The latest developments in the software end of our market have solved a lot of problems. Need an upgrade? If you’re on the cloud, you’ll get it automatically. Want to access your files from a different location? No problem. Want to track usage? Still not so simple.
This is just the kind of problem that Cetrus aims to solve. The company produces a software as a service that tracks standalone software usage. By using Cetrus’ solutions to track this (not insignificant) operating cost, businesses can start incorporating that data into their processes to increase efficiency and, of course, revenue.
Cetrus’ solutions consist of two parts. The first is an agent that runs on the user’s desktop or is incorporated into the application they’re using. It tracks software usage—including when the user opens the software, when she is using it, and when the software remains idle. The information is gathered by a manager, where you can configure the system or access usage information.
The system greatly reduces the effort required for proper tracking. If software is open on a desktop, but not being used, the agent will record this. If a user is interrupted and leaves her desk, if she switches between projects and software, the solution also records this.
At larger enterprises, Cetrus explains, “this information can be used by IT or Software Asset Managers to more accurately identify how many licenses of what software the organization needs.” In other words, buy only what you need, and pocket the savings.
A detail chart generated by Cetrus’ Process Meter desktop usage monitor.
For service providers “such as engineering or construction firms who use Project Accounting solutions to bill for asset usage,” Cetrus offers a module they call “Expense-2-Project,” which does what it says on the box. It gathers usage data from the manager module and associated it with a specific project. This allows the manager to populate it back to your accounting software so you can charge your clients for actual usage.
Cetrus develops a solution specifically for tracking your enterprise’s Autodesk application and usage patterns. This provides both of the benefits above—reducing the amount you spend on licenses, and managing “chargeback” to customers for usage—as well as another important benefit. When a session goes idle, Cetrus can repurpose that session to someone else who can use it.
Cetrus tells me that these applications are the start of a larger, more comprehensive offering.
