The Importance of Software Compliance

BY: CARLOS FELICIANO-MISLA

Being compliant is commonly discussed in relation to software licensing as well as software asset management. It is important for businesses to be compliant. The term compliant has several meanings when it comes to software asset management.

It usually involves taking a comprehensive check on the software installed on the network and to compare it with what one is legally entitled to be using. One of the ways a business could do this is by keeping all the related purchase documentation in one place to check it and ensure if the software is licensed or not. Understand the terms of the license to get a better idea of it.

So why is it important for a Business to be Software Compliant?

A software compliant business means that the business regularly performs proper inventory checks of the software in use and it allows the IT manager to be completely aware of the installed software and the license entitlements. It helps organizations cut costs and reduces any risk of audit fines. It is difficult for a business to make compliance manually which is why it is important to have a system in place that helps with the software asset management.

The investment in a compliance system helps reduce costs and helps ensure that complete compliance is being made and to its full potential.

How can a Business Conduct Compliance Checks?

A business will need to make compliance checks to ensure that they have all the related purchase documentation in order to prove that the software in use has been licensed and the business is entitled to use the software. When the business compares the installations with the purchases, it allows the business to determine if they have a legal right to use it or would need to pass audit.

IT managers usually fail to develop a policy which is effective and find themselves purchasing software blindly, leading the company to be under licensed or over licensed. Both of these waste a huge portion of the budget due to purchasing of over licensed software or having to deal with compliance issues.

How to Successfully Develop a Software Compliance Policy?

A business which hopes to reduce any compliance related costs should ensure that the IT management has proper knowledge on compliance and uses an effective software asset management system.

Hire a Company that Will Get the Job Done

Due to the technicalities of the software compliance, most businesses hire the services of a company which has expertise and an experience in making software compliance. A good company will help save your business from spending on compliance matters and will help save costs.

Hiring the services of a software compliance company is a great investment and will offer your business the savings it needs to spend on other areas of the business such as marketing or research. Being a software compliant business is vital as it helps create a good brand image of your business and allows customers as well as suppliers to trust the business.