Business Software Alliance

[mlm668]

We received a post card in the mail this morning from an organization called Business Software Alliance.  This card claims that we may come under investigation for not having our software fully licensed.  It offers a grace period through 1/31 to make sure we have all our licenses and to obtain licensing for those things we don't.  Of course, its being dumped on me to track down all the paperwork on our software licenses.  The controller who was here when I started 4 years ago was responsible for that stuff and didn't keep records of anything he did.  So I have no clue where to even start with the older stuff.  I have a file on software that I had any hand in purchasing or installing.

I know nothing about his organization, but I have heard that several other businesses in our area have been receiving these cards.  I checked their site and they appear to be a legitimate business with Microsoft, Dell and Novell as some of their members, but I still do not feel right about this.  I am wondering who is giving them the authority to conduct these software audits?  I thought only government agencies could do that kind of thing.  I am also leery of this whole thing being one big scam by this company.

Have any of you heard of them or had to deal with them?  Do you know who I could contact to find out if these audits are legitimate or even legal?

Michelle

[dedlered]

I did a search and came up with their website

http://www.bsa.org/usa/

Laura
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff

[countrigal]

I haven't heard of them, which isn't saying much, but I would think that if you want to verify their statements, call up Microsoft (call the software department and see who is in charge of their licensing area, since it's probably going to be from that office) or Dell.  Since these are listed as members of this company they should know whether or not this company is for real.  If they are a company that goes to companies like Dell and Microsoft and offers to follow up and verify licensing, they would be getting some reimbursement from those companies for that service so someone in those companies would know.  If they're not being paid for the service, I would doubt their veracity.  (On second thought, Dell might be easier to get someone to talk to you... I'd start with them.)

Good luck.  I'll look forward to hearing from others and whether or not they've heard of this company - or any company - doing this.

CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member

[blufire21]

Ok guys, here's the scoop.  The BSA is legit.  I've included a link to the article at the bottom.  It basically says that companies that have been usuing 1 copy of a program such as MS Office for let's say 100 machines are being given a 30 grace period to pay for the 99 illegal copies before the software giants decide to start taking legal action.  Example:  

The IT department for XYZ company needs to put a copy of XP on all 1000 computers.  Instead of buying 1000 copies of XP, or 1000 licenses (which is the legal thing to do), they just use 1 copy of XP and install it on all 1000 computers.  They then don't register any of the computers when XP asks them to.

What BSA is doing is giving everyone a chance to register and get legal licenses for all of those pirated copies before company XYZ has to pay for those licenses AND a $5000 fine per illegal copy.  Thus they are saving some companies millions of dollars.  

http://www.computerworld.com/storyba/0,4125,NAV47_STO67082,00.html


Ellen in TX

[andream]

Well the actual issue here is really the Audit itself.  Microsoft XP HAS To be registered after so many starts, or it will cease to function.  

The real trick for a company is being confronted by BSA Auditors.  Okay.  Let's assume your company is dirty.  They've shown up at your front door.  Do you have to let them in? Uhh no. Until they get a court order, which they can't actually get.

Now, can Microsoft come into your office and Audit? uhhh no.  Can they electronicallymonitor your software,,, well yes and no, if you go to the microsoft website and attempt an update, yes, they can scan it, but at this time they don't, however they will eventually.

So can the software pirate people come in llike storm troopers and check out what's on your PC? Nope.  Can they make your life miserable in other ways.  Uhh yeah.

Bottom line, I personally take a dim view of software piracy, but I take an even dimmer view of our personal rights being any more eroded than they already are.//

My tuppence

[mathwhizchick]

Auditors and Audits remind me of the 4 most dreaded words in the English language:  "Mike Wallace is here."

[mlm668]

Well I printed out the article and gave it to my boss to read and I gave Andrea's take on this.  I told him I had presented this issue to some very knowledgeable people I interact with online.  He seemed relieved, but still wants me to go through all the software and record what we have purchased.  I told him I would work on it Friday provided the office is quiet.  And I was hoping for an afternoon to twiddle my thumbs Friday.  Oh well.  

I appreciate all the input and opinions.  I basically thought the same as Andrea said, but wanted some clarification.  Now we just have to wait and see how this turns out.

Michelle