Computer Software License Compliance

Compliance with computer software usage rights and copyright law has always been a challenging task.

With major manufacturers making endless changes to software licence purchase plans, upgrade paths unclear and the very real prospect of accidental mis-selling most organisations have computer software licensing issues, many of whom are not aware of them.

The complexity of software licensing plans coupled with other issues such as purchasing Full Packaged Products and those from Original Equipment Manufacturers, decentralised purchasing, downloading from web sites and purchasing from unknown sources have all contributed to many organisations unwittingly becoming illegal in their use of their computer software assets.

However, the advent of the ITIL guideline and the forthcoming ISO 19770-1 SAM standard has (and will) pave the way to companies getting a firm grip on the IT estate and the associated software licensing requirement compliance.

Computer software is a valuable commodity which is at the heart of most modern businesses. Unfortunately, until now, its management has not been as focused or effective as that of other business assets such as people, property and other high value capital assets. Now, however, by adopting the principles recommended in the ITIL guideline a business can enjoy the very real benefits of compliance with computer software licence agreements.