Software licensing
Software licensing can be a contentious and complex area for IT managers, but is essential to getting value from your software investments. While new models such as software as a service (SaaS), open source and freeware offer new ways to source software, auditing and compliance for your existing software estate remain an important part of IT governance. We analyse the latest trends in this important field.
-
News
03 Sep 2024
Swedish law firms debate AI’s future impact on profession
Swedish law firms examine the use of artificial intelligence in their businesses as the sector sees a surge in take-up Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
16 Jan 2023
CW EMEA: Protecting the privacy of schoolchildren
In this month’s CW EMEA, we look at how schools in Germany have stopped using Microsoft Office 365 over lack of clarity over how data is collected, shared and used. We also delve into how former UK spy boss Richard Dearlove leaked names of MI6 secret agent recruiters in China to back an aggressive right-wing US campaign against tech company Huawei. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
11 Jan 2017
Beware of Oracle’s developer Trojan Horse
The Oracle Technology Network allows developers to prototype applications for free, but there is a catch when it is time to deploy Continue Reading
-
News
05 Dec 2016
Top 10 ANZ enterprise IT stories of 2016
Here is a rundown of Computer Weekly’s most popular ANZ enterprise IT articles for 2016 Continue Reading
-
News
23 Nov 2016
Budget busters: Three ways for CIOs to fund digital initiatives
The business wants IT to innovate, but CIOs find their budgets are frozen. Who you gonna call? Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2016
UK almost bottom of OECD pile for ICT investment
The UK ranks low in terms of how much it invests in the ICT infrastructure as a proportion of GDP Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
08 Nov 2016
The march of the robot workers
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at how artificial intelligence is being used to automate existing jobs, including roles as varied as IT administrators and customer service agents. Capital One’s European CIO talks about how to create an agile business. And we offer tips on how to deal with an Oracle software audit. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
Feature
17 Oct 2016
How to beat Oracle licence audits
An eight-step guide to tame the Oracle auditors. Don't take the bait... Continue Reading
-
News
22 Sep 2016
Which? calls for user compensation over Windows 10 upgrade issues
Consumer rights champion’s research shows 12% of Windows 10 users have downgraded to an older version of the software because of troublesome updates Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
22 Sep 2016
Computer Weekly 50th anniversary special
It’s been 50 years since Computer Weekly's launch on 22 September 1966. To mark this achievement, we have compiled a special edition of the magazine to reflect on how much the British technology industry has contributed over that time – and, of course, to celebrate our role in keeping IT professionals in touch with those developments – week-in, week-out, for half a century. Read this 100-page anniversary special now. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Sep 2016
Bank IT spending to hit $241bn across four major global regions
IT spending across four major economic regions will increase by around 4% in 2016, but Europe is the least certain Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
31 Aug 2016
CW ASEAN: Small businesses dive into SaaS
In this month’s CW ASEAN, we look at why companies in Southeast Asia are embracing cloud. Increasingly, companies in the region are using the cloud by putting their applications there. Why is the cloud so compelling? What is the profile of these ASEAN companies? And what is it they are choosing to shift to the cloud? Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
18 Aug 2016
CW Benelux: Painting by numbers
In this issue of CW Benelux, we describe how data scientists in the Netherlands have applied technology to art. The Dutch are renowned for being creative with technology and the country has a deep history in art, boasting some of the most celebrated painters. It is therefore apt that the combined tech brains of ING, Microsoft, the Technical University of Delft and other contributors have created The Next Rembrandt, which serves as a visual showcase for big data. The new portrait in the style of Rembrandt van Rijn was put together by a combination of big data technology and 3D printing. All of Rembrandt’s 346 paintings were analysed using data analytics, making it possible to create a seemingly genuine Rembrandt image, while a 3D printer made accurate emulation of his paint patterns and textures a reality. Also in the Netherlands, we feature a case study about how The Hague is solving a bike parking headache with a mobile app. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jul 2016
New Jersey turns to technology to keep offenders out of jail
