SaaSMe Unfiltered: The SaaS Management Podcast

Big things are happening behind the scenes at SaaSMe Unfiltered! In this short update, Cory Wheeler shares why the podcast is taking a brief break, and what you can look forward to when we return this fall. Learn how to stay connected so you're the first to know when new episodes drop.Chapters00:00 Introduction0:19 SaaSMe Unfiltered Season 5 Update0:39 Ways to Stay Connected

SaaS sprawl doesn’t fix itself—smart operations do. Vlad Tsapko, VP of Business Operations at Insurity, breaks down how his team built a functional, data-driven SaaS Management program that reduces waste and supports business growth. In this episode, you’ll hear why SaaS Ops is essential for managing big software spend, how data integrity supports smarter decisions, and why continuous improvement keeps the program effective over time.Chapters00:00 Introduction to SaaS Operations03:19 Defining SaaS Ops and Its Importance05:35 Building a SaaS Management Program07:31 Cost Savings and Budgeting Strategies10:25 Establishing a SaaS System of Record12:53 Data Integrity and Business Buy-In15:40 Optimizing Renewals and Negotiations17:17 Process for Renewal Preparation19:11 Driving Value at Renewal23:40 Vlad's Dream SaaS Ops Playbook25:44 Lessons for the Future

How do you bring order to SaaS sprawl without killing innovation? Aaron Bass, IT Operations Analyst at Imagine Learning, shares how the Business Transformation team became “ruckus makers for good,” driving structure, clarity, and true change management in a fast-growing, post-M&A environment. In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a steering committee that actually works, why visibility and ownership matter more than control, and what it takes to make decentralized SaaS Management sustainable.Chapters00:00 Decentralized SaaS Ownership: A Double-Edged Sword01:12 The Role of Business Transformation in SaaS Management04:20 Ruckus Makers for Good: The Philosophy Behind Change07:20 Integrating Organizational Change Management with SaaS09:41 Establishing a Steering Committee for SaaS Oversight12:28 Initial Focus and Priorities of the Steering Committee13:39 C-Suite Involvement in SaaS Decision-Making14:45 Key Data Points Driving Steering Committee Actions17:07 Game Changers in Decentralized SaaS Management17:38 Building a System of Truth for Effective Change Management

When an audit flagged opportunities in Hyatt’s software management program, Jennifer Clark used that as a launchpad to rethink SaaS governance from the ground up. Jennifer, Global IT Asset Manager at Hyatt Corporation, shares how consolidating data, understanding ownership, and embedding compliance into daily workflows turned audit preparedness into an always-on discipline. In this episode, you’ll learn how to streamline your audit processes, build collaboration between security and asset management, and make governance a shared responsibility across the organization.Chapters00:00 The Catalyst for Change: Audit Findings03:07 Building a Proactive SaaS Management Mindset06:16 Navigating the Audit Landscape: On-Prem vs. SaaS08:59 Establishing a Comprehensive Application Inventory11:52 Collaboration and Governance in SaaS Management14:42 Key Performance Indicators for SaaS Management17:15 Strategic Steps for Effective SaaS Management

After several attempts to launch a successful SaaS Management program, TJ Johnson recognized that the FinOps approach needed to shift. As Lead Architect for Platform Economics at MGM Resorts International, he shares how starting with visibility—before diving into optimization—helped his team finally gain traction. In this episode, you’ll learn the mindset change that made the difference, how to pick the right starting point, and what it really takes to make FinOps work for SaaS.Chapters00:00 Introduction to FinOps and SaaS Challenges01:51 Building a Software Management Program at MGM05:46 Tactics, Data, and Prioritization09:00 Implementing a New Software Intake Processes11:48 Standardizing Data with FinOps FOCUS14:39 Understanding the Differences Between Cloud and SaaS17:54 Evolving FinOps Practices for SaaS19:10 Making the Most of the FinOps Community21:09 Closing Thoughts

500+ applications. Stitched-together spreadsheets. No clear owners. That’s what Ksenia Kouchnirenko inherited when she joined Verkada as VP of Enterprise Operations & Technology. In this episode, she shares how she stood up a SaaS Management program from scratch to bring visibility, accountability, and strategy to software decisions. You’ll learn what it takes to start your own program, align stakeholders across IT and Procurement, and avoid early-phase pitfalls.Chapters00:00 Introduction to SaaS Management01:30 Identifying Gaps in SaaS Management03:34 The Role of Procurement in SaaS Management05:49 Defining the Value of SaaS Management08:21 Importance of Visibility in SaaS Management09:38 People, Process, and Technology Framework11:34 The Role of Automation in SaaS Management13:45 Lessons Learned from Previous SaaS Management Experiences16:16 Advice for IT Leaders on SaaS Management

What happens when a cloud FinOps expert takes on the unruly world of SaaS? Ridge Fussell, Senior Manager of FinOps at The Home Depot, reveals the surprising complexity behind managing SaaS at scale—and why it's nothing like managing cloud. In this episode, learn why SaaS Management requires a different mindset and the first step you need to take to gain control and drive value.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:32 Understanding SaaS vs. Cloud Management07:44 The Home Depot's Partnership Approach to Change Management09:30 Identifying Gaps in SaaS Visibility15:34 Crawl, Walk, Run: Building a SaaS Management Program21:48 How to Get Started: Don't Try to Boil the Ocean

When does Smartsheet renew? Are we getting a fair price for Zoom? Do we really need 100 enterprise licenses? Each SaaS renewal requires time to prepare so you can answer these questions – and more. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains SaaS renewal management and the ideal process you should follow to confidently tackle software renewals at scale.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways:[00:09 - 00:46] Helping with renewals[00:46 - 01:36] What is SaaS renewal management?[01:36 - 02:34] What is the ideal renewal process?[02:34 - 03:11] 120 days applies to most applications but there are exceptions[03:11 - 03:48] Determining quantity of licenses[03:48 - 04:27] Benchmark comparisons[04:27 - 04:59] Adding the agreement to your system of record[05:00 - 05:34] RecapSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

