This 2013, enterprises should expect an increase in IT expenditure starting with the changes in software licensing policies. The biggest software developers Microsoft, Oracle and SAP are gearing towards changing licensing policies to earn more revenue. With market trends like BYOD, mobile technology and cloud computing, these changes will really bring in a lot for these software vendors.
What have they come up with? Basically, these vendors are looking for strategies that will require customers to pay for a license for every device or application used within the enterprise. A good example is Oracle and SAP are requiring clients to pay for additional licenses for third party application access. As for Microsoft, they have also come up with client access license policies, particularly for every and any device that accesses a Microsoft application.
These popular software vendors have spoken about these changes already but if you're a consumer that's not always updated, you will be in for a treat. Software vendors have been sneaky with the licensing policy changes like adjusting terminologies to make the change more subtle. But in any case, it is a guarantee that IT expenses will heighten this 2013 and companies should be ready.
Right now, it is best that you educate yourself with the licensing terms of the software you plan to purchase. Be very detailed with your questions when talking to the IT vendor. Realize that what you knew then may not be applicable now. Hence, when making enterprise IT decisions, you must be updated and current. Otherwise, you'll be overspending.
Another thing that you can do is perform a midterm health check with the enterprise software you're using now. Evaluate the current licensing policies you're under. Check if you still need the licenses you have now or if you need more to prepare for the cost. A midterm health check can help avoid overspending and restructuring the contract if needed.
What have they come up with? Basically, these vendors are looking for strategies that will require customers to pay for a license for every device or application used within the enterprise. A good example is Oracle and SAP are requiring clients to pay for additional licenses for third party application access. As for Microsoft, they have also come up with client access license policies, particularly for every and any device that accesses a Microsoft application.
These popular software vendors have spoken about these changes already but if you're a consumer that's not always updated, you will be in for a treat. Software vendors have been sneaky with the licensing policy changes like adjusting terminologies to make the change more subtle. But in any case, it is a guarantee that IT expenses will heighten this 2013 and companies should be ready.
Right now, it is best that you educate yourself with the licensing terms of the software you plan to purchase. Be very detailed with your questions when talking to the IT vendor. Realize that what you knew then may not be applicable now. Hence, when making enterprise IT decisions, you must be updated and current. Otherwise, you'll be overspending.
Another thing that you can do is perform a midterm health check with the enterprise software you're using now. Evaluate the current licensing policies you're under. Check if you still need the licenses you have now or if you need more to prepare for the cost. A midterm health check can help avoid overspending and restructuring the contract if needed.
About the Author:
Joseph B. Kappernick specializes in helping Fortune 500 companies save money. He recommends that you visit NPI to learn more about IT cost reduction