Microsoft SAM Reviews and the SAM Programme

FASTforward June 2009

As a Microsoft SAM Partner we can assist when Microsoft requests a review. Here, David Thompson, FAST Business Consultant, provides an explanation of the differences between a Microsoft review and the Microsoft SAM Programme.

 

Microsoft has visibility of all volume licence purchases that its customers make. This means that, at the click of a button, Microsoft can see how many licences (Office, Servers, CALs etc) a customer has purchased. Microsoft uses this information to identify customers that have inconsistent product purchases.  An example of how it works (for a customer with 100 PCs, all PCs accessing an Exchange server) is:

Customer has a total of 100 desktop devices connecting to Exchange. Microsoft can see that the customer has purchased 60 Office licences, 100 Exchange Server CALs and 40 Windows Server CAL's. This type of customer purchase history flags a Microsoft review as the purchase history should reflect 100 Office licences, 100 Windows Server CALs and 100 Exchange CALs.  

Once a customer is identified, Microsoft sends a review form. The review form asks for information like all Microsoft software usage, OEM/FPP COA and purchasing samples. The deadline to complete the review is normally around 14 days. Once the customer completes and sends the review back to Microsoft, they reconcile the information and produce a compliance position. Any non-compliance highlighted needs to be rectified. With a Microsoft review it is not an absolute requirement to work with an accredited SAM partner to produce this information, but because of the complex nature of licensing and the way technology deployments like SharePoint and Virtualisation can be affected, FAST Ltd strongly recommends that specialist support is sought. Working with a partner who understands licensing can save you money in both the short and long term.

Microsoft SAM Programme

Microsoft licensing is complex and it is recommended to secure assistance before submitting a review to Microsoft.  Should an organisation currently under a review request FAST assistance, we would enroll them into the Microsoft SAM Programme. Enrolling into the SAM Programme takes away the pressure of the review deadline and working with Microsoft, as FAST Ltd provide a complimentary SAM session and take over responsibility for the review and for submitting the results to Microsoft.

The Microsoft Software Asset Management (SAM) Programme (UK) is a framework designed to help, assess and develop SAM processes, as well as learn about the value of SAM. Under the guidance and expertise of FAST Ltd, a software review, also known as an Effective Licence Position (ELP), is created.  FAST also provide a SAM Optimisation Model assessment. The SAM Optimisation Model assesses the maturity of your current SAM process and provides an illustrative view on areas for improvement and a progress roadmap towards a successful SAM Programme.

Upon completion of the SAM Programme, Microsoft certifies the customer's license position (ELP) for 12 months, removing the need for Microsoft to review the customer during that period.

Here we address some frequently asked questions about the Microsoft SAM Programme:

What training is required to become a Microsoft SAM Programme Partner?

Vendors must have the following – a minimum of 2 SAM Microsoft Certified Professionals who must have completed three UK SAM training courses:

 

Is there a customer registration charge for The Microsoft SAM Programme?

Currently there is no registration charge.

Who pays for FAST Ltd to conduct The Microsoft SAM Programme?

The customer covers costs as quoted by FAST Ltd, an accredited partner to conduct the Microsoft SAM Programme.

What are the benefits to the customer of completing the Microsoft SAM Programme?

Upon registration, the customer is entitled to one free place on the Microsoft SAM Basics Course. Upon successful completion of the programme, Microsoft provides the customer with a certificate validating the customer's ELP.

What is presented in the complimentary SAM session?

The partner will provide a brief introduction to SAM, gather the customer's business requirements for SAM, discuss relevant service offerings, and explain The Microsoft SAM Programme.

What happens if the ELP exposes under-licensed products?

You have to buy additional licences from an authorized reseller within 30 days of Microsoft validating their ELP.

What is the SAM Optimisation Model?

The SAM Optimisation Model helps evaluate SAM effectively and objectively. Microsoft is implementing this model to provide an established set of criteria to make consistent SAM assessments and recommendations.
 

Further information

If you are not confident about your current licence position and/or have been approached by Microsoft to undertake a review and require assistance, we can help. The FAST Consultancy and professional services team offers independent SAM and IT Compliance advice.

FAST customers please contact the Customer Service team.