201602.23
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Challenges of Microsoft Server-Client Licensing

The basic model for licensing Microsoft server software – both for operating systems and for applications – is to purchase a license permitting the installation of the software on a server and a number of client-access licenses (CALs) equal to the number of users or devices that will be accessing that software over a network….

201602.23
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Licensing Microsoft Applications in a Citrix Environment

Many organizations allow their users to access desktop applications like Microsoft Office through Citrix, which is often used to control the number of users who can access the software at any one time. These organizations need to carefully evaluate whether they are legally able to install applications on their network for remote-user access and also…

201602.23
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Client-Licensing Basics for Microsoft Server Products

Many businesses struggle with the task of determining what kinds and quantities of licenses are needed in order to deploy Microsoft operating systems and client-accessed applications on their servers. The first step in that process often is the most difficult: deciding whether to use “traditional” server + client access licenses (CALs), processor licenses or External…

201602.23
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Microsoft Certificates of Authenticity May Not Constitute Proof of Licensing

The Business Software Alliance (“BSA”) and Software Industry & Information Association (“SIIA”) work on behalf of their members (the lists of which include Microsoft (for the BSA), Adobe, and Autodesk, among others) to enforce copyrights and the terms of end user license agreements (“EULAs”) pertaining to those members’ software products. The BSA and SIIA typically…

201602.23
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Microsoft Licensing Considerations

Generally when purchasing new software online, or upgrading existing software, a box pops up on the computer that says “Agree to Terms”.  Most people simply check the appropriate box and click next without reading the fine print.  This can be troublesome when the Business Software Alliance (BSA), which represents major software companies such as Microsoft,…

201602.23
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SPLA Audit Exposure Difficult to Estimate

One of the first steps we typically recommend to businesses facing software audits from any source is to try to estimate the financial exposure related to those audits. Doing so allows a company to allocate its resources more efficiently and to set aside reserves or make other financial preparations in advance of settlement, when auditors…

201602.23
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Microsoft SQL Server, Processor Licensing, and Virtual Servers

Use terms of Microsoft server products can be complex and difficult to interpret.  Microsoft SQL Server licensing rules for use in virtual environments demonstrate that a careful review of the use terms is necessary to avoiding copyright or contract violations. The current licensing rules for Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise provide that when licensed under a…

201601.07
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Non-SPLA Licensing for Hosted Microsoft Software

Most businesses seeking to license Microsoft software for the purpose of delivering hosted software solutions over the Internet turn first to the company’s Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA). SPLA is Microsoft’s flagship licensing model for commercial hosting services, and it offers the primary benefit of permitting a licensed hosting company to pay on a month-to-month…

201601.07
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Microsoft SAM – An Audit by Another Name

When I heard a Microsoft executive recently explain its new approach to software license compliance enforcement, I couldn’t believe my ears. Statements like, “Microsoft does not endorse audits,” and “Microsoft believes that most of its customers want to be in compliance, they just need help with tool deployment and reconciliation,” sounded to good to be…