BSA settles $105,000 software licensing case
The Business Software Alliance has announced that a Pennsylvania-based insurance company has paid $105,000 to the watchdog to settle a case involving unlicensed Microsoft software.
The BSA claims it was alerted to the failure to manage software licenses correctly through its www.nopiracy.com website. Last year, the BSA reportedly took over 2,500 whistle-blowing calls through the website and freephone number (resulting in $142,000 being paid out in rewards to 42 individuals).
As part of its settlement agreement, the insurance company in question has committed to improving its Software Asset Management processes, which should help it better manage software and licenses in the future to avoid over-spending.
While the exact number of unlicensed applications has not been made public, it is safe to assume that the total value of the licensing shortfall is significantly lower than the $105,000 settlement figure - showing clearly how a proactive stance on license management can dramatically lower the cost of compliance. What’s more, in the current climate of down-sizing and consolidation, having a firm view on licensing can present numerous opportunities to cut costs, as licenses are more effectively harvested, volume license agreements are re-negotiated and support agreements adjusted to match current usage.
While the big fines continue to steal the headlines, it’s actually the savings that SAM offers that could be big news for the majority of organizations.