License waste runs unchecked in most organizations today. In fact, Zylo’s SaaS Management Index shows that on average 49% of licenses are unused each month, adding up to $18M in wasted spend each year. Sure, money speaks. But this risk goes beyond your bottom line, impacting security, operational efficiency, and value across the business. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains the importance of SaaS license management and outlines what an effective strategy looks like and the steps for execution.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:08 - 00:48] Organizations on average waste $18 million in SaaS licenses[00:48 - 02:26] What is SaaS license management[02:26 - 03:20] Decisions you need to make after obtaining usage data[03:20 - 04:34] How to reclaim SaaS licenses[04:34 - 05:05] RecapSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

How many applications do we really have? What apps are being expensed by employees? Are there potential security risks we don’t know about? You’ll get answers to these questions and more by practicing SaaS inventory management. In this episode, Ben Pippenger will explain the ins and outs of what it is, why it matters, and best practices you should follow.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:00 - 00:51] Companies spend three times more on SaaS than they think they do[00:48 - 02:03] What is SaaS inventory management?[00:48 - 02:24] Unlocking the Secrets of SaaS Inventory Management[02:04 - 04:08] AI-powered discovery and strategic portfolio management, three tiers of apps to work through[04:08 - 05:36] Onboarding applications and managing inventory[05:37 - 06:17] Quick winsSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

SaaS has shaken up the world of software and the lives of software asset management professionals everywhere. While it is daunting to wrap your arms around, SaaS is a gift in disguise – presenting SAM pros the opportunity to uplevel their careers. In fact, Joe Ryder, Senior Manager, Software Asset Management at McKesson, believes SAM has evolved to be a critical and strategic function in the enterprise. In this episode, Ryder reveals how software asset management pros can adapt their strategy to the cloud model, what they need to do differently when it comes to SaaS, and his prediction for what SAM looks like in five years.Key Takeaways[01:36 - 03:23] How SAM is ushering in a new era of accountability[04:13 - 06:22] Self-imposed and artificial barriers to adoption of SaaS management[09:48 - 10:58] AI and consumption level tracking[12:49 - 14:32] The growing iceberg of risk associated with individually expensed software and Shadow IT[21:42 - 24:36] The impact of attaching FinOps and SaaS to your infrastructure, and the impact on SAM practitioners[26:07 - 28:30] The next five years of SAM—More collaboration with architecture and security, new risks as technology evolvesAbout Joe RyderJoe Ryder is the Sr. Manager of Software Asset Management at McKesson. He has more than 10 years of software asset management experience and was previously a member of the world-class SAM team at Salesforce. If you’re a SAM leader or practitioner, you may have come across him on LinkedIn, sharing his thoughts and tips on maturing a SAM practice and upleveling your career in SAM. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.Want more great SaaS Management stories and content? Subscribe to our newsletter: https://zylo.com/newsletter-sign-up/ 

Lloyd and Harry. Buzz and Woody. Romy and Michele. We all love a great dynamic duo. But, what about IT and Procurement? According to Steve McKenzie, the IT Supplier Management Lead at Zoetis, IT and Procurement are the dream team of SaaS Management. In this episode, learn why this partnership is so critical to the enterprise, how to overcome common obstacles to collaboration, and the pivotal role data plays in fostering strategic alliances.Key Takeaways[01:20 - 02:34] Speaking the same language between Procurement and IT[02:35 - 05:45] How aligning the procurement and IT relationship has benefitted Steve and his team at Zoetis[10:18 - 12:40] Partner reactions and surprise when seeing renewal data from Zylo[13:50 - 17:59] Managing AI internally at Zoetis, taking AI by the horns[18:01 - 19:49] Two types of tools, AI and current gen, making an investment in the future[19:50 - 24:04] Doing things better with SaaS management at Zoetis, doing your job well and showing value, addressing pain points[24:07 - 26:12] Steve's favorite appsAbout Steve McKenzieSteve McKenzie is the IT Supplier Management Lead at Zoetis, the largest global animal health company. He has over 10 years of procurement and sourcing experience, with notable stops at KPMG and JP Morgan. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn.Want more great SaaS Management stories and content? Subscribe to our newsletter: https://zylo.com/newsletter-sign-up/

AI has incredible potential to drive value for your business, but it can be easy to get lost in the hype. With so many SaaS vendors now offering AI-powered features and products, how do you break through the noise? In this episode, Ben Pippenger shares the five essential questions you need to ask your current and prospective SaaS vendors about AI so you get the right tools that drive the right outcomes for your organization.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:07 - 00:54] Asking the right questions about AI[00:54 - 01:13] Five table-stake questions to ask SaaS vendors about their AI-powered solutions[03:57 - 04:20] Thinking through questions about AI adoptionSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Securing buy-in from your executive team is the most important ingredient for a successful SaaS Management program. No one knows this better than Siroui Mushegian, CIO at Barracuda Networks. In this episode, discover Mushegian's approach to securing executive buy-in for SaaS Management, and how it's helping drive application rationalization, security, and innovation in the enterprise.Key Takeaways[01:31-6:05] Making SaaS Management a strategic priority[8:03-10:42] Siroui’s simple 9-box strategy [10:46-16:24] The “what’s in it for me” story and stakeholder interviews for application rationalization[20:57-21:38] Barracuda’s security playbook in partnership with CISO Riaz Lakhani[25:53-27:59] Funding new programs with tight budgetsAbout Siroui MushegianSiroui Mushegian is the CIO at Barracuda Networks, the worldwide leader in Email Protection, Application Protection, Network Security, and Data Protection Solutions. She has nearly 30 years of IT leadership experience, previously at notable enterprises like the NBA, Ralph Lauren, and Time Warner. To-date, Mushegian has helped build and implement two SaaS Management programs. Connect with Siroui on LinkedIn.Want more great SaaS Management stories and content? Subscribe to our newsletter: https://zylo.com/newsletter-sign-up/

