ProcureCon IT Sourcing 2024 Blog

How Procurement and IT Can Manage the Proliferation of Business Technologies

Companies now depend on a staggering number of software products, most of which are SaaS- and subscription-based. While these tools have provided businesses with unprecedented control over their operations, they also introduce complexities, especially when products are being purchased by end users without proper authorization. This article explores how procurement teams and IT departments can get a better handle on technology proliferation within the business.

The Mainstreaming of AI in Procurement

There's a great deal that artificial intelligence can do to enhance procurement, and the technology is already becoming common within the function. Still, AI implementation can be challenging, and it's not without risk. This article explores how procurement teams can incorporate AI as a standard in their operations.

How Procurement Can Improve Negotiations with the Biggest Players in Software

Procurement and IT leaders face considerable pressure when negotiating with large software providers like Microsoft and Oracle because they have considerable negotiating power. This article explores some of the ways procurement can gain an edge in those negotiations and better manage their software contracts.

Staying Focused on Mid-Tier Negotiations and IT Tail Spend

Contract negotiations with the largest IT and software providers, such as Microsoft and Oracle, often take precedence over negotiations with smaller providers. This lack of resources can introduce unnecessary risk in the procurement function and even lead to more tail spend. This article explores how IT procurement teams can balance negotiations between the largest software providers with mid-tier providers.

Managing Software License Complexity and Renewal Management

Navigating the complex landscape of software licensing can be challenging, especially with the ever-evolving technology industry. As organizations upgrade their systems and products, it becomes even more crucial for procurement to understand how to negotiate with vendors effectively. This article explores the ins and outs of software licensing, providing valuable information on how to manage business application licenses and navigate the maze of options available.

Procurement as a Partner in Digital Transformation Rather Than a Barrier

Procurement departments are often viewed by other parts of the organization as centers for cost control. However, with the function's wealth of expertise in technology and IT contract management, it deserves a seat at the table when it comes time to make decisions about digital transformation. This article explores how procurement leaders can elevate their departments to become strategic partners in digital transformation efforts.

Procurement As a Project Manager: What to Consider When Managing a Key Initiative

Procurement is primarily responsible for the acquisition of goods and services from third-party sources. However, the department has begun playing a much larger role in initializing, managing, and finalizing projects within the company. Not only must procurement leaders work to identify and procure goods and services, but they must also strategize with other decision makers to onboard new vendors and solutions.

Partnering with Your Business and IT Leadership to Address Shadow IT

The IT and procurement departments used to act as the gatekeepers between a company and its third-party software solutions. Although these teams still serve a critical role in major purchases, technology vendors are now marketing their products directly to end users. As a result, many end users are buying features and products without the IT department’s knowledge. This shadow use can increase costs for companies, and it can also compromise security.

Learning to Say No: Working Through Conflict in SaaS Negotiations

Almost every organization now uses some type of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product, whether it’s something as simple as an email client or something as complex as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. According to one study (PDF), organizations with more than 1,000 employees typically use more than 150 different SaaS applications. While those solutions may be necessary, they can result in significant costs if contracts aren’t managed effectively. That’s why it’s so important for procurement leaders to learn how to manage conflict in contract negotiations and even learn how to say, "No.”

Keeping Cloud Hyperscalers in Check

Hyperscale computing is increasingly used in cloud and big data infrastructure systems at companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. These companies can now offer their customers almost limited computing power. But they also present risks. Some developers don’t trust hyperscalers because of their intense focus on shareholders, rather than customers. Many companies are also concerned about pricing transparency and the potential to overspend on computing resources.

Cybersecurity Risks in 2023

Cybersecurity has long been the purview of IT departments, but it is increasingly outsourced to third-party vendors. Those consultants and experts now play an outsized role in protecting the world’s most powerful companies. As such, procurement professionals must be knowledgeable about the current threat landscape to ensure their organizations have the resources necessary to stay secure from cybersecurity risks.

Overcoming IT Supply Chain Restraints

The shortage of microchips has caused unprecedented challenges for procurement professionals. Learn some of the best and most widely used strategies when overcoming these IT supply chain issues. This quick read will share top methods used by procurement industry leaders.

Negotiating Your Software Portfolio to Protect Your Budget

It's not a secret that negotiating software contracts can be challenging for procurement leaders. That doesn't mean it's impossible. This article will teach you how you can protect your budget and get the most value from your software investment.

Managing IT Costs in a Time of High Inflation

Are you an IT leader finding it difficult to do more with less? As inflation rates continue to rise, it can be difficult to keep IT costs under control without making significant sacrifices in other areas of the business. However, it is not impossible. This article will teach you some strategies that CIOs and procurement leaders can use to manage IT costs effectively during these challenging times.

The Need for Effective IT Governance and Management

Explore the importance of IT governance and how companies can integrate it into their overall strategy. This article will explain why IT's ability to store and access data is a critical part of any business. 

Getting a Handle on Software License and Asset Management

While organizations have taken significant steps to increase agility and efficiency, it cost them an abundance of unnecessary new software onboarding. Procurement professionals are challenged with the expectation to manage tight budgets along with new software demands. This article will help procurement professionals balance these software licenses and asset management strategies, while keeping both end-users and the finance department happy.

Leveraging Emerging Technology/Software as a Service In A Structured Corporate Environment

More and more, large corporate organizations are relying on small, upstart tech firms to fulfill niche business requirements. As a procurement executive, should you be looking at these companies differently? And should they be subject to the same rigor and risk management procedures as established companies?

Understanding Why Relationships are at the Heart of Progress between Procurement and IT

IT sourcing is a joint responsibility between IT and procurement. Learn how this inter-departmental relationship is at the heart of progress for IT projects.

How to Drive Transformative Change Through CIO and CPO Alignment

The days of CPOs and CIOs being in charge of separate spheres of influence are a thing of the past, with technology spending becoming its own category within most organizations. As procurement seeks to develop a more hands-on style of engagement with IT, however, something still has to give--procurement needs to gain expertise and trust from their IT counterparts to successfully speak the same language.