Be prepared for audits and true-ups!
Software audits are inevitable, and every organisation will be confronted with them at some point. However unavoidable, a software audit is something an organisation can be prepared for! Entering a review or audit unprepared not only strain an organisation’s resources, but may also result in unpleasant (financial) surprises. Organisations can prevent such consequences by gaining insight into the software license compliance status for the software publishers that are most important to the organisation. Also, with the right preparation, an organisation can reduce (financial) risks. With a complete insight into IT assets and control over the use of software, an organisation can limit the improper use of software and prevent unwanted surprises.
Audit Runbook
Softline Solutions has developed an "Audit Runbook." It helps organisations facing an audit with clear information on how to react, prepare, respond, manage, and close the audit. The checklist that is based on ISO requirements forms a helpful method to handle any external audit request. The Audit Runbook is based on the hands-on as well as the tactical and strategic experience Softline Solutions’ experts have from either side of the audit table.
Baseline Services and True-Up services
Every organisation has specific software publishers which are most important and impose the largest financial burden. Softline Solutions can conduct a Baseline Service for any given software publisher. Baselines can be seen as a pre-audit, and offer organisations insight into their license compliance position as well as advice on license optimisation and mitigation actions to be taken.
Softline Solutions has carried out many baselines, for all kinds of organisations, facing all kinds of challenges. Very short timeframes, very high estimated incompliance, very complicated license structures of software publishers that form challenges for many organisations, no transparency due to mergers and split-offs, but also organisations that "just" would like to have a Microsoft baseline for their yearly true-up. Read more about the Baseline services to find out what fits your organisations’ needs.
There are two (anonymous) case studies, one on IBM licensing and one on Oracle licensing where you can learn how the Softline Solutions’ experts have really made the difference. Get in contact with the Softline Solutions team to get advice on your specific baseline question.
IBM Deep Dive
Another way of preparing for audits – an IBM audit in particular – is the IBM Deep Dive. In two days, this deep dive will uncover licensing risks in an organisation. But what makes this more elaborate than an IBM baseline, is that it will also show an organisation their potential savings on licensing costs. Our experience tells us that, on average, the ROI is at least between 50 and 100 times the consultancy costs!
