“Microsoft is cracking down on enterprise customers it believes
aren’t paying for all the software they’re using, calling on them
to perform audits and stick to a narrow interpretation of license
terms, according to several big Microsoft shops.”
“These days, the only thing that Microsoft is interested in
discussing with its customers is licensing issues,” said John
Luludis, CIO of Danzas AEI, an international shipping company with
about 10,000 Windows desktops. “We spend a lot of time and
resources constantly proving license compliance, while we try to
plan an optimum configuration to deal with the rising cost of
ownership related to Microsoft’s products….”
“Analysts said Microsoft is cracking down on licensees amid
lackluster financials. After years of racking up spectacular
earnings growth, Microsoft posted flat earnings in its most recent
quarter compared with a year ago and has warned that earnings for
the current quarter will be lower than expected.”
“The teams are looking for every ounce of revenue,” said Giga
Information Group analyst Rob Enderle, who said client complaints
about Microsoft licensing have shot up in the last six months.
“It’s been a tough market, and they’re going to have to scratch for
all the money they can get.”