optimization Model to
accurately evaluate SAM processes, policies, and tools. The study guide is not intended to be
a cheat sheet, but to provide the resources and information for you to study to prepare for
the certification exam.

Audience Profile
Exam 70-673 measures your ability to understand, develop and assess various aspects
related to the Software Asset Management (SAM) environment. The exam is designed for
candidates with three years of on-the-job experience in an IT environment.
The candidate should be familiar with business processes and audit procedures, for example,
ITIL SAM-related standards and ISO/IEC 19770 standards that support the SAM life cycle.
Specific process areas the candidate should be familiar with include acquisition, inventory,
discovery, deployment, reconciliation, maintenance, and retirement processes.

Core IO Integration
Software Asset Management plays a key role in all sizes of organizations and is now
integrated with the Core IO Infrastructure Optimization Model in 2 key areas: Client Services
Model and Data Center Services Model. The Core Infrastructure Optimization (IO) model
helps organizations better understand and strive for a more secure, well-managed, and
dynamic core infrastructure that will help enable them to reduce their overall IT costs, make
better use of IT resources, and make IT a strategic asset for the business. This model
supports IT professionals in the management of servers, desktops, mobile devices, and
applications and in achieving efficient resource usage to help eliminate unnecessary costs
and complexity, ensure that the business is always up and running, and establish a
responsive infrastructure.

Summary of skills required

Software Asset Management (SAM) cannot be done
solely by implementing a software product and
expecting that product to automatically track and
manage all software licenses. To create an effective SAM

People
People

Process
Process

T
echnology
Technology

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program, organizations must put effort into all three key components of SAM People,
Process and Technology.
The 70-673 exam tests the candidate's knowledge of the key areas involved in
understanding, developing and/or assessing a company's SAM program.
People
The candidate must be aware that training, communication and awareness of roles and
responsibilities have a very large impact in having a successful SAM program. Candidates
must have a background on various training programs and policies that an organization
should implement to ensure a successful SAM program including corporate software policies,
end-user training and vendor sponsored training programs.
Process
The candidate must understand all the processes required to implement a successful SAM
program. The ISO standard - ISO/IEC 19770-1:2006 Information technology Software asset
management Part 1: Processes outlines 70 different process areas that should be
addressed. The Microsoft SAM Optimization Model focuses on 10 of those process areas.
The candidate must have a very solid understanding of the SAM Optimization Model, and a
good understanding of the additional processes specified in the ISO/IEC 19770-1:2006
standard.
Technology
The candidate needs to understand the process of software license entitlement
reconciliation. The candidate must understand how software inventory is captured, what
license data is required and how it can be captured and how this information can be
reconciled. This knowledge is critical both for SAM practitioners as well as for SAM
auditors. The candidate should be knowledgeable of the tools and technologies available in
the market to aid in the reconciliation of software licenses.
This document provides references a candidate for Exam 70-673 can use to locate
information relative to the material covered within the exam.

SAM Optimization Model

The SAM Optimization Model (SOM) provides a strong framework for the development,
assessment and improvement of a SAM program. This model provides a process to evaluate
a SAM program based on 10 key competencies. Each competency is assessed at one of 4
different maturity levels.

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The candidate should be very familiar with the SAM Optimization Model and the key
performance indicators that identify the appropriate maturity level for each competency.
The candidate should also be aware of how the SAM Optimization Model can be used within
an organization to assess and optimize a SAM program.

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Reference Materials
The following web sites provide information that covers all aspects of the 70-673 exam.
Candidates should be familiar with the concepts discussed in these sites and have a strong
working knowledge of how SAM programs should be implemented in a corporate
environment.
Microsofts listing for Exam 70-673

Information related to:

People
Process
Technology
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-673.aspx

This site provides:

An overview of the exam

Information on the targeted audience for the exam
Skills measured by the exam

Candidates should ensure they have a strong background in SAM and are
comfortable with demonstrating all skills being tested.

Microsofts Practice Test for Exam

70-673

Information related to:

People
Process

Technology
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/management/registrationex/LM
S_Registration.aspx?UserMode=0&Mode=0&ActivityID=576132
This site requires a logon users can sign up as registered members to access this
information at no charge.
This practice test will help you prepare for the Microsoft Certification Exam 70-673 "Designing, Assessing, and Optimizing Software Asset Management (SAM)," by
providing you an environment similar to the exam. The practice questions nearly
match those that appear in the real exam, and cover all topics, skills, and
objectives measured in Exam 70-673.
At the end of the practice test you will review comments on the correct answer for
each question to help correct your mistakes. You can complete the practice test as
many times as you like until you feel ready for the real test. Good luck!

Microsoft general information on

SAM

Information related to:

People
Process
Technology

http://www.microsoft.com/sam
The Microsoft SAM sites provide a wealth of information on the benefits of SAM as
well as information on:

The SAM Optimization Model

Developing support for SAM within an organization
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Information on how to implement a SAM program

Information on tools and partners available for organizations

Candidates should understand all information accessible from this link.

