The majority of UK companies carry out a regular audit on their software, according to a study.

Research carried out by software asset management (SAM) provider EasySAM reveals 75 per cent of companies claim to conduct an audit of their software at least monthly, while just three per cent admit never doing so.

Technical Director of the firm Robbie Richmond said the findings indicate that SAM is becoming increasingly important to chief information officers.

However, he added: "There is a gap between awareness and investment in both understanding how to manage software effectively and the tools necessary to automate many of the complex technical tasks surrounding software auditing and license reconciliation."

Earlier this week, the Institute of Direct Marketing claimed most businesses are able to take advantage of direct marketing thanks to the advent of email and the internet.

Lisa Turner, marketing director at the organisation, pointed out that 80 per cent of television adverts now carry a web address.