client lifecycle management (CLM)

Client Lifecycle Management (CLM) refers to all investments in hardware, software, installation and maintenance of a client that are incurred during the entire lifecycle of a desktop or notebook.

Client Lifecycle Management (CLM) begins with planning, needs assessment and consulting by in-house staff or consultants. The lifecycle continues with tendering and purchasing, installation, configuration and installation of the application programs. During operation, the client must be maintained, programs updated, updates installed and licenses renewed. The costs for network management, security measures and user support are also included in client lifecycle management until the client is disposed of.