What is a software audit process?
A successful license audit is more than just counting your assets. This in
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Software audits can be daunting. Fines, back payments, and true-up costs take up precious time and create unexpected expenses.
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Every software publisher approaches audits differently. That’s why our global team of data analysts, entitlement managers, and negotiation experts has a deep understanding of the nuances of each. Whether it’s Microsoft or IBM, Salesforce or HP, we’ll help you navigate your next audit and land the best deal for your business.
What should we do if Microsoft, Oracle, IBM or SAP requests a software audit?
When a software vendor requests an audit, first establish the contractual basis and scope of the request before supplying detailed deployment or usage information. Organizations should create an internal audit team, preserve relevant data, and independently assess their license position so they understand potential exposure before responding to the publisher’s findings.
How do you defend a software license audit?
Defending a software license audit involves validating the vendor’s audit scope, reconciling software inventory with contractual entitlements, checking licensing assumptions, and independently calculating potential compliance exposure. Any discrepancies in the vendor’s findings should be supported by contractual and technical evidence.
Should we accept a software vendor’s audit findings?
Not automatically. Software audit findings should be independently validated against contracts, entitlements, deployment information, and the applicable licensing rules. Differences in data, assumptions, and license interpretation can materially affect the publisher’s calculated financial exposure.
What happens during a software license audit?
During a software license audit, the publisher typically requests information about software deployments, usage, infrastructure, and license entitlements. The publisher uses that information to calculate a license position and identify potential shortfalls, after which the organization may need to challenge the findings, remediate compliance issues, or negotiate a commercial settlement.
Can a software license audit be negotiated?
Yes. When an audit identifies a license shortfall, the resulting commercial position may be negotiable. An organization that understands its contractual rights, actual licensing position, and future requirements is generally better equipped to evaluate the publisher’s claims and negotiate an appropriate outcome.
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