Here at SAM Assured, we recognise the requirement for self-growth, in your own time, at your own pace. This is why we have included in our training recommendations, some useful FoC (Free of Charge) resources already available to you on YouTube. When viewing our playlist of recommended videos, be assured that theses are sourced and vetted by our team to save you time and confusion! You will also notice that we are never too proud to point you towards some courses run by our industry peers, we try and keep this section as up-to-date as possible and hope you benefit from some of the knowledge they are packaging.
Software Licensing and Compliance will require a basic understanding of computer hardware. And as hardware often is the License Metric for software purchases (Processors, Cores and sometimes even RAM!) , a fundamental understanding here cannot be avoided. 'Basics Explained' on YouTube do a great job at familiarizing those of you outside the IT department with the basics you will need to feel comfortable in the world of IT assets and their licensing.
What is System Software and What Does it Do? (youtube.com)
'Eye on Tech' on YouTube do a great job of explaining several topics. You will find a few of their videos here that we recommend. This video explains System Software. As System Software sits at the core of computer software, it is a good one to familiarize yourself with. Knowing the difference between Application, System and Middleware software is quite important when understanding the software requirements companies have and the 'layers' these are applied.
What Is Application Software ? | Computer Organization And Architecture (youtube.com)
Although the automated voice is a bit difficult to tolerate, 'Learn Computer Science' on YouTube do a good overview of what Application Software is. This includes mention to Web and Mobile Applications as well and even dips into application programming languages. All in all, a very good overview for beginners outside of the IT department.
If you can forgive the lack of artistic talent by the presenter, 'IBM Technologies' do an incredible job of explaining middleware for you on YouTube. Middleware is a classification of software that is often overlooked, but an integral cog in the role of software in business. It even covers the part it plays in development requirements and explains rest APIs for their viewers. But you will get what you need from the first 4 minutes of this video.
'Eye on Tech' on YouTube do a great job of explaining several topics. You will find a few of their videos here that we recommend. This video explains SaaS (Software as a Service). SAM Assured have an affordable package to review and optimize your SaaS platforms right on this very website. Do visit our Recondition (Cloud Review) page to take a look at what this entails. We also have a world of other definitions waiting for you here <insert link>
'Eye on Tech' on YouTube do a great job of explaining several topics. You will find a few of their videos here that we recommend. This video explains PaaS (Platform as a Service). SAM Assured have an affordable package to help you migrate your licenses across to PaaS on this very website. Do visit our Recondition (Cloud Review) page to take a look at what this entails. We also have a world of other definitions waiting for you here <insert link>
Get Licensing Ready is a complete and up-to-date resource for anyone who needs to learn about Microsoft licensing. You can access over 50 modules that teach you about every aspect of licensing Microsoft products and the programs through which they're sold. Each module includes a training video, a handy one or two-page reference document, and an exam so you can check your knowledge on the topic. The modules are organized into tracks, so you could start with the Licensing Fundamentals track to learn the fundamentals of the Microsoft products and their licensing, and to get an introduction to the different ways of buying Microsoft products. Or you may want to focus on specific topics such as the Microsoft Azure or the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) tracks. Once you've passed all of the exams in a track, you can download a certificate detailing your achievements.
Cores vs Threads
'Max's Tech' provide a great dive into threading on servers. Threading being a way in which you can squeeze a little more out of your current hardware by splitting out tasks/threads of logic to get more done concurrently. The understanding of this is quite important in licensing as this will effect how some product licensing is calculated. ie. Whether there is hyper-threading/multi-threading in place is a very good first question when inventorying server estates.
Understanding Your MLS
Although the intention is to prerecord some training on this subject, we do offer a free session where we run through your own MLS (Microsoft Licensing Statement) together with you on a webinar that you might find more beneficial. There is no catch here, your data will remain under lock and seal, with no unwanted sales contact off the back of any engagement. Go to our MLS Walk Through page to find out more.