Licensing...who responsible and what are the consequences

[brickwall53]

Hi

I have told my line manager that we have quiet a few computers without licenses for Office 2007. I have told her that the school could be in troulble if ever we were audited for our lack of licenses.

 

She has told me that its not my problem (its on my job description that it is) and that it will be dealt with later and that its not a problem.

 

Can anyone point me in the direction of something official that includes the liability of the school who are illegally using software without licences.

 

Ta John

[BatchFile]

I'm not aware of any specific school that's been prosecuted, but first, cover your back, send an email outlining, or clarifying, your concerns. Whether that just goes to your line manager or you cc in the Head is your call depending on your workplace.

 

It's to avoid this kind of thing that we have a Microsoft School Agreement - it's worth looking into...

[p858snake]

The people in charge of IT i would say. I would be getting your line manger to state what they said about licensing in writing (eg: email), also would I be not be installing any of it nowsince you have prior knowledge of the situation.

[JPS]

I knew of a school that was checked on and was well short of licences - it ended up being a very costly mistake/oversight/'money saving activity'!

[SneakyBeaky]

All of our licenses are made out to the Headteacher (whoever it may be at the time of checking). The head and the governors are liable if an audit is done.

Hampshire guidance (to Admin Officers) is:

*Ensure that all installed software is properly licensed.

*Ensure the network manager maintains a log of all software used across the network.

*Keep all software media, manuals and licenses in a locked cupboard.

*Ensure that license key information is securely held and not shared.

*Only install software where a valid licence has been purchased.

*Audit all network software at least annually (there are a range of software auditing tools available on the market that will provide real time monitoring).

Edited June 29, 2010 by SneakyBeaky

[BIST]

In a Commerical business it is the MD and IT manager that are liable. So in a school im not sure FD/headmaster unsure but the IT Manager is liable

 

To resolve this you need to create a report outlining the shortage and show you have done everything in your power to resolve the issue and pass this documented information to your superior this passes the book to them and covers your behind.

 

Shaun Dibble

VSP MCP

[powdarrmonkey]

In a Commerical business it is the MD and IT manager that are liable. So in a school im not sure FD/headmaster unsure but the IT Manager is liable

 

"I'm not sure" is not legal advice. This thread died months ago.

[BIST]

I apologise, I didnt see the age of thread, I am new to this site. The "im not sure" part was relative to who his superior would be not if the IT manager was liable.

 

Shaun Dibble

VSP MCP