Gartner Research

Survival Guide to the Microsoft License Compliance and Audit Jungle

Published: 22 December 2014

ID: G00268862

Analyst(s): Victoria Barber, Stephen White , Frances O'Brien, Ben Jepson

Summary

As the most commonly used software and services in organizations of all sizes come from Microsoft, receiving an audit letter from this vendor creates a lot of extra work for poorly prepared software asset managers. But these audits don't have to be a problem, if you know how to manage them.

Table Of Contents
  • Key Challenges

Introduction

Analysis

  • Check All Microsoft Contracting Details for Audit and Compliance Provisions
    • Continuous Monitoring
  • Manage the Audit Using Your Established Audit Governance and Processes
  • Check for Conflicts of Interest Before Using Third-Party Auditors
  • Validate Entitlements and Resolve Differences Between Your Records and Microsoft's
  • Maintain Assignment Records in Line With Contractual Requirements
  • Correctly Identify Software Installation and Access in Reports
  • Prioritize the Assessment of Complex Licensing Models That Carry High Risks
  • Conclusion

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