Struggling to figure out which software is being used across your organization’s devices? With AssetSonar’s new On-Prem Software Metering, you can stop guessing and start knowing. This feature gives you direct visibility into on-prem software activity on Windows machines, helping you uncover unused licenses, spot unauthorized software, and take control of Shadow IT.
This beta release is currently available for Windows devices only. Mac and Linux support will follow soon.
1. Enable On-Prem Software Metering
To turn on software usage tracking:
- Go to Settings → Items Settings → On-Prem Software Metering (Beta).
- Select Enabled and click Update.
2. Install Required Tools
To begin capturing software usage data, you’ll need to install two tools on your Windows machines:
- ActivityWatch for Windows
This open-source tool tracks application activity locally.
- Head to the ActivityWatch download page.
- Click the Installer (recommended) option.
- Run the downloaded file to complete the setup.
- AssetSonar ITAM Agent
This enables AssetSonar to fetch and interpret device-level usage data.
You can find both installation links under Settings → Item Settings → On-Prem Software Metering (Beta). Both tools must be installed for AssetSonar to collect and display on-prem software usage insights.
3. View Software Usage of an Asset
Once everything is set up, AssetSonar begins collecting usage data automatically. To view software activity on a specific asset:
- Go to Items → Assets and open the relevant asset’s Details Page.
- Click the Software tab.
- You’ll see the list of Discovered Software for that asset, providing you with the information on the Name, Version, Publisher, Installation Date, and Last Access Date. Use this view to spot unused software on individual devices — ideal for 1:1 investigations or cleanups.
4. Get the Full Picture: Devices, Users, and License Insights
Once software usage is detected, AssetSonar ties together insights from devices, users, and licenses — all from the Software’s details page.
Navigate to Items → Software and open any software to explore:
- Associated Assets tab
View all devices on which this software has been installed, including when each last accessed it. - Associated Users tab
See who accessed the software, whether on-prem or via cloud. You’ll also see their license status and last activity timestamp. - Associated Software Licenses tab
If the software is licensed, go to the Associated Software Licenses tab and click on a license. You’ll land on the License’s details page, where you can view a consolidated breakdown of cloud and on-prem usage from the User Insights tab. Similarly, on the Installation Insights tab, you may find installations that are licensed or unlicensed. In either case, where on-prem users or installations are unlicensed, you may entitle them directly from here.
Ready to Reclaim and Right-Size Your Software?
With AssetSonar’s On-Prem Software Metering, you finally have the missing link in your software usage visibility. Whether it’s spotting underused tools, identifying unmanaged installs, or bridging cloud and on-prem usage — you’re in control.
And this is just the beginning. As Mac and Linux support roll out, you’ll gain even deeper insights into your organization’s Shadow IT footprint. Turn it on. Take action. Track what matters.
Need help getting started or deploying the agent? Email us at support@ezo.io — we’re happy to assist!