When you don't know everything about a software application – or that it exists in the first place – it’s impossible to effectively manage renewals, optimize licenses, and implement governance. Today, leading organizations are flipping the script, using a SaaS Management platform (SMP) as their system of record to gain centralized visibility into every application. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains how you can prioritize and onboard apps into an SMP – and how to keep it up-to-date for the long-haul. Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:07 - 01:12] Setting up a SaaS system of record in three steps[01:10 - 02:03] The discovery process — the average organization has 269 applications, and using financial data to find app costs[02:03 - 02:35] On to onboarding[02:33 - 03:23] Prioritizing apps that are onboarded[03:23 - 04:26] A checklist to follow, alignment with owners[04:26 - 06:06] Gathering data and connecting partner sites to gather dataSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

With hundreds of SaaS renewals a year, each with their own complexities, Procurement has its work cut out for them. But that didn't stop Brittney Linville, a tenacious and growth-minded U.S. Army veteran and procurement leader. In fact, she has not only built three procurement organizations from the ground up, but she created the gold standard for how to do it. From ditching spreadsheets and building strategic partnerships to streamlining procurement processes, Brittney dishes on how she executed at high velocity.Key TakeawaysBuilding Strategic Partnerships: Brittney Linville emphasizes the importance of building relationships with key stakeholders, such as CIOs and CTOs, to understand their needs and align procurement strategies with organizational goals.Elevating Procurement: Linville discusses how she elevated the role of procurement to become a strategic partner by focusing on understanding the technology landscape, including SaaS, and aligning procurement processes with business objectives.High-Velocity Procurement: Despite being a team of one, Linville successfully managed hundreds of renewals by building a collaborative approach, leveraging technology integrations, and streamlining processes to increase efficiency.Tech Stack Optimization: Linville's tech stack included tools like Coupa for guided buying flows, Ironclad for contract lifecycle management, and Zylo for SaaS management. She emphasizes the importance of selecting tools that streamline processes and enhance user experience.Making Procurement Easier: Linville's approach focused on simplifying procurement processes to make them more user-friendly and efficient, reducing friction and encouraging compliance while minimizing the risk of shadow IT.Personal and Business Favorites: Linville's favorite personal SaaS application is Canva for its user-friendly design capabilities, while her preferred business app is Ironclad for its innovation in contract lifecycle management.

A majority of IT leaders have prioritized security in 2024, yet the number of SaaS apps behind single sign-on is abysmal. As an IT or security leader, this is your sign to secure more of your applications with SSO. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains why single sign-on is critical to reducing risk and shares practical insights to create and implement your organization's SSO roadmap.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways:[00:07 - 00:45] Reducing security risks is a top concern in 2024[00:45 - 01:15] The definition of SSO (single sign on)[01:15 - 01:53] Minimizing phishing and security threats, an IBM data breach example[01:53 - 02:31] Visibility into your entire SaaS inventory[02:57 - 04:04] Technically and financially possible to enable SSOSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Double your insights and control with a combined SaaS Management Platform and Software Asset Management strategy. SAM tools excel at on-premises management, but SMPs uncover the invisible: longtail SaaS apps, shadow IT, and hidden risks. In this episode, Jason Owens, Sr. Director, Global ITAM at Salesforce, reveals the magic of using both an SMP and SAM tool – unparalleled visibility, cost optimization, and streamlined management you get using them together. Key Takeaways[03:05 - 05:41] Redefining roles of software asset managers in digital transformation[06:04 - 08:15] The evolution and impact of software asset management[08:16 - 10:21] Two different personas in SaaS today, thoughts on audits, renewals, license positions and more[10:26 - 13:28] The value challenge in software licenses[14:08 - 15:47] Navigating the value of SaaS management in enterprise-level software[15:50 - 17:33] Having both a traditional SAM solution and SaaS management solution[18:33 - 21:09] The strategic shift to proactive SaaS management at Salesforce[21:10 - 23:59] Measuring utilization and sprawl at Salesforce[24:03 - 26:46] Managing SaaS strategy for onboarding companies year over year[26:51 - 30:37] Harnessing AI for transformational asset management

SaaS Management has become a fundamental business practice within the enterprise. Yet, many IT, software asset management, and procurement leaders are still wrapping their brains around what it is and how to do it successfully. In this episode, Ben Pippenger breaks down what SaaS Management is, its importance, and why now is the time to get started.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:08 - 00:36] SaaS is fundamental, so how do we make SaaS management successful?[00:37 - 01:15] SaaS management is a holistic business practice, requires cross-functional collaboration[01:15 - 02:14] The problems SaaS management solves — visibility into tech stack, reductions in software spend, and governing shadow IT security risks[02:14 - 03:14] Wasting money and overspending on unused SaaS licenses[03:14 - 05:31] What does a SaaS management practice look like? Inventory management, license management, and renewal management[05:31 - 05:55] SaaS management is a holistic business practice that won't yield effective results when done piecemealSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

To achieve operational excellence, save money, and drive innovation, IT leaders must have effective processes in place. But, what’s the best approach? Look no further than Trenton Cycholl. As VP of Digital Business at ModMed, Trenton has a software management process on lock to not only reduce administrative burden for IT, but to also drive usage and adoption. In this episode, get an inside look at this process and how to crawl-walk-run your way to a successful SaaS Management program.Key Takeaways[06:26 - 07:42] Strategically aligned partnership with IT for go-to-market goals and customer experience goals[07:43 - 08:46] The innovation budget, what it looks like. A flywheel effect for supporting innovative culture and tools.[10:47 - 12:05] Legacy software practices and keeping up with the agile world of SaaS, a wakeup call to managing application inventory[16:40 - 17:18] Insights into the discovery exercise, emotions around specific applications[17:18 - 18:38] Balancing individual preference of needed tools, while reducing sprawl and inefficiency. Sometimes it isn't a balance.[20:16 - 21:44] Operationalized usage and adoption of tools, using Zylo to glean insights compared to what used to be cumbersome spreadsheets[23:39 - 25:08] The walk phase, what prevents successful license management, difficulty establishing inventory management[26:32 - 27:35] Finding out thousands of licenses are unused, a security and financial concern

SaaS is often your biggest blindspot but also your greatest opportunity for optimization. As you embark on your SaaS Management journey, getting visibility is half the battle. Once you have it, what happens next? In this episode, Ben Pippenger breaks down five actions you can take to start making progress toward your strategic business goals.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:07 - 00:35] "With great power comes great responsibility"[00:35 - 01:09] Five topics to unlock visibility into your SaaS stack[01:07 - 01:41] Inventory Management[01:39 - 02:18] Shadow IT[02:18 - 02:50] Application Rationalization[02:50 - 03:14] License Optimization[03:14 - 04:08] Operationalizing your renewal processSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

