Just over half of businesses renewing Microsoft Software Assurance say the primary reason for doing so is to reduce licensing fees and maintenance costs. The highest priority for 52 per cent of those surveyed was to lower license and maintenance charges. 43 per cent said the primary reason was to ensure licensing compliance. Four per cent said they were concerned with implementing software standards across the organisation.

Despite professing a desire to cut costs many companies still carry out software audits manually.

John Mahon, vice president of sales and marketing for Tally Systems EMEA, said: "Hundreds of man hours are wasted through manual inventory. It requires a high level of licensing expertise and depends on the accuracy of the information available that rarely exists in a raw 'exe' file collection or the Add/Remove Program data." Tally sells software which checks not just license compliance but also checks how regularly it is being used - more useful information when deciding on licenses.

Mahon added: "When Microsoft SA costs approximately 25-29 per cent of the license purchase price, it is a sizeable expense for any business and miscalculations may result in overpaying. SA does have many benefits, however it is not compulsory and only an accurate inventory that reflects true usage of installed licenses reconciled with purchase records will enable the decision whether to renew or not to renew possible."

Researchers talked to 190 people representing 175 companies. The survey was carried out for Tally Systems. ®

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