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Most software audits pertaining to products licensed under perpetual licenses (such......
For SPLA Audits, When Historical Data is Missing, Creativity May Be Required
Most software audits pertaining to products licensed under perpetual licenses (such......
2210
Following the conclusion of a software audit, Microsoft’s standard practice is to require an audit......
In Microsoft Audits, Don’t Forget About True-Up Rights
Following the conclusion of a software audit, Microsoft’s standard practice is to require an audit......
3108
If your company uses a Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA)—and it pr......
Preparing for the Inevitable SPLA Audit
If your company uses a Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA)—and it pr......
2910
If you provide commercial hosting services using Microsoft’s Service Provider Lice......
What is a Microsoft SPLA Verified Self-Audit?
If you provide commercial hosting services using Microsoft’s Service Provider Lice......
0207
Microsoft licensing is a complex, multi-faceted undertaking, with ......
Microsoft’s Auditors Are Not Infallible
Microsoft licensing is a complex, multi-faceted undertaking, with ......
2403
Identifying and Understanding Microsoft License Verification Audits
Microsoft, like other software publishers, routinely audits customers to help ensure that it is protecting the value of its intellectual property. Microsoft verifies its customers’ compliance using several methods.
1. Microsoft Licens......
2402
Be Mindful of Historical Usage When Licensing Microsoft Products Under SPLA
The Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is Microsoft’s preferred licensing option for businesses wanting to use Microsoft products in support of hosted software solutions made available to end users over the Internet. For many companies, SPLA is a good fit, in that ......
2302
Microsoft SPLA Audit Look-Back Periods
In a typical Microsoft audit of software licensed under perpetual licenses, the auditors usually will compare installations of Microsoft products against licenses owned, and Microsoft will require the audited business to purchase additional licenses required to cover any gap......
2302
Microsoft Audit Roadmap
Microsoft offers an array of software licensing options for its business customers. However, during an audit, the timing and course of the project typically follows a fairly well-worn path:
2302
Beware the Mandatory SAM Engagement
For several years now, Microsoft has offered some of its customers the “opportunity” to have third-party licensing consultants (selected by Microsoft) review those customers’ Microsoft product deployments and determine whether those customers have all of the licenses n......
2302
SPLA-Audit Exposure Difficult to Estimate
One of the first steps we typically recommend to businesses facing software audits from any source is to try to estimate the financial exposure related to those audits. Doing so allows a company to allocate its resources more efficiently and to set aside reserves or make oth......
2302
Server-Client Assessments in Microsoft Audits are Complex Undertakings
Microsoft audits – especially for larger companies – often are resource-intensive and exhausting undertakings even for the most well prepared IT teams. However, certain aspects of such audits often present more challenges than others. In our experience, the most difficul......
2302
Microsoft Certificates of Authenticity May Not Constitute Proof of Licensing
The Business Software Alliance (“BSA”) and Software Industry & Information Association (“SIIA”) work on behalf of their members (the lists of which include Microsoft (for the BSA), Adobe, and Autodesk, among others) to enforce copyrights and the terms of end user......
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Microsoft SAM – An Audit by Another Name
When I heard a Microsoft executive recently explain its new approach to software license compliance enforcement, I couldn’t believe my ears. Statements like, “Microsoft does not endorse audits,” and “Microsoft believes that most of its customers want to be in complia......
