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Software audit lands Hampshire firm with £25,000 software license bill
Tiger Communications asked for audit
By John E Dunn | Computerworld UK | Published 16:30, 19 October 11
Hampshire-based call management company Tiger Communications plc has reportedly paid £25,000 to the Business Software Alliance (BSA) after asking for an audit that turned up unlicensed software use.
The software involved has not been named, nor the precise circumstances surrounding its use. However, the BSA claimed that the company itself had asked for the investigation.
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“This is a classic example of a business that has failed to manage its software properly,” suggested BSA compliance marketing director, Julian Swan.
Tiger Communications refused to admit liability and claimed the problem resulted from poor record keeping and not deliberate wrongdoing, the BSA stated in a press release.
“Once again, another company has failed to keep within the legal boundaries of software licensing," added BSA chair, Phillipe Briére, hinting at tension between the two parties.
"A company that specialises in call management should be aware of the importance of having quality systems in place to avoid compromising its standard of service. Regardless of the excuse, Tiger Communications is in breach of copyright law and now has to face the consequences,” he said.
Tiger Communications said it was considering a response to the story at the time of going to press.
The BSA regularly publicises the names of companies forced to license software after its investigations. Recently, it has started emphasising a slightly less harsh side, offering to advise companies on the best ways to stay compliant.
It is not known how many companies are sent such high bills after asking for an audit, apparently in good faith.
Earlier this month, the organisation started offering an improved bounty of up to £20,000 for those willing to supply inside information on possible illegal software use by their current or former employers.
