Microsoft Audits


Scott & Scott, LLP represents clients in Microsoft software audit matters conducted by the BSA and Microsoft SAM consultants. Microsoft audits its customers using a variety of strategies. Small to medium-sized firms are frequently the target of a Microsoft audit initiated by a trade group such as the BSA. For large enterprise and mid-market firms, Microsoft audits its customers through its software asset management partner channel in what is frequently referred to as a Microsoft Software Asset Management (“SAM”) engagement.

Software Asset Management engagements are usually conducted by third-party auditors or consultants, but there is no obligation that the auditor in a SAM engagement be independent. Microsoft’s SAM engagement has been extensively used in lieu of traditional software audits with mixed reviews from the end user’s perspective.

If you license Microsoft products via the Services Provider License Agreement, the agreement typically includes audit rights language giving Microsoft the ability to review a SPLA partner’s records regarding software deployments and entitlements and to demand compensation – usually at a mark-up over standard reseller pricing levels – for any deployments found to be in excess of the business’ past monthly SPLA reporting.

Our lawyers and technology consultants also assist companies in conducting an internal Microsoft software audit for license true-ups, compliance initiatives, outsourcing contracts, and in connection with acquisitions and divestitures.

 

+500 audit cases defended in 10 years
+$100-Million in licensing transactions
+60 years of combined experience

 

  • Highest recommendation. An absolute wizard in the substantive areas and a talented negotiator as well.

    QHCCS, LLC

  • Scott and Scott understands our business and are very responsive.

    Red Key Solutions - White Plains, NY - www.redkeysolutions.com

  • Your office was extremely helpful to us during our BSA ordeal.  Very easy to work with and always gave us really great advice regarding a subject matter that we were not familiar with.

    A.P. Dailey Custom Laminating Corp.

  • Excellent representation; outstanding communication; reasonable fees for service.

    Baber's Rent to Own

Recent Articles & Blogs


Navigating Microsoft License Verification Audits

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Microsoft, like other software publishers, routinely audits customers to help ensure that it is protecting the value of its intellectual property.  Microsoft verifies its customers’ compliance using several methods. Microsoft License Verification (also, Software Asset...

Microsoft SPLA Self-Assessment – What It Is, and How to Respond

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Many of our clients contact us regarding notices they received from Microsoft requesting an internal self-assessment of their license positions under their Services Provider License Agreements (SPLAs). Naturally, many of those clients have questions about...

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