Maxima Microsoft Licensing Audit
Why should you undergo a Microsoft Licensing Audit?
In 2008, the following statistics were made available:
- 85% of Irish SME's are non compliant with current MS Licensing structure
- 34% of Software in Ireland is Pirated
- Ireland has been recognised as being one of the most non compliant countries in the EU.
With these statistics in mind, Microsoft has conveyed their intention to its Irish partners, to actively progress license compliance in the Irish market over the next year. Microsoft wants to work with companies to become compliant not work against them.
Threat of litigation and the high cost associated with Microsoft Legalisation Licenses are reason enough to undergo a Maxima Licensing Audit today, rather than facing a legal challenge from Microsoft. Software accountability is the sole governance of the board of directors of each company. A company should seriously consider undergoing an accredited Maxima Licensing Audit to discover potential licensing shortages and/or overages.
Typical Symptoms that can contribute to non compliance:
- Many different software versions and legacy operating systems
- Software purchases are Ad-Hoc and sourced from different vendors on a cost basis
- No Licence purchasing strategy in place
- Recent acquisitions and mergers within the company
- Server Virtualisation
- High level of OEM purchases
What can you expect during a MS Licensing Audit?
Our licensing experts will undergo a three phased approach to examine your licensing compliance. Through data collection, analysis and developing an action plan you will be brought through the licensing process, and given a clear status of your licensing issues and how to become compliant.
1. Data Collection
In order to discover of all of the Microsoft Applications and Operating Systems deployed on your network, Maxima propose the use of accredited data-gathering tools.
2. Data Analysis
All data that was collected will be tabulated and then compared against purchasing records and / or internal sales records to identify the shortcomings and overages you may have. Once this information has been analysed, a Microsoft Licensing Statement will be produced by Maxima and validated by you.
3. Formulate an Action Plan
Your compliance issues will be addressed in an action plan. If requested, Maxima will engage on your behalf with Microsoft, to negotiate and broker the best possible investment to meet compliance. Maxima will also provide guidance on procurement strategy for licensing purchases going forward.
