I have been currently working as the IT Manager of a company for over 2 years. During my first week here I discovered the horror that we were using pirated and unlicensed software. Now I know that a few violations 5 or less licenses is not uncommon but it was a large and very scary number. Over the past few years we are half way there on a few of the common products that your PC’s users use, but still need to get totally legit on our licensing. I have met with our board several times and shared our license issues with presenations on our violations, cost to get legit, and the alterantive cost if we were audited by the BSA. Plus this is a Financial Services Firm so I would imagine that some of our other audits like SAS70 etc.. licensing would be an issue but it apprears not, or so I am told. My concerns are:
1. I have the docuemntation of my attempts to get approval to correct our license stiuation, but what would be the best way to guarantee that I am clear of charges if we are audited – and not be stripped of my current certifications?
2. Would a sign off by memebers of the board that they are fully aware of the situation be my “get out of jail” free card?
3. What have others done besides the usual answer of just quit?
4. When interviewing with potential employeers is it bad to ask or are you looked down on if you ask what their current license situation is?
Thank you!
