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Miro Consulting (www.miroconsulting.com) has provided advisory services to Oracle and Microsoft clients needing assistance in managing the fundamental changes in their software licensing assets. This highly successful consulting practice has negotia
Recent Posts Tagged With 'software asset management'
Microsoft trying to push SA with Windows 7
It is no mystery that Microsoft has been making a big push with its latest OS and emphasizing new enterprise features such as Branch Cache and Direct Access to corporations in order to sell more units. The catch to having access to some of the new W...
Why you need SAM
Software Asset Management is an important aspect of business operations, but some management teams are apprehensive about making a change either because they fear unexpected costs from implementation or the inability to understand that SAM will save ...
Ballmer admits flaws in MS licensing, no change in sight
At a recent event in London, Steve Ballmer was asked about Microsoft’s complex licensing policies to which he acknowledged that yes, Microsoft licensing isn’t simple, never has been and probably never will be. So, is there a chance for ch...
We’re all going mobile!
It’s no secret that the world is going mobile. With devices like the iPhone and Blackberry that have as much functionality as a laptop computer, workers are working from anywhere and everywhere, on the bus, on planes, from the park, etc. The qu...
Oracle audit - funny video
If you want a real laugh, play this. It’s all about the audit police....
No downside to automation
Naturally, there are cost benefits to buying fewer licenses when re-negotiating a contract. The question is - how do you weigh the cost benefits against the risk of having too few or even being out of compliance because you are using your licenses im...
Implementing a SAM program to, yes, CUT, costs
Most companies are under the impression that a software asset management (SAM) project is something to do only when times are good, revenues are strong, and there is “room” for an additional project under the IT budget. The funny thing is...
Six steps to SAM
Software asset management (SAM) doesn’t have to be a daunting process. It can be very simple and rewarding if implemented properly. Here are six necessary steps to a successful SAM program (tongue twister eh?): 1.    Know and understand yo...
GRC for financial compliance
We are always talking about software asset management (SAM) as a means to cut costs and also keep up with compliance. For financial firms, SAM, combined with a Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) program are a necessity to keep those regulators hap...
Good time for companies to consider reviewing SLAs
The ending of a financial quarter or year-end have been traditionally good times to review and re-up software licensing agreements. Though not always the case, it is still a time when many SLAs are reviewed and discussed between the corporate enter...
7 reasons to take contract lifecycle management seriously
If you’re saying “huh?”, that’s not a good sign. Contract lifecycle management - similar in nature to software asset management and is, in fact, part of SAM - is the practice of managing a software license agreement contract ...
A new free guide is out!
We had such positive feedback from clients and colleagues in the industry with our last free guide; we decided to publish a second on Software Asset Management Practices. The new white paper discusses the following: Understanding Oracle’s core ...
A good dose of CYA
Software asset management involves staying on top of compliance. SOX compels CEOs and CFOs to attest to reporting clean financials and reporting material changes regularly. Here’s the gotcha moment: SOX also requires them to be compliant with c...
Waltham/Boston-area seminar on…Oracle licensing and optimizing SAM
I’m going to be in Waltham, MA on March 19 speaking alongside Judith Hurwitz of Hurwitz & Associates and Phil Philbin of VMware at the IT Economic Stimulus Plan: Optimized SAM and Smart License Management event (hosted by our alliance par...
Reporting on Microsoft license usage
We all know how important reporting can be to keeping software asset management in check. Microsoft does provide a Terminal Server License Reporting tool that is available from the Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit. Additionally, Microsoft provides a ...
Understand, Review and Manage Your Software Assets
New compliance and accounting regulations are forcing organizations to rethink how they view software. The emphasis on governance is changing the way companies think about software as an asset and how they account for it with their auditors. Unlicens...
8 Deadly Mistakes Made with Oracle When You Don’t Have a Good SAM Program
Software asset management is a crucial factor in reducing risk, increasing compliance and mitigating liability. CRN’s Matt Fisher really summed up the reason for SAM and why organizations can’t afford to ignore it last month in his Softwa...
Quick Byte: Oracle Licensing Tip #9
During the procurement process - whether it’s Oracle or another software vendor - it’s not about the discount you negotiate, it’s about HOW and WHAT you purchase. If you don’t ask the right questions, you’ll spend more.Â...
Quick Byte: Oracle Licensing Tip #8
Our mantra has always been “You can’t manage what you don’t know.” Now, I didn’t say that. It was Peter Drucker. But, it’s no less true and, in fact, it’s definitely spot-on when it comes to Oracle softwa...
We’re on ZDNet: Software Licensing Strategies Revealed
Our very own Eliot Arlo Colon, president of Miro Consulting, talks to ZDNet Editor Sam Diaz about about Oracle software licensing agreements....
Preparing for an Oracle Audit
Here are some quick self audit tips should you ever be faced with an Oracle audit: 1. Proof of ownership- Collect all software licensing agreements (SLAs), invoices, and other renewal or procurement documentation. This paper trail will help in the au...
Nearly 70% of IT Executives Believe They Would Fail a Software Audit
Sixty-nine percent of IT executives believe that they would fail a software audit, according to King Research, a California-based marketing research company. Nearly 3 out of 4 surveyed believe they are not prepared for a software audit and 60% belie...
Where in the World is Miro Going to Be?
Miro is excited to announce that we have been invited to speak at three conferences in the fall: Canadian ITAM Users’ Group (CITAMUG) September 30th Toronto, ON Topic: Smarter Oracle Licensing Virginia Oracle Users Group (VOUG) Conference Octob...
Miro in IT Finance Connection
Want to see why and how CiOs and CFOs should work together? I was invited to contribute my thoughts on that particular issue for popular newsletter IT Finance Connection.  I was inspired by the outlets focus on the IT-Finance connection. When de...
Software asset management results in cost efficiencies
We talk on this blog all the time about how you really need to keep your software licensing in check and how much it can save by just simply managing software assets - well here is proof! ComputerWeekly wrote up a case study about racing venue Silver...
Quick Byte: Microsoft Licensing Tip # 6
When you buy a Microsoft product of any kind, it will come with a summary of technical limitations which will enable the software to work in specific ways - even though these limitations are no longer included in the Product Use Right documentation -...
Quick Bite: 7 Software Asset Management Quick Tips
Here are some quick and helpful tips for software asset management (SAM). • Set Goals for your company’s SAM • Take an inventory • Match Software with Licenses • Organize licensing documentation (create a repository) • Plan for the L...
Entrepreneur of the Year – 3 Years in a Row!
Eliot and I have been named as finalists for the third consecutive year for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year New Jersey Awards. It’s a great honor for us to be finalists again amongst many prestigious executives in the New Jersey ar...
Week in Review (Around the World): Software Licensing and Compliance
In the News This Week •  Network World Customers frustrated over Microsoft virtualization licensing     There is no way to circumvent Microsoft licensing policies on virtual servers •  CNN Microsoft, Czech Republic Sign Pact On Licens...
BSA and IDC confirm increase in piracy in 2007…
The BSA, together with IDC, put out their annual piracy survey this week concluding that some software piracy has fallen across the globe but the worldwide rate has risen three points to 38%.  According to John Gantz at IDC “By the end of 2007, ...
