regsamp
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Microsoft Audit question
We are trying to find out if I.T. should tell management that Microsoft or any other software company can legally come to their place of business at any time and demand to do their own audit to get a count on their software?
Is this true? Has anyone ever been audited.
Is this true? Has anyone ever been audited.
SOLUTION
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They'll never come to your place or take control of your servers/computers.
They'll insist for you to fill the forms they send you, calling you, sending email (like everyday or couple times per week).
They'll insist for you to fill the forms they send you, calling you, sending email (like everyday or couple times per week).
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ASKER
But couldn't someone just fudge the forms? That is how Microsoft takes a count? Then how do people get fined if there is not a way for Microsoft to confirm physically?
It is pretty easy to spot fudged forms. And Microsoft is entitled to check with the vendor of the software and computers list on the invoices.
ASKER
I see. I was just trying to get a general picture of how it worked. Our environment is in total compliance but there was a debate on what to tell management about the specifics and how it works exactly and I am unclear myself.
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If you are in complete compliance (as are my clients) it is generally easy to lay out the necessary paperwork, help them through it and bid them good day.
ASKER
Thank you for that Dustin. That is how we do our licensing. Thank you everyone else.
@regsamp - np, good luck.
Be sure to look through all your active directory users, installed licenses to make sure everything is good. You have time to fix problems before the audit starts, but when it starts if they find an error you will get billed for that item back to the start of your current SPLA contract regardless of when the item was turned up (i.e.3 year contract & if you have an instance of SQL server you turned up yesterday and you didn't report it, they will bill you for 3 years of that SQL server.)
We have a very large infrastructure here and at my previous company, and both times we enlisted SPLA attorneys to help with the audit. We were able to avoid any penalties from Microsoft both times, but if your company is large enough you may consider that.
Be sure to look through all your active directory users, installed licenses to make sure everything is good. You have time to fix problems before the audit starts, but when it starts if they find an error you will get billed for that item back to the start of your current SPLA contract regardless of when the item was turned up (i.e.3 year contract & if you have an instance of SQL server you turned up yesterday and you didn't report it, they will bill you for 3 years of that SQL server.)
We have a very large infrastructure here and at my previous company, and both times we enlisted SPLA attorneys to help with the audit. We were able to avoid any penalties from Microsoft both times, but if your company is large enough you may consider that.
ASKER
The experts were quick and gave great advice and insight.
Thanks and we are happy to help.
ASKER