Microsoft Volume Licensing
Information

Information related to:

People
Process
Technology
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/default.mspx

This site provides information related to the various Microsoft volume licensing
offerings as well as links to various related topics including:

Volume licensing overview

Volume licensing programs (includes downloads of the agreements for
review)
Information on the Software Assurance offering

Candidates should have a good understanding of volume license processes in

particular the key licensing use rights for the different volume licensing programs.
http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/Default.aspx
This site provides access to licensing terms, conditions and supplemental
information relevant to the use of products licensed through Microsoft Volume
Licensing Programs. This site provides information related to:

Product Use Rights (PUR)

Product list
Glossary of Microsoft licensing terms
Volume Licensing Support documents

The candidate should study and be aware of key licensing terms for the more
popular Microsoft products.
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/volbrief.mspx
This link provides direct access to briefs designed to clarify licensing policies for
different products and licensing models. Particular attention should be given to
briefs of popular products and some of the more common licensing questions,
including:

Office licensing
Virtualization
Re-imaging
Downgrade rights
Multicores and hyper threaded processor licensing
OEM licensing details

Candidates should understand the considerations that must be taken into account
by a SAM program to ensure a company's license compliance.

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https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/pages/licensing/get-licensing-ready.aspx
This site requires a logon users can sign up as registered members to access this
information at no charge.
This series of training materials and on-line training courses provides the
information required to understand the basics of Microsoft's volume licensing
programs.
Candidates should have a good understanding of where, when and how customers
should use Volume licensing. The candidate should also have a good
understanding of the use rights available for customers who use volume licensing
for their purchases.

Microsoft SAM Optimization Model

Information related to:

People
Process

Technology
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?
EventID=1032369765&EventCategory=5&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US
This site provides a link to the webcast presented by Michael Beare introducing the
Microsoft SAM Optimization Model. It's recommended that the candidate view the
presentation as well as download the presentation for further study. The
downloaded presentation must be opened in read-only mode.
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/management/registrationex/LM
S_Registration.aspx?UserMode=0&Mode=0&ActivityID=590810
This site requires a logon users can sign up as registered members to access this
information at no charge.
This webcast recording is presented by Jonathan Naseath from KPMG and provides
details on how to conduct a SAM Optimization Model assessment, looking at each
of the 10 KPI of the SAM Optimization Model.

Microsoft General SAM Training

Materials

Information related to:

People
Process

Technology
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/management/registrationex/LM
S_Registration.aspx?UserMode=0&Mode=0&ActivityID=500110
This site requires a logon users can sign up as registered members to access this
information at no charge.
This link provides training on Software Asset Management Essentials.
Candidates should understand all the concepts provided in a high level course such
as this.

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General SAM reference links

Information related to:

People
Process
Technology

http://www.samguides.com
This Agnitio Advisors site provides links to a variety of reference material that can
be found on the web including:

Assessment models
SAM Communication venues
Copyright information
Professional organizations
SAM training programs
ISO/IEC 19770 information (on current and future SAM standards)
Standards organizations

Candidates may want to explore additional links from this web site to further their
understanding of the SAM market and SAM processes.

Tools and Technology focus

The following resources provide information on Microsoft tools and technology that are
helpful in developing and/or improving a SAM program.
Microsoft System Center
Configuration Manager

Information related to:

People
Process
Technology

http://www.microsoft.com/sccm
This site provides information on Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager.
Information on this site is product centric and provides:

Overview details on the product

Datasheets,
Virtual Labs
TechNet documents

The candidate should be aware of the fundamental capabilities of System Center

Configuration Manager and how this product compares to other products provided
by Microsoft.

Microsoft System Management

Server

Information related to:

People
Process
Technology

http://www.microsoft.com/sms
This site provides information on Microsoft's System Management Server.
Information on this site is product centric and provides:
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Overview details on the product

Datasheets,
Virtual Labs
TechNet documents

The candidate should be aware of the fundamental capabilities of System

Management Server and how this product compares to other products provided by
Microsoft. NOTE: the new version of System Management Server is System Center
Configuration Manager; but many organizations have not implemented System
Center Configuration Manager.

Microsoft Active Directory

Information related to:

People
Process
Technology
http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/adaug.aspx

This site provides information on Microsoft's Active Directory. Links from this site
provide educational aspects of Active Directory and how it can be implemented in
corporate environments. Information includes:

Webcasts
Virtual Labs
Podcasts

The candidate should be aware of how Active Directory can be used to manage and
track software and hardware.

Microsoft Group Policy

Information related to:

People
Process

Technology
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/grouppolicy/default.aspx
This site provides a wealth of information on how Microsoft's Group Policy is
implemented and used for administration of corporate networked computers. The
candidate should focus on Intellimirror features and limitations including how
Intellimirror can be used to administer and report on software installations.
The candidate should be aware how Group Policy is used to manage software.

Microsoft Assessment and

Planning (MAP) Toolkit

Information related to:

People
Process
Technology

http://www.microsoft.com/map
This site provides information on the Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP)
Toolkit. This free tool provides inventory data for core Microsoft products installed
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on both local and network connected computers, and provides CAL usage tracking
reporting along with readiness assessments for Virtualization planning and Office
2010 upgrades.
Candidates should understand what the MAP Toolkit is capable of inventorying, the
tools limitations and when it should or should not be used.

