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IBM Passport Advantage Agreement Update
Sharon TrembleyUncategorized

IBM Passport Advantage Agreement Update IBM has revised their Passport Advantage Agreement, starting with new IBM software customer in November 2017 and with existing customers on 1 February 2018. The Passport Advantage Agreement has not been updated since August 2014, but there are new changes: It seems longer due to additional country terms, and a change of font size, but in essence it’s the same length.   Here are the details: 1.9 Eligible Products: There are more details regarding eligible products, but […]

6 Microsoft Audit Triggers
adminUncategorized

Did you know your Microsoft Reseller can tell Microsoft to audit you? For the last several years, Microsoft and other software vendors have been pressuring their customers with audits. The reasons were many and include stagnant revenue, recovery from the economic turmoil of the preceding decade, changes in corporate direction, and more. Microsoft turned to software audits to compel organizations to transition to products and services that fit their “Mobile First, Cloud First” strategy.  So what triggers these audits? What […]

MAD Software Audits: Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestiture
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)
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
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
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
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
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. […]

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