---
sourceDocument: Australia IT Service Management
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/it-service-management

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia IT Service Management

ft:clusterId :

    - itsm

bundleId :

    - itsm

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Setting up Software Asset Management Foundation plugin

# Setting up Software Asset Management Foundation plugin {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated August 25, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Set up Software Asset Management Foundation plugin
before configuration.

## Before you begin

Role required: sam_admin

## About this task

Once you have [requested](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/jKMMzyW26w1p4sRKiohnRA "The Software Asset Management Foundation (com.snc.sams) plugin must be activated by ServiceNow personnel. This plugin includes demo data.")
Software Asset Management Foundation plugin and it has been activated from ServiceNow personnel,
complete these steps to set up Software Asset Management Foundation plugin before you begin to use it.

## Procedure

1. Determine whether you are currently running the ITSM Software Asset Management feature of Asset Management using the [Legacy Software Asset Management plugin](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/PaC_enuTfdUMNO9ny3m2WA "The legacy Software Asset Management (com.snc.software_asset_management) plugin activates the legacy ITSM Software Asset Management feature that is provided with the Asset Management application.").  
   Check the list of plugins to see if the Software Asset Management (com.snc.software_asset_management) plugin is active.
   * If so, complete the [Software Asset Management Foundation plugin migration](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/07GuVB3gOup~OC8c915BkA "Migrate from the Software Asset Management plugin to the Software Asset Management Foundation plugin to take advantage of more powerful features. Manual actions by the customer are required after plugin activation.") procedure.

     This step automatically converts and adds new tables,
     forms and lists, fields and values, and disables deprecated
     functionality. It also contains manual procedures for you to
     complete for successful migration.
   * If not, proceed to the next step.
   {#t_SAMSetupSAMF__ul_fsq_33m_5z}
2. Determine whether Discovery is activated (see [Request
   Discovery](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=t_ActivateTheDiscoveryPlugin&version=australia&pubname=australia-it-operations-management&ft:locale=en-US)).  
   Check the list of plugins to see if the Discovery plugin is active.
   * If so, run the [Migrate Software Asset Management Foundation plugin software installations](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/LORG_Qh9rBUe7TwNYXfyFg "If you are using Discovery, run this script after installing Software Asset Management Foundation plugin to copy previously discovered software installation records from the [cmdb_software_instance] table to the [cmdb_sam_sw_install] table, which is used by Software Asset Management Foundation plugin to store software installation records.") script.

     This step copies records from the \[cmdb_ci_spkg\] table to
     the \[cmdb_sam_sw_install\] table, so that any previously discovered
     software installs are utilized by the Software Asset Management Foundation plugin.
   * If not, activate and configure Discovery.

     For more
     information, see [Discovery](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=r-discovery&version=australia&pubname=australia-it-operations-management&ft:locale=en-US).
   {#t_SAMSetupSAMF__ul_zgf_xhm_5z}
3. Proceed to [Get started with Software Asset Management Foundation plugin](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/81mi8sY5jc0crn1JqCp3Vw "Get started with Software Asset Management Foundation plugin to optimize management of software installations in your environment.") to begin using the Software Asset Management Foundation plugin in your environment.
* **[Request Software Asset Management Foundation plugin](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/jKMMzyW26w1p4sRKiohnRA)**   
  The Software Asset Management Foundation (com.snc.sams) plugin must be activated by ServiceNow personnel. This plugin includes demo data.
* **[Manage a SAM Foundation software suite](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/cBoeW5f_A1NWTeGz1EEqqg)**   
  Create a suite and add the corresponding components to the suite so the rights that your organization owns are counted accurately during reconciliation.
* **[Customize a Discovery pattern for Software Asset Management Foundation plugin](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/PnlVgBdpnTssVN3wu~snvw)**   
  Software Asset Management Foundation plugin automatically leverages SQL Server, Exchange, and Oracle Database Discovery patterns, but you can perform steps for Software Asset Management Foundation plugin to utilize additional Discovery patterns, if needed.
* **[Get started with Software Asset Management Foundation plugin](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/81mi8sY5jc0crn1JqCp3Vw)**   
  Get started with Software Asset Management Foundation plugin to optimize management of software installations in your environment.