UK firms ignorant of risk

Nearly half of UK firms are unaware of their software licensing requirements and risk using products illegally, or over-paying for what they use.

According to recent research released by software asset management (SAM) tool makers Centennial Software and Business Continuity Group, 42 per cent of businesses questioned had not had a software audit in the past 12 months.

Almost 100 companies were interviewed, of which 80 per cent were large firms with more than 1,000 employees.

Matt Fisher, vice-president for EMEA at Centennial, said the findings were worrying but showed the opportunity for SAM providers.

"What we found is that most of the companies understand that it is a problem, but getting the senior-level people to give them the green light to do something about it is difficult," added Fisher. "It is good news that we have moved from junior to middle management in terms of recognition."

On a brighter note for the channel driving SAM, customers are attracted to the cost-saving opportunities rather than being scared by the threat of under-licensing.

According to the findings, 61 per cent cited the ability to redeploy existing software licences, rather than purchasing new ones, as the reason why software asset management was likely to save the organisation the most money in the next 12 months.

Fisher said businesses now saw audits as positive and recognised the possibility of reducing costs

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