Turnkey Services
Software License Audit
A Software License Audit is a process in which an organization evaluates its software usage and compliance with licensing agreements and terms. It involves verifying whether the organization uses software within the parameters specified in the license agreements and identifying any non-compliance. Software vendors or third-party auditors typically conduct these audits to ensure that software licenses are appropriately managed and that organizations are paying for the appropriate number of licenses based on actual usage.
Software License Audits are critical for software vendors to protect their intellectual property rights and for organizations to maintain compliance, avoid legal risks, and optimize software spending. Organizations should proactively manage their software assets and maintain accurate records to be better prepared for potential audits.
Here’s a brief overview of the Software License Audit process by Shieldbyte Infosec:
License Assessment
The audit identifies instances of non-compliance, using more licenses than purchased, using unlicensed or unauthorized software, or exceeding the agreed-upon usage limits.
Initialization / Data Collection
The audit will cover software usage and provide data related to its software deployments, including information about installed software, license keys, and usage logs.
Audit Findings Report
The audit findings report outlines the organization's compliance status and analysis, including any compliance gaps or areas of concern that must be addressed.
Resolution & Remediation
The corrective actions to rectify compliance issues based on the audit findings involving additional licenses, uninstalling unauthorized software, or usage practices.
Software License Audit
Services
Software License Audit
Services
Analysis and Verification
The auditor reviews the data provided by the organization and compares it against the license agreements and terms with usage that align with licenses and usage restrictions.
Negotiation and Settlement
Software vendors resolve any discrepancies or disputes related to the audit findings. This could lead to a settlement agreement to address any compliance gaps.
License Optimization
The audit helps to optimize the organization's software licensing to better align with its actual needs, potentially resulting in cost savings and more efficient software management.
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Following the audit, the organization may implement procedures and controls to monitor software usage to ensure continued compliance with agreements continuously.