How many applications, redundancies, and duplicative tools are in your stack? The sprawl and inefficiency is real, and the opportunity to optimize is massive. In this episode, learn how IT procurement and software asset management expert Daniel Garcia uses SaaS app rationalization as a key lever in Coinbase's cost reduction strategies. Discover how to align your sourcing approach with organizational outcomes and leverage data-driven decisions to optimize your software stack.Key Takeaways[00:00 - 02:39] Introduction to Daniel Garcia, and background at Coinbase leading IT procurement and SAM[02:39 - 04:17] Aligning SAM strategy to overall company outcomes in the cryptocurrency industry[04:18 - 06:02] Cost optimization and innovation, rationalization with software solutions[06:01 - 08:26] Examining app redundancy, data-driven decisions driven by Zylo that enable better governance[08:27 - 10:16] A clearer picture of SaaS use and data, thinking about the lifecycle of software[10:20 - 13:12] Infrastructure and on-prem, a convergence of cloud similar to legacy SAM and SaaS coming together[13:13 - 14:38] Processes and utilization data, fueling better negotiations in renewals[16:17 - 18:19] The sacred cow of the product, avoiding deprecation as a necessary software[18:18 - 20:57] What businesses miss out on by not taking care of low-hanging fruit software expenses, monumental savings in cost[20:59 - 23:35] Managing different department software beyond IT, a robust process and building self-serve options[23:35 - 26:11] The most surprising app or piece of technology Daniel has seen expensed

It’s easy for cost to be top of mind when it comes to SaaS. After all, the average organization spends $45M a year. But there’s something else lurking in the shadows that is arguably costlier: security risks. In this episode, Ben Pippenger breaks down the security risks lurking in your stack and key steps to address them and strengthen your security posture.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:07 - 00:50] Introduction – 2024 SaaS Management Index found 65% of employee expenses have poor security scores[00:50 - 01:17] Losing visibility into apps and how organizations conduct business[01:18 - 01:38] Most unknown security risks lie with employee expenses and Shadow IT[01:38 - 02:22] Cost is being managed, but security risks linger[02:22 - 03:05] Cost, data breaches, and legal impact[03:05 - 03:28] Loss of trust with customers[03:26 - 03:56] Decentralization of SaaS buying, making a business secure[03:55 - 04:35] Focused on visibility and riskSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

In 2023, organizations spent an average of $45M on SaaS. Yet, $18M of that is wasted. This isn’t chump change – it’s your second largest operating expense. That’s why we’re calling 2024 the year of opportunity for software management. Between rampant license waste, heightened security risks, and surplus of renewals, it’s hard not to feel like you’re treading water. Add in rising vendor costs and tight budgets, and you’re soon gasping for breath. In this episode, Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger and Cloud Ratings founder Matt Harney examine trends from the 2024 SaaS Management Index and how IT, Software Asset Management, and Procurement leaders overcome these headwinds and come out on top.Key Takeaways[00:00 - 01:12] Episode overview, introducing guest Matt Harney from software research analyst firm Cloud Ratings on the state of SaaS stacks[01:11 - 03:50] What to focus on in 2024, rallying behind SaaS management, and more on Matt's background[03:51 - 04:36] Covering trends in the SaaS Management Index Report[04:36 - 06:05] Employee purchases and "Shadow IT"[06:05 - 07:04] Risk and spend are huge for SaaS, from cost and data perspectives[07:02 - 07:49] Stacks are shrinking, prioritizing SaaS as a strategy[07:49 - 08:58] Stats on SaaS rationalization[08:58 - 10:47] Three key opportunities to calm SaaS chaos[10:47 - 13:36] Matt talks about cloud cost optimization maturity throughout the years, trends he sees[13:37 - 15:26] Different pricing models for software, and the rise of fin-ops[15:28 - 16:34] What inning is SaaS management in?[16:33 - 19:06] Cost per employee in SaaS and NRR[19:08 - 20:05] NRR and pandemic bloat, a sign of digital transformation?[21:04 - 22:42] Improving SaaS governance[22:42 - 25:13] How Netflix is tackling SaaS governance[25:13 - 26:09] Decentralization in SaaS, talking about Lindsay Stokes from Netflix and last season's episode[26:09 - 27:05] Adopting AI[27:05 - 29:05] The AI Interest Index[29:06 - 30:25] Enabling employees to be responsible with SaaS purchasing

Shadow IT makes up more than one-third of your software stack. While it is a source of overspending, inefficiency, and security risks, the biggest problem is that you don’t even know what apps you’re dealing with. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains how enterprises can get a handle on shadow IT and keep it from creeping back into their software environment.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:07 - 00:28] We're all spending too much on software, Gartner predicts 25% overspend throughout next few years[00:26 - 00:44] Three areas of focus for rationalization, today's focus is Shadow IT[00:42 - 01:03] What is Shadow IT?[01:21 - 01:47] SaaS notoriously hides expense reports under ambiguous line items that are miscatergorized[01:45 - 02:21] Uncover the spend source for each application[02:19 - 02:47] After buy-in, put governance in place[02:46 - 03:08] Adobe and a dollar threshold filter[03:07 - 03:17] Standardize software catalog[03:18 - 03:37] Take action to eliminate Shadow IT applications[03:36 - 03:55] What to do without enterprise agreements[03:55 - 04:18] Don't let Shadow IT creep back in[04:18 - 04:52] Reducing Shadow IT reduces overall SaaS costSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

With SaaS adoption skyrocketing in recent years, Software Asset Management leaders are juggling both on-premises and SaaS tools. But what worked for on-premises software simply won't work for SaaS. Managing both types of software demands distinctly different tools and strategies. In this episode, Ben Pippenger breaks down the key differences and shares the winning formula for holistic SaaS management.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:08 - 02:01] The software lifecycle from IT to individual Shadow IT, and where software spend is headed[02:01 - 03:04] Managing SaaS, audits don't really exists with SaaS and the cloud shift[03:28 - 03:42] SaaS management in three acts: license management, inventory, and renewal management[03:40 - 04:25] Inventory management[04:25 - 04:59] Multiple discovery methods and Zylo's method[04:59 - 05:30] License management[05:30 - 05:57] Renewal management[05:55 - 06:20] A broader approach to tracking SaaSSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

