Hyderabad, Jan 20 (IANS) After success in Karnataka and Maharashtra, Business Software Alliance (BSA) Thursday announced the launch of its education and certification programme – leadership in Software Asset Management (SAM) – in Andhra Pradesh.

To be supported by the state government, the programme is aimed at improving corporate governance through cost cutting and improved efficiency among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Keshav S. Dhakad, chair, BSA India Committee, told reporters that awareness would be created among SMEs on the benefits of SAM, an ISO 19770:1 standard, which promotes the value of managing software licenses as assets within companies and organisations.

‘Through this programme, BSA aims to enable Andhra Pradesh to become a leading state in promoting SAM-led strong corporate governance standards in the field of IT within the local companies, driving cost efficiencies, better risk management and achieving high levels of IT maturity and improve security,’ he said.

The participation and recognition under the programme would help SMEs control costs, enhance productivity, network security and fulfil compliance obligations. ‘It would help participating companies to enhance their brand reputation and attract international clients and investors by showcasing their improved organisation management, through the certification under the programme,’ Dhakad said.

Ravi Prasada Rao, joint director, e-governance in Andhra’s information and communication technology department, said 1,000 to 1,200 SMEs in and around Hyderabad could immensely benefit from this four-month long certification programme.

The state government proposes to empanel SAM-certified SMEs for awarding the government works in e-governance.

BSA is a non-profit organisation present in 80 countries and is promoting safe and legal digital world and create conditions for innovation and growth.