Microsoft asking to audit licenses |
While there are many IT expenses business owners need to worry about, one of the biggest is usually software. In order to remain compliant and avoid potential legal disputes, businesses often invest heavily in software. If you have Microsoft software licenses, you may receive an email from the company asking you to audit these licenses. Here is an overview of what you should do if you do receive one. The Microsoft Software Asset Management ReviewEarlier this year, Microsoft announced that they will be sending out over 30,000 letters to small businesses who have purchased Microsoft software licenses. These letters or emails are focused on checking that you have the right number of licenses for your systems. This program actually has three audit elements, or emails, that are being sent out to businesses.
What happens if I receive one of these emails?Should you receive one of these emails you will be asked to carry out the audit by a set date. Most of the emails contain a spreadsheet that you will need to put your license information into. This can take time because you will likely need to physically check every machine using Microsoft software for relevant information. Auditors who come to your business will ask you for network and server access and any other form of information they think they can ask for. Should you be found to be non-compliant or under-licensed, you will likely then be presented with a bill for the extra licenses. If you happen to be highly under-licensed, this bill could be quite large. What should I do if I am worried about this audit?An audit like this could be time consuming, costly, and above all is frustrating for any business owner. What we recommend is working with us. We can help ensure that your business is using appropriate licenses and, should you face a request to do an audit, we can help you through the process. So, contact us today to ensure that your business is compliant. |
Important disaster recovery lessons |
Regardless of what your business is, or where you are located, you may at some point face a disaster that affects your business operations. In order to make it through troubled waters without serious harm to your business you need to have a Disaster Recovery Plan in place. To help ensure that your strategy is ready, here are five tips that other businesses have learnt from facing disasters that you can work into your plans. |
Define: Net Neutrality |
Net Neutrality is one of the biggest tech-related issues currently making its way through the American Government. In mid-November President Obama made his stance on the issue known, while also introducing a plan for it and thereby bringing the subject to worldwide attention. Here is an overview of what Net Neutrality is and how it can affect you. |
Save time by pre-drafting emails |
As a business owner or manager, you likely send out a large number of emails each day. A certain percentage of your emails are probably sent to other colleagues, with the idea that they then create a message to send to a third party on your behalf. One way to ensure that the message gets through, while avoiding too much back and forth communication between you and your colleague, is to pre-draft the email. |
10 tips to get more out of Twitter |
You’ve heard it before, and will hear it again: In order to have an effective social media presence you need to be active on more than one network. Many businesses realize this fact and are active on networks such as Twitter. The problem with Twitter, however, is that it can be difficult to master. To help, here are 10 Twitter tips. |