Do you recognize the signs of an IBM audit? These 7 Signs of an IBM audit are red flags that you should recognize.
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You Get a Letter Introducing KPMG or Deloitte
These are two of the “Big 4” accounting firms that manage the actual software license audit process on behalf of IBM. IBM refers to them as, “third party independent auditors”. Keep in mind that when it comes to their “independence,” these firms are paid by IBM for their services.
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IBM Software Review
In this case, “review” is what IBM calls an audit. Like Microsoft and other software vendors, IBM has begun referring to their software audits as “reviews.” This nomenclature change is meant to lull clients into a false sense of security.
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You Spoke To a Reseller
Like a good software asset manager, you did your research and spoke to a reseller about making a purchase to stay in compliance. Ultimately, you decided that you were in compliance and did not buy any additional licenses or products. Unfortunately, IBM resellers have a “snitch clause” in their contracts which require them to report any possible out-of-compliance situations they uncover directly to IBM. So, if IBM thinks you may be out of compliance based on that conversation, you have a significant chance of triggering an audit.
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IBM wants to “educate” you
One way IBM tries to initiate a discussion around what software you’re using, and what you may not be fully licensed to use, is by disguising that discussion as an “education” experience. IBM will want to increase your “awareness” of their compliance policies. It’s a great way for IBM to ask you questions about your environment, but make it look like it’s about educating, not evaluating your compliance.
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Not Running ILMT
Some organizations reach out to IBM because they’re having trouble installing or running ILMT or BigFix. If you’re not running one or the other, IBM will assume that you don’t have a complete picture of your environment, and are likely out of compliance.
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IBM Wants to “Help” You
Your IBM rep has taken a newfound interest in your organization’s challenges and opportunities with software. Make no mistake—they’re not looking to help you be more successful. IBM wants to know if you are having trouble managing your software assets, making you an ideal audit candidate. They also want to know what new software you might be able to use to solve your issues. It’s a double opportunity to extract more revenue from you.
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Virtualization Questions Start Coming
Many IBM customers save significantly on their budgets by running IBM software in a sub-capacity model, but virtualization can make staying in compliance more difficult. If they find out you’re not running ILMT, you are practically guaranteed to be out of compliance. Either way, virtualization questions are a sure sign that IBM has targeted you. Take caution.
Learn more by downloading our IBM Audit Defense Guide. Miro is the leading IBM audit defense specialist and original software audit defense company. We’re 100% independent from IBM and can confidentially advise you and your organization regarding IBM software licenses, software audits, and compliance. Contact us today.