How well are your SaaS apps being used? If you don’t have access to usage data, you’re left in the dark. And that means there’s no way to effectively optimize licensing or make the most of your software investments. In this episode, Ben Pippenger debunks the myth that direct integrations reign supreme and how to get usage data you can act upon.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:21 - 01:07] Gartner — Companies spending $244 billion on SaaS in 2024, 2023 SaaS index shows that $82 billion of that is wasted[01:08 - 01:37] The importance of usage data[01:36 - 01:56] Pure cost savings, understanding the value of SaaS applications used in your business[] [01:56 - 02:12] Rationalizing overlapping applications[02:18 - 02:44] A risk factor, understanding where you're over licensed and people no longer need access[02:44 - 03:06] Definition of a direct integration[03:06 - 03:35] Regularity in data flow, always up to date without needing an admin to pull it[03:35 - 04:39] Out of the box insights, drawbacks[04:37 - 05:08] A direct integration for usage data, not necessary and other ways exist to gather like SSO[05:06 - 05:45] SSO a great way for quick visibility, drawbacks include data misrepresentation[05:42 - 06:02] API connections for data gathering[06:00 - 06:28] Admin panels[06:27 - 06:52] Report imports[06:51 - 07:21] SaaS app automation[07:19 - 08:13] In review: ask questions about data and direct integrationsSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Tightening budgets. Soaring SaaS prices. The rise of purchasing software in marketplaces. With these shifts, Procurement has their work cut out for them. But there’s a huge opportunity for procurement leaders to be strategic business partners when it comes to software purchasing and renewals. In this episode, Ben Pippenger shares his optimism for Procurement and what teams need to prioritize in 2024.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:07 - 01:01] Recapping SaaS trends in 2023[01:01 - 01:21] Gartner predicts 13% raise in software spending in 2024[01:19 - 01:41] Zylo data shows companies averaged $45-50 million in spend for SaaS and had about 270-291 applications[01:40 - 02:20] How teams buy software is changing, more common through marketplaces now[02:20 - 02:34] An accelerated interest in AI[02:34 - 02:46] What should procurement be focused on in 2024[02:47 - 03:18] Rationalizing your applications[03:18 - 03:56] Prioritizing SaaS governance[03:54 - 04:36] Make procurement part of the intake process[04:37 - 05:17] Forecasting renewals at least quarterly[05:24 - 05:54] Collaborate with IT and software asset management teams[05:54 - 06:22] Episode summarySaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Whether you call them resolutions or goals, setting your intentions for what you want to achieve for the year creates accountability. For IT leaders, there are a lot of shiny objects. What initiatives are going to make an impact this year? In this episode, Ben Pippenger uncovers five key priorities your IT organization needs to focus on 2024.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:07 - 02:23] Ben overviews a tough 2023: the economy, global politics, generative AI, and security breaches[02:24 - 03:15] #1 Become best friends with your CFO, cost optimization[03:15 - 04:05] #2 Centralizing SaaS governance[04:06 - 04:31] #3 Rationalizing your portfolio[04:31 - 05:08] #4 Stay ahead of security risks[05:09 - 06:05] #5 Making big tech bets, navigating AI[06:06 - 06:42] Big bets in 2024, Ben's 2023 wrap-upSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Innovation is key to differentiating your organization in the market and helping you better serve your customers. Yet, it can feel impossible to find the budget to fund it. Enter SaaS management. In this episode, Ben Pippenger shares how SaaS management enables you to drive measurable cost savings that you can use to reinvest in innovation and projects that will be transformational for the business.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:11 - 01:08] Thinking about our personal and professional expenses[01:10 - 01:37] SaaS can be chaos[01:38 - 02:12] SaaS is ripe for optimization[02:15 - 02:26] SaaS prices are going up[02:26 - 02:45] IT Spending is growing[02:45 - 03:18] Finding money to innovate, driving optimization and efficiency[02:58 - 03:52] How to drive optimization and efficiency[03:52 - 04:27] Digging deep on phone service savings, an anecdote[04:26 - 05:06] AI innovations, by 2026 80% of software will have embedded AI capabilities[05:07 - 05:25] Summing it upSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Companies spend a lot on Infrastructure and even more on SaaS. Yet, the market has seen Cloud growth drop dramatically. Clearly, companies have prioritized optimization of their cloud investments. Why aren’t they putting the same emphasis on SaaS optimization? In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains three reasons why, the opportunity at-hand for SaaS cost reduction, and his rallying cry for SaaS management as a business priority.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:08 - 01:03] Cloud spend run on Zylo, cost savings and visibility[01:03 - 01:35] Cloud management platforms history[01:35 - 02:22] FinOps provides predictability and visibility, decreases in growth rate[02:23 - 03:00] Gartner spend forecast, infrastructure, platform, software as services[03:00 - 03:36] Why aren't businesses optimizing their SaaS?[03:35 - 04:08] Scale and cloud complexity[04:08 - 04:49] Cloud optimization and culture[04:48 - 05:21] Ben's software optimization challenge for youSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Redundant applications get a bad rap. Between wasted spend, low adoption, and operational inefficiencies, you’d think eliminating all redundancies would be the answer. Think again. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains when application redundancy may be ok, factors to consider in your strategy, and best practices to consolidate your software.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:08 - 01:08] Introduction, Ben has a lot of streaming subscriptions, addressing redundancy[01:11 - 01:47] What is application redundancy, and what are the biggest culprits?[01:47 - 02:22] Why is app redundancy so prevalent?[02:22 - 03:05] The difficulties of resolving redundancies[03:04 - 03:36] Determining the right amount of redundancy for your organization[03:36 - 04:33] Considerations for tackling organization redundancy, the scope of the problem[04:33 - 05:04] Features and functionality, app preferences and favoritisms[05:29 - 06:04] Steps to rationalize the redundant apps in your stack[06:04 - 06:18] Understanding app value and their ROI and importance to business objectives[06:18 - 06:42] Anecdotal data and feedback about apps from end users[06:40 - 07:03] Identify what you can eliminate, consolidate, and replace[07:03 - 07:20] Utilization usage rates in understanding what to remove[07:18 - 07:47] The big takeaway on redundancySaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Optimizing your SaaS spend has a tangible impact on your company’s bottom line and ability to innovate. If you’re not reporting on the value you’re driving, you’re doing your company – and yourself – a disservice. In this episode, Ben Pippenger breaks down the growing need for managing SaaS costs, why quantifying program value is so hard, and what you need to tie savings results directly back to your efforts.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:12 - 02:06] Introduction to tying savings back to a SaaS management program[02:06 - 03:08] A growing need for managing SaaS costs, and a huge opportunity to optimize[03:08 - 04:40] The challenges of quantifying SaaS management's value[04:42 - 05:19] Cross-functional support and political support[05:18 - 06:04] Identify, quantify, and capture savings[06:04 - 06:26] Takeaway: Savings achieved from implementing a SaaS management programSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

