Re:What do you show the auditors? (Score 1)

> The key word is purchased, not leased. Can you explain to me how purchasing a piece of software does not legally entitle me to use it into eternity? - I buy a copy of Windows 2000. I buy a copy of Windows XP Upgrade edition and install it over Windows 2000. I bought my copy of Windows 2000. However, I am not allowed to use my copy of Windows 2000 anymore (or install it on another machine, or transfer the license to somebody else), if I am currently running XP. - My organization engages in an enterprise licensing agreement with a software vendor. The licensing agreement requires annual software maintenance payments of 18%. My organization owns the software, but failed to pay maintenance. By the terms of my enterprise licensing agreement, my organization is not entitled to use it into eternity. The terms of enterprise licensing agreements usually always state that the vendor has the right to come in and audit you for license compliance purposes. The original purpose of the BSA and other anti-piracy orgs is to prevent piracy and ensure that software manufacturers get paid for their work, which I believe to be a noble cause. However, I prefer to view the way they approach this noble cause like a pack of hyenas instead of the mafia. Like hyenas, they scavenge for license violation fines. In response, you must treat them like hyenas and give them the impression that you aren't worth the trouble so they leave you alone.