If you are asked to do a business case indicating "why" your business needs a software compliance program, then you are not off to a great start.
The "why" is to comply with Agreements you said you would agree with when you "inked" a deal with Microsoft or Oracle. You said you would make sure you only use the software you are licensed for in the manner prescribed. Using more licenses than you purchased or using it in a manner different than intended means you are breeching the Agreement, which you don't want to do.
If you are a reputable company, this is a big deal and plans should be made to manage the software you buy. If you are not a reputable company, I suppose you would be reading something else on the Internet. But, if your business makes the decision to "get compliant" then the business case is a slam dunk: just get it done. How you get it done will determine the cost of the hardware, software, and services but I will guide you through this. So, check back on some on the details.
For now, keep the following in mind:
- Keep the solution simple (cheaper is better)
- Focus on business processes and software license grants and types (more on this later)
- There is no one perfect solution from any vendor
- Software compliance is a risk based approach so don't boil the ocean with a perfect solution. It will never happen.
- If it takes more than one year for the core program, you are taking too long
Ok, I didn't give you all of the cost information and pick a vendor for you. I won't even mention technology is this blog since software compliance is not a technical challenge but a business one. Anyway, enough for now.