With 20+ years of IT experience, Keith Sarbaugh has led SaaS management at some of the biggest names in pharma – Eli Lilly & Co, Biogen, and now Zoetis. What’s his secret for driving impact at scale with the business complexities of a pharmaceutical company? In this episode, Sarbaugh lets us in on his enterprise SaaS management strategy, indelible moments that shaped his career, and the biggest opportunities for IT teams in the year ahead.Key Takeaways[00:00 - 02:29] Introducing Keith Sarbaugh, CIO at Zoetis[02:41 - 04:33] Getting the right people, team, and engagement[04:33 - 05:35] OpEx management, and why cost-savings is so important to Keith's mission[05:35 - 07:56] What holds companies back from getting control of SaaS and innovating quickly[07:56 - 09:12] Keith's strategy for delivering value and ROI quickly[09:13 - 11:09] Common challenges and overcoming them, navigating resistance and discipline[11:09 - 12:52] Boom and bust cycles with pipeline, being 100% on top of renewals[12:51 - 14:29] Renewing with intelligence and a business processes.[14:27 - 15:52] Intelligence means knowing utilization and entitlements[16:46 - 17:59] Keith's "oh shit moment" with SaaS licensing and spend[18:01 - 22:53] Partnerships vs revenue plays, a renewal experience that shifted Keith's perspective[22:55 - 24:46] Licensed usage and waste, taking a programmatic approach[24:53 - 27:03] Sprawl and finding value with their tools, making sure enterprise knows what is in house[27:03 - 28:26] Biggest opportunities for CIOs during a tumultuous economy and post-pandemic environment[28:26 - 30:41] Rapid fire

Just as “Googling” has assimilated into our vernacular, it’s not uncommon for someone to say, “Let’s Zoom,” when asking to video chat. Soaring into popularity during the pandemic, Zoom has become an integral tool for businesses today. It’s also an application ripe for optimization. In this episode, Ben Pippenger examines the complexities of SaaS licensing, the ins and outs of Zoom licensing, and advice for optimizing your Zoom licenses.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:08 - 00:33] Overview of Today's Episode: How do I optimize my Zoom Licensing"[00:36 - 00:58] Understanding the complexity of SaaS licenses[00:58 - 01:25] Two steps to thinking about SaaS licensing, access and utilization[01:25 - 01:53] Tying data back to renewals and the opportunity to optimize licenses[01:54 - 02:56] Zoom application licensing and utilization example[02:56 - 03:24] Zoom's subscription tiers and add-ons[03:24 - 04:26] Optimizing your Zoom licensing[04:26 - 04:52] Often employees aren't aware of different license types[04:52 - 05:34] Bottom Line on SaaS Licensing: It's complexSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

SaaS suppliers are increasing prices at mind-boggling percentages on a spend category that’s already through the roof. That makes getting a favorable renewal feel like a losing scenario. But according to procurement pro and SaaS negotiator Dylan Margonari, there are ways to find a win. In this episode, Margonari delves into how to prepare for your upcoming renewals, the big gotchas in SaaS contracts, and tactics to mitigate the one-two punch of those steep price increases.Key Takeaways[00:00 - 02:20] Introducing Dylan Margonari[02:25 - 03:15] From hockey to procurement[03:15 - 04:12] Dylan's passion for helping customers on their SaaS journeys[04:13 - 06:35] What makes SaaS renewals challenging, from Dylan's perspective and experience in procurement[06:35 - 08:54] Data is a gold mine in procurement, utilization metrics and beyond[08:54 - 10:31] Executive buy-in for standardizing tools[10:32 - 14:46] The 'gotchas' of renewals[14:47 - 16:18] Single-year renewals vs multi-year agreements, the greatest debate in procurement today[16:23 - 19:08] How Dylan partners with customers to think about and define success[19:15 - 22:23] The changing landscape of the market and how it is impacting procurement[23:22 - 26:12] Executing great negotiation that drivers a good partnership, considerations for headcount[26:13 - 27:41] Ghosting, leaving a vendor without response and calling it quits[27:58 - 29:05] The most underrated negotiation tactic[29:05 - 30:48] Price increases, partnership approaches[30:48 - 33:01] New scenarios in renewals and negotiations, new pricing models and timing with negotiations[33:02 - 36:04] Getting a budget approval, supporting people through renewal processes is a team effort[36:03 - 38:55] Looking for partnerships and relationships built on credibility and expertise[38:55 - 40:19] Align with your executive team, the one thing procurement leaders can start doing today[40:22 - 42:19] Rapid fire & Closing

