Software Licensing

 

What is software licensing?
Software licensing is making sure that for each and every copy of software (Microsoft Office, etc.) that is running on a machine on this campus, is properly licensed. In other words we are purchasing permission to use the software from the manufacturer to comply with Federal law regarding Software Copyrights

Can I install my personal software on my office machine?
This is a sensitive issue. You may install personal software on your office machine, but at your own risk. In the event of an SPA audit, the owner of the software must be able to prove that they own the software in question, as they will be held responsible for this proof and could face a fine.

Who is the SPA?
The Software Publishers Association is a nonprofit watchdog group that works on behalf of their members Microsoft, Claris, and Adobe just to name a few. They conduct random audits of businesses and schools to find unlicensed software, each occurrence carries a hefty fine and possible jail time. These folks take their work very seriously and they rarely lose a case.

The burden of proof in the event there is an audit is divided as follows:

University Standard software, and software obtained through the official Software Procurement Process. Software purchases made outside of the official Software Procurement Process (i.e. purchases made through petty cash or other university funds) are the responsibility of the department or purchaser, not the college.