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Additional sites for Partners
The following sites require that individuals be associated with companies that are active in
the Microsoft Partner Network, however some resources are restricted to those members
who have met additional qualifications of being in the Software Asset Management
Competency. For more information on these Microsoft Partner Programs, visit
https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/pages/membership/software-asset-managementcompetency.aspx.
Microsoft SAM Webcast Series
Information related to:
(Available only to Microsoft
People
Process

Partners)
Technology
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/management/LMS_ActDetails.as
px?UserMode=0&ActivityId=584434
This site requires a logon users can sign up as registered members to access this
information at no charge.
Explore best practices used by Software Asset Management (SAM) professionals:
take advantage of webcast and articles presented by SAM Partners and Microsoft
employees.
Candidates should have a strong understanding of all subjects covered in these
training sessions.

Microsoft SAM Optimization Model Information related to:

(Available only to Microsoft
People
Process

Partners)
Technology
https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/pages/licensing/software-assetmanagement-optimization-model.aspx
This site provides information on the Microsoft SAM Optimization Model, including:

Resource guide
Brochures
White papers
Online tutorial
Workbooks

Candidates should have a very strong understanding of the Microsoft SAM

Optimization Model, including the key competencies, key performance indicators
and how to apply these details to a SAM program assessment.

Microsoft Partner Network site Information related to:

SAM Competency Exam Resources
People
Process

(Available only to Microsoft

Technology
Partners)
https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/pages/membership/prepare-samcompetency-exam.aspx
This site provides specific information primarily for Microsoft Partners who have
achieved the SAM Competency with Microsoft.

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Training
Webcast
SAM Optimization Assessments
SAM Tool Provider Directory

Microsoft SAM Training

Curriculums

Information related to:

People
Process

Technology
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/taxonomy/learnerSearch/Learne
rSearch.aspx?
Savedsearch=1&UserMode=0&searchText=sam_partner&LAChecked=1&SSChecke
d=1&SSEnabled=0&isSSUserSelected=0&goClicked=0&searchCategory=2&curren
tView=0&calLocationFilterChanged=1
This site requires a logon users can sign up as registered members to access this
information at no charge.
The training courses available through the curriculums cover the following subject
matter

Volume Licensing programs, including: Enterprise Agreements, Open and

Select Volume Licensing, SPLA, Rental Rights
How to read and understand the MLS
Microsoft SAM inventory and discovery tools (MAP, AIS, System Center, and
others)
Virtualization licensing models
Windows 7, Windows Server and Microsoft Office licensing programs and
rules
Conducting a SAM Engagement

Microsoft SAM Engagment Level

200 Web Based Trainings

Information related to:

People
Process

Technology
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/taxonomy/learnerSearch/Learne
rSearch.aspx?
Savedsearch=1&UserMode=0&searchText=sam+for+it+professionals&LAChecked
=1&SSChecked=1&SSEnabled=0&isSSUserSelected=0&goClicked=0&searchCateg
ory=2&currentView=0&calLocationFilterChanged=1
This site requires a logon users can sign up as registered members to access this
information at no charge.
These level 200 online training courses focus on successfully conducting one of the
three Microsoft SAM customer engagements
SAM Baseline Engagements
SAM Assessment Engagements
SAM Deployment Planning Engagements

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About Agnitio Advisors

About Agnitio Advisors
Agnitio Advisors provides consulting services to assess, develop and optimize organization IT
practices. Projects are structured around industry standards including ISO/IEC 19770-1, the
Microsoft SAM Optimization Model and ITIL.
Agnitio Advisors applies years of experience from hundreds of projects in organizations of all
sizes and market segments to ensure the correct projects are implemented at the right
stage of organizational maturity to maximize customer benefits. Projects are based on a
pragmatic approach to cost savings, cost avoidance and process efficiency. Managing
software effectively provides significant benefits beyond the traditional IT Asset
Management (ITAM) focus. Agnitio Advisors can help organizations establish more effective
and measurable security policies, improve device stability and decrease help desk costs,
among other things.
Agnitio Advisors' consultants have real world experience in auditing, implementation and
tool evaluation as well as a high degree of focus on policies, processes and workflows for
effective IT practices. Through these experiences, Agnitio Advisors has been recognized by
many industry organizations as highly valued partners. A few highlights of the recognitions
received by Agnitio Advisors include:

Microsoft Certified Partner with a competency in Software Asset Management

Recognized as Fellows of the International Association of IT Asset Management
(IAITAM)
Regular judges for the SIIA CODiE awards in the Software Asset Management
category
Convener for the ISO/IEC 19770-2 standard for Software Identification Tags

Agnitio Advisors consultants are brought into a project for their knowledge, practical
experience and value-based approach to assisting customers. Agnitio Advisors remains
involved in projects due to their ability to work effectively within a customer's requirements
and resource limitations.
For more information about Agnitio Advisors, contact us or visit us on the web at
http://www.agnitioadvisors.com/info/.

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