When a publisher sends an audit notice, many companies wonder
why they have to cooperate with the audit. In almost all
cases, if anyone in the company has installed the software, the
company has granted the publisher audit rights that can't
simply be ignored. In fact, many license agreements expressly
state that an end-user must cooperate with an audit. And,
cooperation doesn't just mean reports. Being cooperative
may sometimes mean providing access to facilities, systems, and
records. In most instances, the audited company has to
actively participate in the audits.
Publishers will often initiate audits as part of their
contractual right, which a business usually grants by installing
the software. The audit itself usually requires your cooperation,
but to what extent can be unclear. Such audits can be as much about
money as for the sake of a true-up. Any found deficiencies can
usually be resolved by paying the publisher for back license fees,
back maintenance
