25Feb
BSA/SIIA Audits and Software Publisher-Initiated Audits Differ in Important Ways
While the over-arching concept underlying a software audit initiated by a publisher like Microsoft or IBM is the same as that in an audit initiated by the BSA | The Software Alliance or the Software...
16Feb
Defending SPLA Audits: Critical First Steps
Many businesses contact Scott & Scott, LLP regarding Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) audits after providing extensive information to Microsoft’s auditors and receiving compliance demands that would be ruinous for their bottom lines, if paid...
31Dec
Do You Need a Microsoft Service Provider License (SPLA)?
If your business model involves hosting applications, websites or data, chances are that Microsoft will require you to obtain and follow a SPLA. Businesses that use Microsoft software for internal use only, or where third-party...
22Oct
In Microsoft Audits, Don’t Forget About True-Up Rights
Following the conclusion of a software audit, Microsoft’s standard practice is to require an audited company to purchase licenses associated with calculated “unlicensed use” within a set period of time (typically, 30 days) following receipt...
22Sep
How to Protect Your Company in a Microsoft SPLA Self-Certification
If your company licenses products to third parties under the Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA), you may receive a request to perform a self assessment and provide a certification of compliance to Microsoft. The...
31Aug
Preparing for the Inevitable SPLA Audit
If your company uses a Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA)—and it probably does if Microsoft considers you to be in the commercial hosting business—you will be audited at some point. Typically, Microsoft SPLA customers...
