Managing a complex IT environment very challenging, even before
becoming involved in an external software audit from a software
publisher or a third-party auditing entity. Businesses facing
VMWare audits in particular should be prepared to take a number of
steps to ensure compliance and avoid exacerbating any potential
copyright infringement claims.
Step 1: Identify the source of the audit.
The first step in facing a VMware audit is to identify whether
the audit is directly from VMWare pursuant to the software license
agreement, or from a third-party entity investigating potential
copyright infringement claims on behalf of VMWare.
The differences are distinct and can be found in the End User
License Agreement, which allows VMWare to conduct an on-site audit
of the customer's records to ensure compliance with reasonable
notice. If non-compliance exceeds 5%, the customer must reimburse
VMWare for all costs and also pay the necessary fees to license
