[AusNOG] Network Operators Question - Microsoft SPLA Licensing Review

[Chris Macko]

Dear Network Operator / Industry Member,

Hope you're having a great day. It seems that Microsoft are in the process of performing License Reviews on the Australian SPLA partners and are working their way through by the size, with my business Intervolve recently having undertaken and progressing through the review process. I have a few questions for you which I'm sure will help others as they may soon find that they are formally reviewed too. If you could please answer;

1. What do you and your business (as a network operator) do currently to review, monitor and ensure correct Microsoft software is applied to systems by your clients, in particular in those instances where clients require to have full administrative access for systems (ie non managed VPS / dedicated servers / cloud services)?

2. What has been your previous engagement with Microsoft License Reviews (or audits) either in your current role or other roles? 

3. Have you ever been requested information from Microsoft that you felt was of a sensitive / private nature? 

4. Do you believe that it is reasonable that some customers may not be willing or able to share administrative access credentials to their server(s) including to their own provider due to the security obligations of their clients, even whilst our own contracts with them require this? 

To inform, currently, under the Microsoft SPLA T&C's, whilst any potential end client of a full-administrative type has ability to install their own software (outside of Microsoft SPLA ie their own OpenVolume License), the sole responsibility to ensure correct compliance is with the SPLA customer (ie us) and Microsoft requires us to undertake the responsibility of ensuring full compliance. 

I'm interested for your experience, feedback and my desire is also assist others get up to speed as the SPLA licensing reviews take place, making it easier for them as they undertake similar audits by suppliers. For clarity, I'd ask that responses are made back to AUSNOG for the benefit of everyone and their networks (including Microsoft devices on their network). Look forward to your response!  

Kind Regards,

Chris Macko
Managing Director
Interhost Pacific Pty Ltd t/a Intervolve 

Support Phone	 1300 664 574 / +61 8 8260 4237	
Sales Phone	 1300 664 574	
Accounts Phone	 +61 8 8260 4237	
Office Fax	 +61 8 8260 4312	
 	  	
Sales Email	 sales at intervolve.com.au <mailto:sales at intervolve.com.au> 	
Support Email	 support at intervolve.com.au <mailto:support at intervolve.com.au> 	
Accounts Email	 accounts at intervolve.com.au <mailto:accounts at intervolve.com.au> 	
 	  	
Website	 www.intervolve.com.au <http://www.intervolve.com.au/> 	
 	  	
 	  	
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