License Audit Defense & Support
Step-by-Step Advice to Mitigate Audit Risk with Microsoft
Simplify Microsoft Licensing Audits
Some organizations get audited frequently, while others have never had their software licenses audited. Why is that?
The threat of an audit is always lurking in your contract terms, so don’t be complacent. The audit notice may be more prevalent under your contract terms but may also be a fishing expedition by the sales team. Either way, you need to be aware of what and how an audit is triggered.
- Did Microsoft drop the bomb and say you are non-compliant because of some “tenant-wide” service in Microsoft 365?
- Did the sales team put you on their audit list because you didn’t spend “enough” or because you chose an alternative provider?
- Is there a disgruntled employee seeking retribution?
- Could it be an “algorithm” that identified that you may be under-licensed – likely based where they think you should be?
When it comes to audit support, Remend provides the expertise, confidence and step-by-step advice to mitigate risk with Microsoft. Be prepared to respond before Microsoft begins their investigation and be confident disputing their (and their auditors’ findings) when gaps appear.
Value of License Audit Defense
Develop Defensible Positions
Build your own view of license compliance so you can stand firm in your position effectively against Microsoft.
Pay For Value
Understand where license shortfalls are legitimate, assess their commercial value and prepare for negotiations.
Engage On Your Terms
Identify your desired outcome, create a negotiation plan and lead the discussions with Microsoft.
Stand Your Ground
Push back with confidence on Microsoft and their auditors from beginning to end.
License Audits Can Work to Your Advantage!
Over the last couple of decades, Remend has had countless interactions with the Microsoft auditing team, their third-party auditors, software asset management (SAM) “auditing” teams, sales teams and the Microsoft Business Desk. We’ve learned that audits are neither mysterious nor worthy of fear when properly managed. In fact, it’s possible to turn the tables on Microsoft and use the audit process to your advantage by optimizing the total cost of ownership.
Microsoft knows most companies are conflict-avoidant with strategic, Tier 1 providers. All the major software publishers have a set of leverage points that empower them to obtain incremental revenue in the absence of a customer’s defensible position. You can mitigate financial risk by focusing your response on these leverage points.
Remend License Audit Defense Program
Create an understandable software license report by measuring usage against licensing.
Assess a shortfall within the context of your longer-term goals, instead of appeasing Microsoft.
Create a negotiation strategy that integrates your terms, timing and business goals.
Engage Microsoft and drive towards your desired outcome.
Manage Your Microsoft Licenses with Confidence!
It's time for value-based relationship with Microsoft.
Contact us today!