Firms under pressure from software audits

Enterprises came under increased pressure from software audits last year, as vendors tried to weather the recession by claiming every last penny to which they were entitled, according to new research from analyst firm Forrester.

The firm's latest report, Surviving a Software Licence Audit, warns sourcing and vendor managers against complacency, given the increasing number of audits by vendors and the "widening list of reasons for alleged non-compliance".

Forrester argued that virtualisation, multiplexing, accidental use and external use of software can all cause problems for companies trying to comply with software asset management best practice, and that "vendor compliance teams can be dangerous if they get out of control".

"Often, compliance teams overzealously pursue their own revenue targets outside of the main account team's control, oblivious to how the audit team's behaviour may be damaging the long-term relationship with that customer," the report warned.

In order to mitigate the risks surrounding a software compliance audit, the report advised firms to respond immediately to any vendor correspondence, demonstrating their software asset management controls at the earliest opportunity and their "unwillingness to be pushed around".

The report also advised enterprises to make sure they know who is responsible for ensuring compliance, and to seek expert advice if in doubt.