Microsoft Licensing Compliance Case Study

This case study outlines the challenges faced by a leading national retailer regarding Microsoft licensing compliance and the subsequent audit conducted by LicenseFortress. The retailer, with a complex IT infrastructure supporting approximately 5,000 employees, was at risk of significant financial penalties due to inadvertent licensing infringements. The audit revealed issues related to Microsoft Office licenses, Office 365 usage, standalone applications, and outdated Client Access Licenses (CALs) in the Windows Server environment. LicenseFortress identified potential penalties totaling around $4 million. The case study details the tailored solutions implemented, including a complete overhaul of the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), real-time monitoring of Microsoft compliance, and upgrades to CALs, which collectively helped the retailer avoid substantial fines and improve operational efficiency. The lessons learned emphasize the importance of regular audits, cost-efficiency in license usage, and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with licensing terms.