Gartner Group defines three types. Type A is technology driven, using technology to gain a competitive edge. It is typically willing to risk using immature technology to gain a competitive edge. Type B adopts technology when it is proven to be beneficial. Type C is risk averse and usually sensitive to price.
All enterprises practice some form of IT asset management on a departmental level.
For example, accounting departments maintain records of fixed assets, network administrators keep records of network assets, and IS organizations maintain lists of software licenses. Many enterprises can accrue substantial benefits, including cost savings, by reengineering their asset-management practices and implementing improved procurement procedures. Benefits include reduced paperwork from the use of electronic data interchange, aggregated purchasing power and reduced accounting costs to verify and check invoices. Productivity gains will also come from equipping the help desk with first-class tools, including information about installed hardware and software. If workers use the help desk because it is perceived to be the best source of assistance, they will not interrupt associates to get assistance with IT problems.