SaaS governance often feels like a four-letter word, yet it’s critical to mitigate risk. The challenge is finding the right balance that enables productivity and innovation without putting your organization in harm’s way. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains SaaS governance, why it’s important, and how to determine the right strategy for your organization. Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:42 - 03:36] Defining SaaS governance, and four reasons it is importance to businesses[03:36 - 04:55] A decentralized approach to SaaS governance[04:55 - 05:45] Centralized governance[05:47 - 07:47] A hybrid approach, pros and cons[07:47 - 08:18] Determining the best approach for your business[08:19 - 09:31] AbbVie and SaaS governance in action[09:31 - 10:08] The big takeaway, and a deeper dive in Evolving Your SaaS Governance Framework for the Digital WorkplaceSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Rome wasn’t built in a day – and neither is your SaaS management program. Yet it can often feel intimidating to get started, especially for smaller teams. Did this deter the IT team at Juni from getting started? Not a chance! They accepted the challenge, confident in the results it could garner for the business. In this episode, Gibson Schnurr, TechOps Lead, shares an inside look at Juni’s path to SaaS management and how they’re tackling SaaS head-on and ramping up their program.Key Takeaways[00:00 - 02:05] Introducing Gibson Schnurr, a stakeholder-focused application manager[02:16 - 05:55] Laying the groundwork for SaaS management early at Juni[05:56 - 08:17] Going from 500 to 100 applications company-wide, and how Gibson framed switching tooling beyond a monetary perspective[08:16 - 10:38] The application lifecycle for products internally at Juni[10:38 - 14:31] What Gibson's day-to-day was like before using a SaaS management platform[14:31 - 15:53] Opening up potential for more strategic work[15:56 - 17:31] Gibson's experience thinking about SaaS strategically, his "oh shit" moment for realizing a tool was needed[17:31 - 19:38] Gibson's advice to those starting their SaaS journey is to follow the money[20:33 - 23:23] Managing partial data and the frustration of manually recording a system of record[23:23 - 26:37] The biggest insight Zylo has offered for Gibson is cost savings[26:37 - 28:12] Clear opportunities with Zylo in mitigating risk and remaining compliant[28:11 - 29:30] Metrics for success, defined metrics are still developing[29:30 - 30:39] How Gibson uses the time back for refocusing strategy for IT[30:38 - 32:57] SaaS negotiation and Juni's experience with the service[32:57 - 35:00] Scaling licensing, the value of Tory[35:03 - 36:20] Working with established processes, goals for the upcoming year[36:23 - 38:18] Gibson's advice for others getting started with SaaS[38:18 - 40:41] Rapid Fire

For many procurement pros, managing SaaS renewals can feel like navigating a black diamond slope with one ski. Without the right equipment, you’ll finish the run with bumps and bruises – if at all. Likewise, organizations often fall short with renewals due to a lack of process, resources, and data. In this episode, you’ll uncover common challenges with renewals, what a scalable process looks like, and how to prioritize where to spend your time. Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:07 - 01:15] Introduction: What's an effective strategy to maintain SaaS renewals?[01:28 - 03:49] Wendy the Procurement Leader, and her struggle to manage SaaS renewals[03:53 - 05:59] Operationalize your SaaS, tools and questions for a more effective strategy[05:59 - 07:19] Prioritizing what to tackle in your SaaS management journey[07:19 - 07:39] A spreadsheet is the bare minimumSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

“Execute with precision and lead with a vision” is the mantra Shravya Ravi lives and breathes as a software asset management leader. From supporting software management strategies as a consultant at Deloitte to leading an innovative SaaS management program today at LinkedIn, Shravya is a powerhouse. In this episode, she shares the secrets to building your personal brand as a SAM leader – no matter your rank in the organization – and driving significant change and business results.Key Takeaways:[00:00 - 02:08] Introduction to Shravya Ravi[02:20 - 05:01] How Shravya's background in consulting at Deloitte shaped her career path to leading SAM at LinkedIn[05:01 - 06:55] The mindset SAM leaders need for the job going forward[06:59 - 08:50] When Shravya realized SAM was multifaceted and more than on-prem[08:51 - 12:08] Missteps in SaaS operations, no standardized way of running a SaaS program[12:13 - 13:57] What skillsets are important for SaaS-minded SAM leaders considering innovative futures?[13:59 - 16:43] Growing a personal brand within a company culture and inspiring trust[18:01 - 19:58] Conveying strategy to partners and leadership: base skills, company culture, and expectations around outcomes[19:58 - 22:06] Creating successful SaaS programs and enabling executive and functional leader sponsorship[22:08 - 24:26] Prioritizing visibility in SaaS management, finding under-utilization and saving spend[27:18 - 28:44] Education plans and steps taken to drive change management and app consolidation[28:44 - 30:05] SaaS management can't be a one-person show, advice for testing pilot programs[30:06 - 31:33] Where SAM is headed next as an industry and a practice[31:35 - 33:18] Rapid Fire & Closing

Overages, true-ups, rogue software purchases, and rising SaaS costs are just a few wrenches that can throw off your software budget. To meet your financial goals, it’s important to forecast your SaaS expenditure as accurately as possible – especially since it’s often your second or third largest spend category. In this episode, Ben Pippenger shares what steps you need to take to accurately budget for SaaS.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways:[00:09 - 00:34] Introduction: Why is budgeting so hard for SaaS?[00:38 - 01:05] SaaS is expensive, and spend is only growing[01:05 - 01:58] Why is budgeting for SaaS so hard?[01:59 - 02:33] Inventory is the first step to a SaaS budget[02:31 - 04:02] Factors that impact budgeting[04:03 - 05:04] Understanding spend and benchmarking[05:06 - 05:39] Recap[05:39 - 05:58] Bottom Line SaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

With all the potential threats to your organization, it’s easy to fall victim to the Chicken Little mentality. But expounding “the sky is falling” only drives you further from your security goals. That’s why seasoned Chief Information Security Officer Steve Gentry believes security leaders must be business leaders first. In this episode, Steve explains this philosophy, the importance of data over opinions, and how to drive efficiency across your organization with SaaS.Key Takeaways:[00:00 - 01:47] Introduction to Steve Gentry, CISO at Clari, and many-time founder[01:58 - 04:23] How Steve got started in security at an IS service desk[04:25 - 08:24] What's required to be a good CISO beyond the standard job description? Discussing Steve's business savvy.[08:26 - 13:35] Why data is greater than opinion and how it helps Steve support more strategic operations[13:41 - 18:16] Steve's go-to data sources and tools, and the role of data to a company[18:16 - 22:38] Driving business alignment with executives using data[22:38 - 25:43] Building a foundation for success with data, and recognizing growth with operational efficiencies[26:43 - 31:10] Agility, and why Steve's gone all in on SaaS management tools instead of running off manual tracking and spreadsheets[31:17 - 34:22] Third party risk management, why is it so strategic to most businesses?[34:22 - 38:28] Staying on top of the entirety of risk management, security. How great vendors and other resources simplify the process[38:29 - 41:03] A focus on diligence, leveraging insights and automations in SaaS management[41:01 - 44:22] Should CISOs report directly to a company's CEO?[44:22 - 46:12] Mentorship and what future CISOs need to do to prepare for the next step in their career[46:17 - 49:23] Rapid fire questions and closing

