Many companies faced with software compliance issues will choose to perform their own audit in advance of a formal audit by the publisher and/or include self-audit as a regular part of their risk management and internal control policies. Some of the benefits to doing this are:
- Managing the pace and depth of the audit
- The ability to plan which publishers or technologies to audit
- Choosing the best time during the year to perform the audit so as to be least disruptive to operations
- Enhancing internal controls and procedures as a result of the audit findings
- Reduction in unplanned audit expenses or fines
- Peace of mind
A company desiring to maintain healthy software licensing controls should consider self-audit as a viable means of managing this increasingly prevalent risk and it is recommended that it contact a firm familiar with the audit process to assist them.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
