Something we’ve been thinking about:
Is it time for a different kind of delivery model in the SAM, ITAM and FinOps space?
Not radical reinvention. Not a new framework for the sake of it.
Just… something that reflects how organisations actually operate today.
Because over the last couple of years, we’ve noticed a shift — and if you work in or around this space, maybe you have too.
Fewer grand transformation programmes.
More targeted asks.
More need for quick insight, focused action, and flexible support.
What if delivery was simpler? More modular? More outcome-focused?
At Appstrato, we’ve been experimenting with a three-step model.
Not because we’re trying to productise consulting — but because we’ve seen this rhythm work.
It goes like this:
Step 1: Understand the landscape
Start with a Value Assessment.
Not a maturity score. Not a giant deck.
Just a clear, independent view of what’s running, what’s being used, what it’s costing — and where the inefficiencies are hiding.
It’s basic, but it’s where clarity begins.
And when it’s done well, it can unlock a huge amount of value.
Step 2: Take out the cost
Move quickly into focused action.
Clean up unused licenses.
Right-size contracts.
Spot overspend or misalignment and fix it — surgically, not dramatically.
We’ve found that even light-touch cost take-out can have a big impact.
It’s not about cutting for the sake of it. It’s about realigning spend with value.
Step 3: Stay close, not embedded
Finally, stick around — but only as needed.
Support should flex with change: a renewal on the horizon, an audit notice, a surprise spike in cloud spend.
This is where ongoing engagement comes in:
Lightweight, advisory, often fractional.
Supportive, but not overbearing.
It’s not a method. It’s a mindset.
The point here isn’t to claim we’ve found “the way.”
It’s just to say: this way of working feels better aligned to how modern businesses (and consultants) operate.
It’s less about being on-site or “in the room” 24/7, and more about being able to step in at the right moments, with the right focus.
It’s about:
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Giving internal teams the tools and insight they need
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Delivering outcomes quickly and transparently
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Avoiding over-delivery when a lighter touch will do
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Building capability, not dependency
Is it the right approach for everyone? Maybe not.
But we’ve seen it deliver real value.
Clients appreciate the structure, the clarity, and the freedom to engage in the way that suits them.
Consultants like the flexibility, the focus, and the chance to contribute meaningfully — without committing to months-long engagements.
And as the demands on SAM, ITAM and FinOps functions continue to grow, this kind of modular, outcome-led approach might just become the norm.
We’re not saying this is the answer.
But it feels like the right kind of question to be asking.
What if delivery could be simpler, smarter, and more human?
We’re exploring it. And we’ll see where it goes.
