Keeping track of your software assets is important. Keeping on top of changing licensing rules is important. One small thing that could make or break you – having proof of purchases for your software products/licenses. Believe it or not, organizations like the BSA do not recognize certificates of authenticity or product keys as proof of purchase for Microsoft products. Save your receipts, your billing records, any piece of information that proves you paid for that software and the corresponding licenses.
Product keys can be stolen and the certificates are not dated (and can also be easily stolen), therefore, they will ask for further proof – and if you don’t have it, you’ll have to purchase those products all over again.
Be prepared and keep good records – this is the only way to combat an audit and remain in compliance!