--- title: Is Your Organization Ready for Microsoft’s Software Audits? description: Is Your Organization Ready for Microsoft’s Software Audits? image: https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Software-Update-200x300-1.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-your-organization-ready-for-microsofts-software-audits#main-content) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) - [Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) - [Services *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) - Example Link - Example Link - Example Link [*Facebook*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-your-organization-ready-for-microsofts-software-audits#0) [*Instagram*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-your-organization-ready-for-microsofts-software-audits#0) [*LinkedIn*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-your-organization-ready-for-microsofts-software-audits#0) [*Twitter*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-your-organization-ready-for-microsofts-software-audits#0) [*Youtube*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-your-organization-ready-for-microsofts-software-audits#0) [*Medium*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-your-organization-ready-for-microsofts-software-audits#0) 2 min read # Is Your Organization Ready for Microsoft’s Software Audits? [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Nov 17, 2015, 10:58:11 AM [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) ![Software Update](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Software-Update-200x300-1.jpg?width=200&height=300&name=Software-Update-200x300-1.jpg)The word “audit” often sends chills down an executive’s spine. Any industry utilizing Microsoft is susceptible to a Microsoft audit. No company is immune to a random audit, nor do they discriminate. **What triggers an audit?** There are a few key factors: Purchasing history, enterprise activity, and technology changes are some of them. Often, an existing or ex disgruntled employee can trigger an audit. An audit allows Microsoft to discover exactly how many licenses are required to become compliant. {company} knows audits happen randomly, so we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to keep you prepared: 1. **Purchase from Legitimate Resources** Where a business purchases their software is vital. We condone purchasing with a trusted certified reseller. Microsoft products that are certified and genuine are your best bet. Unintentional purchases of pirated software may happen. Cheaper isn’t always better. Make sure to collect all your receipts and invoices 1. **Take Inventory of Products** An easy way for Microsoft to identify what software you have is to create an inventory of every Microsoft product being utilized in the office. Microsoft made it easy by providing a free Assessment and Planning Toolkit (MAP). Create a baseline inventory of all installed software along with usage to help you stay prepared. 1. **Always Anticipate an Audit** Microsoft chooses these audits at random. It’s safe to say that a proactive approach towards your [compliance](https://www.ontimetech.com/compliance/) is a great first step. Microsoft is more sympathetic when effort is taken for compliance, but if you’re making no effort whatsoever, they’re not going to go easy on you. Make sure you’re proactive and document every licensing procurement. 1. **Work with a Trusted Provider** One can most likely skip this step and have their IT provider manage the entire process. Training, guidance, coaching, and even a basic walk through will go a long way. Documentation of procurement will help as well. Make sure you’re working with a trusted provider to ensure compliance while eliminating the hassle for you. We’ve seen quite a few of these audits lately as there is a slight increase in the past few years. It would be wise to schedule a self-audit at least twice each year. This will reduce any surprises or fees from non-compliance. There are two types of Microsoft Audits, Software Assessment Management (SAM) and Legal Contracts and Compliance (LLC). SAM is the most common type of audit. This simple self-audit compares software your organization has in your possession to what’s exactly purchased. LLC, on the other hand, is used when a customer refuses a SAM audit. LLC is often used when the auditor accuses a company of intentional software piracy. The LLC often deals with the Business Software Alliance (BSA). When an LLC is issued, one should definitely take this with utmost importance. Sources indicate that penalties can accrue up to $150,000 per title infringed. For good measure we have a couple statistics for those who are in doubt of such audits. According to Flexera… - 85% of organizations are “accidental” software pirates – using more software that they paid for - 63% of organizations have been audited by their software vendors in the last 18-24 months - 58% of enterprises that have been audited in the last year say they have been audited by Microsoft – the most frequently cited vendor doing audits Note: This blog is strictly to be used for informational purposes. Do not make decisions based on anything read within this article as every business is unique and must consider their own requirements first and foremost. **Not sure whether or not you’re in compliance? Contact {company} at {phone} or send us an email at {email}. We provide [managed IT services](https://www.ontimetech.com/services/current-it-provider/) wherein we handle all of this for you, in order to make sure you’re able to avoid hefty fines.** - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![BusinessOwnerGuidetoM&A-1](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png?width=303&height=209&name=BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png) #### Download our eBook*THE ULTIMATE ROADMAP TO CMMC COMPLIANCE* by filling out the form below! [![Your Guide To Microsoft’s End Of Support](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Screen-Shot-2019-03-21-at-5_19_25-AM.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-guide-to-microsofts-end-of-support) #### [Your Guide To Microsoft’s End Of Support](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-guide-to-microsofts-end-of-support) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Mar 21, 2019, 7:50:57 AM In an ideal world, you’d never have any technical issues, and you’d never have to call Microsoft technical support. Everything should work perfectly,... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-guide-to-microsofts-end-of-support) #### [Microsoft’s Windows Hello Increases Business User Security](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/microsofts-windows-hello-increases-business-user-security) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Aug 10, 2015, 1:21:50 PM A new feature dubbed as Microsoft’s Windows ‘Hello’ can be a huge bonus for many businesses that want to operate faster and more securely. What is... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/microsofts-windows-hello-increases-business-user-security) [![Microsoft’s New Office 365 E5 Plan](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Microsoft-Office-365-E5-200x300.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/microsofts-new-office-365-e5-plan) #### [Microsoft’s New Office 365 E5 Plan](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/microsofts-new-office-365-e5-plan) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Aug 18, 2015, 12:39:26 PM You heard that right – there’s another new and exciting Office 365 plan for your business to get acquainted with. At {company} we always work to... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/microsofts-new-office-365-e5-plan) ![OTT White logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VN%20-%20Division%20Logos/OTT%20Logo/OTT%20White%20logo.png?width=524&height=140&name=OTT%20White%20logo.png)   ##### About About On Time Tech is an IT Support and Computer Services company serving California. We provide services to the areas in and around We know businesses like yours need technology support in order to run highly-effective organizations. Leverage pro-growth technology services for your company now. ##### Explore On Time Time Explore On Time Time - [Our Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [About](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Contact](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/contact/) ##### Contact Contact **San Francisco:** 1717 Fifth Ave San Rafael, CA 94901 [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) Business Hours: M-F: 8AM-9PM - [Privacy Policy](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/privacy-policy/) © 2026 On Time Tech [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/ontimetechsf/)[*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/on_time_tech?lang=en)[*LinkedIn*](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontimetech/)[*YouTube*](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCubqs9PU_WWF-RFhfK9xNpw) [![Alura White logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VN%20-%20Division%20Logos/Alura%20White%20logo.png?width=295&height=115&name=Alura%20White%20logo.png)](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/) [![Next.I.T._White-Logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Next.I.T._White-Logo.png?width=328&height=136&name=Next.I.T._White-Logo.png)](https://next-it.net/) [![White-OTT-Logo-1-768x253](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/White-OTT-Logo-1-768x253.png?width=313&height=103&name=White-OTT-Logo-1-768x253.png)](https://www.ontimetech.com/) [![Valeo-Logo-White (1)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Valeo-Logo-White%20(1).png?width=288&height=123&name=Valeo-Logo-White%20(1).png)](https://valeonetworks.com/) *Return to Top* ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lance Stone", "url" : "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin" }, "dateModified" : "2024-01-10T16:35:39.925Z", "datePublished" : "2015-11-17T15:58:11.000Z", "headline" : "Is Your Organization Ready for Microsoft’s Software Audits?", "image" : [ "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Software-Update-200x300-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-your-organization-ready-for-microsofts-software-audits", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/OTT%20-%20Color%20Logo.png" }, "name" : "Valeo Networks" } } ```