Sassafras
To strengthen stewardship of university software resources and ensure responsible use of institutional funds, ASU Enterprise Technology is deploying Sassafras, a tool to help us manage our software licenses more effectively.
By gaining visibility into our software landscape - specifically the usage of paid web-based applications - we can ensure university funds are used efficiently while strictly maintaining user privacy.
Sassafras Software Management: Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 General Overview
What is Sassafras? Sassafras is a lightweight IT asset management tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. It provides installation data and usage reporting for selected software.
Why are we implementing this? Currently, we lack a clear picture of the university’s software landscape. Without complete usage data, the number of licenses purchased may exceed actual demand. This data can help identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary licensing expenses.
🔹 Privacy & Data
Is this "Spyware"? No. Sassafras is not a behavioral monitoring tool. It does not track your keystrokes, record your screen, collect general browsing history, or read your emails/files. It is designed to inventory software assets.
What exactly is being monitored? Usage monitoring is limited to university-selected applications. The client also collects software and device inventory information. It collects approved software inventory and usage information needed for license management.
Who will be able to see my data? Authorized leaders with a legitimate business need will be able to review relevant data within the Sassafras platform. Future reports will be available through the ASU Analytics portal, with access limited to authorized users.
Will this slow down my computer? The Sassafras client is an extremely "thin" agent. It uses negligible CPU and memory. The client is designed to run in the background with minimal impact.
Can you track SaaS products? Yes. For selected university web applications, Sassafras may record access to approved application URLs to support license-usage reporting. It does not capture activity performed within those applications.
Are you tracking my web browsing? No. Sassafras does not collect your general browsing history. It only records access to specifically configured URLs associated with selected university applications.
🔹 Financial Impact
How can this support more effective license management? By identifying "shelfware" (software that is paid for but never opened). The data may inform renewal negotiations, license counts, and licensing models.
Will my department lose software if we don't use it enough? The goal is right-sizing, not removing tools you need.
If my department already uses Sassafras will ET be providing licenses? ET is developing a support and funding model. Details will be shared once finalized.
How does Sassafras licensing work? Licenses are on a per active client cost which are cross platform (Win/Mac/Linux).
🔹 Installation & Support
What will I notice from this application on my computer? Most users should not notice a visible change. The client will run in the background and can be found in the device’s process or application manager.
Do I need to do anything to install it? Phased deployment will be coordinated by Enterprise Technology and local IT teams using approved software distribution methods. For units coordinating their own deployment, instructions are available here:
KB0029178: Sassafras Client Deployment Instructions
Does this apply to my personal computer? No. This deployment is limited to ASU-owned and managed devices and does not include personally owned devices.
How often do you put out new versions? Updates will be evaluated and deployed through ASU’s standard testing and change-management processes.