ncomper
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Microsoft Licensing Liability
Hi All,
We are looking at supporting a new client, they have 5 servers, Exchange 2010, 50 users. I know for a fact that they are not licensed for Exchange, Office 2010, or have user cals in place to cover. We have provided costs for multiple ways to license but due to the climate they are struggeling to find either finance or funds to purchase the licenses (i know this should be a core requirement but i can not prioratise the budgets for them).
As an external contractor what would my liability be if i were to take them on as a client knowing that they are out of license. If microsoft come knocking and feel it appropriate to take action would this affect my qualifications (i know they can remove them) if they see i have install OS & Software knowing it is illigal?
I have called microsoft, the department cant help me on my liability but can help on offering them solutions to become compliant....
Thoughts?
We are looking at supporting a new client, they have 5 servers, Exchange 2010, 50 users. I know for a fact that they are not licensed for Exchange, Office 2010, or have user cals in place to cover. We have provided costs for multiple ways to license but due to the climate they are struggeling to find either finance or funds to purchase the licenses (i know this should be a core requirement but i can not prioratise the budgets for them).
As an external contractor what would my liability be if i were to take them on as a client knowing that they are out of license. If microsoft come knocking and feel it appropriate to take action would this affect my qualifications (i know they can remove them) if they see i have install OS & Software knowing it is illigal?
I have called microsoft, the department cant help me on my liability but can help on offering them solutions to become compliant....
Thoughts?
i think you might solve it by giving and audit of licenses to the company you work for. this would mean they are aware and accept the current state so if signed, no more responsibility for you
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I did call microsoft on the issue but the deaprtment would only be able to help me make them complient and were not able to provide more informaiton on the liability
sometimes it is a long business decision so it is ok to at least start the compliancy negotiations with MS
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Still a complicated question, on the flip side i have had sign off from the client that they will now pay the license
usually the owner of the machine is responsible for the software on it. so if there is a police check they will be responsible. the question is if they will not be able to sue you according to the contract for making damages to them