IT Policy and Auditing Software

[PDM8875]

Please can someone help me? We have recently had a visit from FAST (Federation Against Software Theft) and it has left a lot of open questions rather than help us. Basically, they carried out a Health Check on our Policy and found many many things wrong (to which we were not previously aware) and now we must somehow rectify our problems.

They have offered "assistance" in this, but I am cautious in allowing such an influenciual organisation into my network and potentially opening a huge can of worms.

Has anyone else been in this situation? If so, how did you handle it? I am positive that we want to deal with this problem "in-house", but need to know if we do follow this route, they will not arrive on my doorstep with a warrant to search my IT Equipment and issue fines, etc if they find non-compliance?

Any help anyone can give me would be appreciated

 

[Spirit]

Fast tend not to do that so rest easy however the other lot Business Software Alliance (BSA) do turn up demanding entry etc.

Fast are more interested in helping you achieve compliance more than anything else even then its Risk v Cost i.e. chances of M$ breaking down the door looking for licencing =>56% or chances of Bobs Software House breaking down the door looking for licencing =<3% V's over licensing.

In terms of IT policy I would work with them on that as it will help your company in term of disiplinary action or even better avoiding employee getting into the position when action is required.

Basically Fast are happy with their £1500p.a.

If you need help with any specifics then just post again.

Iain