If you feel like software is costing you more and more, it’s not a figment of your imagination. It’s a real phenomenon – and according to Gartner will continue at a rate of 15-20% annually. How do you curb steep and unexpected price increases at renewal time? Set a price cap in your SaaS contract. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains what price caps are, why they’re important, and tips to determine the best price cap for your business.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways:[00:08-00:29] Introduction[0:29-01:18] What is a price cap?[01:19-01:41] What a price cap covers[01:42-02:09] Potential risks to consider[02:11-03:09] How you can leverage the right price cap[04:16-04:37] If you’re NOT negotiating Saas price caps, you should beSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

If you’re wondering whether SaaS management is a must-have or nice-to-have, you’re not alone. As we look back at our guests from the past few seasons, each one has had a unique journey finding the answer for themselves. In this episode, we’ve compiled some of our favorite SaaSMe Unfiltered moments  – stories of stumbling through “oh shit” moments, building a business case and how SaaS management became a priority.Key Takeaways:[01:58 - 04:34] Karen Hodson on getting the right data[05:19 - 06:59] Lindsay Stokes on the importance of visibility for SaaS management[07:36 - 10:51] Jason Owens big "Oh Crap!" moment[11:27 - 13:46] Chris Asing on achieving visibility and optimization[14:18 - 16:25] David Stoicescu on why starting a SaaS management program early can give you a headstart[17:33 - 20:21] Russell Lester on opportunity for finance leaders[21:03 - 25:18] Gordon Atkin on must-have components for effective SaaS management

SaaS management is not just a function of IT. It requires a partnership with Finance to be a successful business-led initiative. But sometimes it can be daunting to approach your CFO to get buy-in. In this episode, you’ll learn why SaaS is a challenge for CFOs, the importance of getting them on board, and a blueprint of the business case to get your CFO to say ‘yes’ to a SaaS management platform.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:07 - 01:11] Saying "Yes" to SaaS management, and introducing Jason Leet[01:15 - 04:48] Ben outlines five key challenges in SaaS management for CFOs[05:00 - 06:28] Jason shares examples and pain points with SaaS[06:32 - 08:06] How CIOs and CFOs can work together to solve SaaS management problems[08:12 - 18:04] Roleplaying a conversation between an IT leader and CFO about SaaS management approvalSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

CFOs are no longer just financial gatekeepers. They’ve evolved into strategic advisors that drive impact and alignment across the organization. Today, three-time CFO Russell Lester is living and breathing this elevated role. In this episode, Russell shares his secrets to leveling-up as a CFO, what it takes to build a successful partnership with IT, and how he’s driving business results with SaaS management.Key Takeaways:[00:00 - 01:56] Introduction to Russell Lester, CFO at Versapay[02:04 - 06:14] Driving change in the business as a CFO in the macroeconomy[06:13 - 09:05] The people and tools that put information in context[09:06 - 11:37] The skills financial and procurement professionals need to thrive[11:41 - 15:43] Identifying SaaS management as a business priority[15:44 - 18:46] How Russell works with IT as a CEO[18:53 - 21:15] SaaS management's shift from IT to finance, working together[22:16 - 24:05] The hardest part about building a relationship with IT[24:06 - 26:09] Fear and lack of understanding about bringing partners into SaaS management[26:10 - 28:22] Compelling business investments and looking for what supports the company plan[28:29 - 30:55] Russell's role as the final approval for SaaS purchases[30:56 - 34:03] Tools and processes that support procurement responsibilities[34:04 - 35:44] What indicates your team is ready for procurement?[35:45 - 37:36] "Assimilating my neural network"[37:35 - 42:10] Rapid fire[39:10 - 40:11] Russell's favorite SaaS apps

At face value, Procurement intake looks relatively straightforward. Yet the complexity of the decision making process can often make it arduous. With as much as 40% of spend going toward SaaS purchases, it’s not surprising that Procurement wants to ease the burden. But is a separate system just for software worth it? In this episode, Ben Pippenger explores the challenges of intake and the best strategy to address it.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways:[00:07 - 01:03] Demystifying software and procurement intake, and its importance to business[01:04 - 02:07] What is intake, and why can wrangling data be challenging?[02:07 - 02:53] What data is needed to make a decision? Compliance, risk, ROI and more[02:53 - 03:55] The intake process is used for more than just SaaS[03:58 - 04:32] What you should be considering from a SaaS perspective[04:33 - 05:20] Injecting data into your workflow engine[05:20 - 05:42] Episode recapSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.

Looking for insights and best practices from a successful software management team? You don’t want to miss this episode with Ash Rai, who helped build the successful software asset management program at Adobe. Recorded live at SaaSMe 2023, Ash shares his lessons learned and answers attendees' burning software management questions. Key Takeaways: [00:00 - 02:56] Introduction to Adobe's Ash Rai and the company's SaaS management program[02:57 - 06:19] Identifying a need for a SaaS solution[06:22 - 08:13] Scaling Nestware and working with partners to flexibly manage SaaS at Adobe[08:14 - 11:53] Going from 2,600 to 400 standardized applications[12:53 - 15:03] Values and savings from using Zylo and a SaaS management program[15:03 - 17:33] Adobe's SAM journey is never complete[17:38 - 19:07] How many people Ash had on his team when implementing the program[19:10 - 20:28] Executive sponsorship and governance[20:30 - 22:02] Managing the procurement process with automations