Sound familiar? If it does, you just received (or received in the past) an audit notification. What does this mean? As I mentioned in previous articles, the first step is to take a deep breath. Don’t rush, don’t scream (especially with Microsoft) and don’t ignore the email/notification. As an example, Microsoft will ask for a response within 10 days. I would do it. I’ll explain later why this is important. Second step? Talk to someone who can walk you through the audit and provide guidance on ways to communicate with the auditor and/or Microsoft. Email info@splalicensing.com to assist. The reason you received the notification can vary. You did sign a Microsoft Business and Services Agreement with Microsoft as part of your SPLA. They should mention this in the originally notification. They will also highlight the dates of the audit. As an example, from 3/31/2021 to the end of the last reporting month prior to the date of validation. In this example, roughly 2+ years. Knowing the dates in scope is super important when collecting data.

What does a “verification of software services” entail? You would be required to collect raw data – server installations, reporting, access rights, AD reporting, etc. This can take a long time, especially if you do things manually. The audit team will share with Microsoft the “Effective License Position” report with all aforementioned data (software type, quantity). For an overview of an audit, check out my post “SPLA Audit Survival Guide. I think it is important for you to do your own due diligence and put together your own position report to be able to compare the report the auditors put together versus the report you collect. Most successful service providers download the Octopus platform to collect this information.

Back to the original question on why you need to communicate. The goal of the audit for you is to have limited penalties. The goal of the auditor is to complete the audit as quickly as possible. The goal for Microsoft is to have a settlement. With that in mind, if you are disrespectful, rude, or completely ignore the notification, that only hurts you. You have to keep the conversation open and you have to keep the conversation more business related than legal related. Nothing you can change legally, the SPUR is the SPUR, but if you keep a sales orientated the better off you will ultimately be. Knowing the auditor wants it completed quickly doesn’t mean you rush on your end. I firmly believe you need to work on your timeframe not someone else’s but be respectful. Again, if you have questions on the SPLA audit process, feel free to shoot me an email, happy to help answer. Audits can be challenging, scary, and fun. (maybe not the latter) but you will get through it. I promise.

Thanks for reading,

SPLA Man

info@splalicensing.com