Understanding The Necessity Of Software Audits Chicago

By Kimberly Baker


When a vendor sells their programme to an organization, they expect that it will be applied appropriately to the operations. They reserve the right to perform software audits Chicago whenever they deem necessary. The vendor still owns the programme even after a person buys it. The user has to adhere to both contractual and legal requirements as outlined. The review is meant to ensure and assure that certain elements are right.

There are different reasons why vendors would want to perform reviews. Like license for example. To check for piracy and copyright infringement. To check for the quality of the program being used by the client. The vendor will also want to know if the company is remaining true to the promise they made when they signed the user agreement. Whatever the reason for the review, the organization should willingly submit.

These reviews can benefit both vendor and organization. The company will be assured that their programme is not a pirated product. They also get the benefit of being compliant with legal requirements. The vendor is assured that there is no copyright infringement. Therefore instead of looking at this review as baggage, consider it an opportunity. An opportunity to improve.

The exercise can be internal or external. The internal one can be done by an in-house team. One may also get consultants from outside to perform the exercise. Internal is well advised as the company will stay a step ahead of the vendors. It will be known as soon as licenses fall through. The external is done by vendors and/or third parties.

There are two main types. One type being more voluntary than the other. Software Assessment Management or SAM is sort of like self-audit. The vendor checks that the organization is complying with the user agreement they signed. The second type is Legal Contract & Compliance or LLC. This is not voluntary. This is performed by the Business Software Alliance (BSA). The BSA stands in if the organization refuses SAM.

If the organization finds itself in a position where the BSA has sent a notice of LLC, they need to be proactive about it. They should apply measures to check their status. Then if issues are detected, the organization should start the process to correct it. Then contact the vendor and let them know that something is being done. Try to settle things without the BSA.

As mentioned before, have in-house reviews. They do not have to be frequent if the resources do not allow. Twice a year is fine. The frequency should be dependent on the complexity of the system. Get tools that will help recognize underutilized or unused applications.

Let the vendor know that the company is committed to ensuring the asset is appropriately utilized. That the company is committed to rigorous in-house reviews. This is a sign of goodwill. Hopefully, it will keep the vendor from wanting to review the organization.




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