smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Being fully software compliant involves more than making sure you’re not running a bootlegged version of Windows. Here SmallBusiness.co.uk and Vincent Smyth, general manager of Acresso Software, offer some top tips to avoid paying damages

Put a process in place

Depending on the size of your company, having a record of who is using what software should just be a matter of organisation. Once you’ve compiled a list of who uses what software, make sure you are covered by enough licenses.

Monitor your software

There are programmes available that can accurately track and report on software usage. This obviously helps by providing a clear view of software usage patterns. By having a clearer view, you can work with software producers to ensure that you are fully compliant.

Anticipate audits

Make sure that your house is in order at all times as software producers can ask for an audit at any time. These audits can be both time-consuming and create unforeseen costs.

Pick a point person

Once you know what you have to do, it can help to designate someone in your team as a compliance officer. This should be someone capable of addressing both the technology and business impact of the regulations.

New licenses

For every new member of staff you will need to make sure they are fully licensed, either by being covered by existing licenses or by buying ones. Your monitoring software can help you determine whether you need new licenses or not.

Make changes

When upgrading your software, be sure to check if you need to upgrade your licences. Nine times out of ten you will.

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