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MAD Software Audits: Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestiture

August 9, 2017August 10, 2017 Shawn DonohueUncategorized

Software audits by companies like Oracle, Microsoft and IBM are frequently triggered when an organization engages in MAD activity; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestiture. Software asset managers (SAM) and procurement staff should be aware of the specific challenges related to MAD activity within their organization. It’s vitally important to retain policy documents and licensing contracts to ensure compliance. When these vendors become aware of MAD activity at an organization, they typically investigate these specific areas: Has the organization purchased new licenses to […]

Flexera’s FlexNet Manager for IBM in lieu of IBM License Metric Tool (ILMT)

August 8, 2017August 9, 2017 Sharon TrembleyCompliance, IBM

IBM uses their own proprietary software asset management tool, ILMT. “The IBM License Metric Tool [ILMT] helps you maintain an inventory of the PVU based software deployed for your Full Capacity or Virtualization (Sub-) Capacity environment, and measures the PVU licenses required by software Product. It is intended to help you manage your IBM software licensing requirements, and help you maintain an audit ready posture. Customers are responsible for supplying hardware and installation services required for installing the tool” according […]

Oracle Advanced Compression: Compliance Risks When Using Advanced Compression Options

July 19, 2017April 18, 2018 Dr. William J. ButtigiegAdvanced Compression, Compliance, Oracle 11g, Oracle 12g, Oracle audit, Oracle database, Oracle license, Oracle Licensing Compliance, Uncategorized

Executive Summary IT leaders focused on Oracle compliance risks are often unaware of the challenges in preventing Oracle Advanced Compression options from being triggered unintentionally. Failure to identify and implement Oracle Advanced Compression options according to entitlements in the Oracle estate can lead to an audit failure and significant penalty fees. Key Challenges: Determine which Oracle features and options are required for the organization Prevent employees from using Oracle options and features that the organization is not licensed for Continually […]

5 Unusual Ways to Save on Microsoft Licenses & Subscriptions

May 24, 2017May 24, 2017 Shawn DonohueCompliance, Core Licensing, IT Asset Management, Microsoft, Microsoft Audit, Microsoft Enterprise Agreements, Microsoft Licensing Compliance, Microsoft Licensing Tip, Microsoft Software Assurance, Microsoft Windows, software license, Windows

You know the basics, but do you know these advanced strategies for saving on your Microsoft spend? Your organization could save hundreds of thousands of dollars by taking advantage of these special techniques and Microsoft programs, but only if you know what to ask for. 1. Independent Contract Review When your contract is up for renewal, many organizations simply assume that there’s no need to review the details more than in the past. Unfortunately, a lack of diligence and oversight […]

5 Ways Your Hosting Provider Can Put You Out of Compliance

May 23, 2017May 23, 2017 Wayne FedericoCompliance, Oracle, Oracle license, software license, Virtualization

Your Third-Party Hosting Provider may be putting you out of compliance. Unfortunately, your organization is liable if they do. Most providers have clauses in their contracts which absolve them of all responsibility. Is your hosting provider jeopardizing your compliance? Read more to find out. 1. Virtualized Environment Do you know if your Third-Party Hosting Provider is running your software in a virtualized environment? We find that Oracle can and will require licensing outside of their client’s own non-dedicated use for […]

7 Signs of an IBM Audit

May 17, 2017May 23, 2017 Shawn DonohueCompliance, IBM, software asset management, Software audit, software license

Do you recognize the signs of an IBM audit? These 7 Signs of an IBM audit are red flags that you should recognize. 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. […]

5 Things Oracle No Longer Offers in 2017

May 3, 2017May 23, 2017 Shawn DonohueOracle, Oracle database, Oracle license

If your renewal is coming up soon and you were planning on using one of these, you may need to change your plans. Here are 5 things that Oracle no longer offers in 2017: 1. Priceholds: Priceholds used to be the “bread and butter” of Oracle offerings, but are now quite uncommon. Besides being rare, their benefits are constricted, having a limited scope (in terms of applicable products) and limited discounts on subsequent procurements. 2. Limited Use: Many Oracle products […]