New Jersey is developing criminal justice applications that will save offenders from spending years in jail before their cases are heard Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2016
Unlicensed software rife among Asean computer users, says BSA
The Asean region has the highest levels of unlicensed software use, according to the 2016 Global Software Survey from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) Continue Reading
-
News
01 Jun 2016
Microsoft sells 1,500 mobile patents to Xiaomi in licensing deal
Sale of mobile patent portfolio comes alongside software licensing agreement and may herald Xiaomi’s expansion into Europe and the US, say analysts Continue Reading
-
News
26 May 2016
BSA warns of malware risk from unlicensed software
While piracy rates are declining, unauthorised software poses a big security risk, says the Business Software Alliance Continue Reading
-
News
16 Mar 2016
Oracle Q3 2016: cloud revenue grows, US currency strength takes toll
SaaS and PaaS combined contributed $583m in third quarter, up 57% in US dollar terms, while IaaS was down 2% in dollars to $152m Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
08 Mar 2016
Building datacentres under the sea
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at Microsoft’s trial of an underwater datacentre and assess the technology and environmental implications of running cloud services under the sea. As PC suppliers build new products around Windows 10, we ask if the desktop PC is set to be reinvented. And with ransomware on the rise, we examine the threat of cyber extortion. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
02 Feb 2016
IT down the drain – how cloud is supporting the Thames Tideway tunnel
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine the IT decisions behind one of the UK’s largest construction projects – the Thames Tideway sewerage tunnel – and hear why the project chose private cloud. Our latest buyer’s guide looks at containers and microservices and their effect on software architecture. And we find out what US court documents from food giant Mars tell us about Oracle’s controversial licensing policies. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jan 2016
Mars court filings reveal extent of Oracle licence probe
Court documents have revealed just how far Oracle will go to extract cash from some of its larger customers Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
11 Jan 2016
How open source is beating proprietary software
In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest buyer’s guide assesses the impact of open source software on corporate IT and how its growth is underpinning the digital revolution. We examine the prospects for cloud in financial services as regulators give their approval. And we ask if Uber is really part of a new business model for the so-called sharing economy. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Nov 2015
How to offset Oracle costs when preparing a move to the cloud
Savvy IT departments can mix and match support contracts as they negotiate with Oracle on a Fusion upgrade Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
09 Nov 2015
Meet the men helping women succeed in IT
In this week's Computer Weekly, we meet the men that have mentored some of the leading women in tech to find out how men can help tackle the diversity gap in IT. We examine how restrictive software licensing is hindering firms' ambitions for digital transformation. And where can CIOs turn to for advice? We look at the options. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Nov 2015
Free software gains ground in the Italian public administration
Italy's Ministry of Defence is pioneering the use of open-source office productivity tools with the migration of 150,000 PCs to LibreOffice Continue Reading
-
News
11 Sep 2015
Financial services watchdog wastes money on Oracle licences
The Financial Conduct Authority admits it has fallen victim to the complex nature of software licensing that dogs companies in the sector it serves Continue Reading
-
News
11 Sep 2015
Case study: French delivery company Chronopost looks to NoSQL for big data challenge
French delivery company Chronopost is using open-source NoSQL systems to improve services and customer retention Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jul 2015
Software audits cut government IT bill by £85m in 2014/15
Annual accounts for the government purchasing agency show at least £220m in technology related savings Continue Reading
-
News
30 Jun 2015
Top suppliers as UK software and services market approaches £50bn
The top five software and IT services firms in the UK are Capita, HP, IBM, Capgemini and Accenture, according to the latest figures from TechMarketView Continue Reading
-
News
19 May 2015
Canonical offers SaaS pricing for on-site VMs and storage
Open source supplier Canonical has introduced software as a service pricing for on-premise storage in a move that could change the way traditional software is licensed Continue Reading
-
News
23 Apr 2015
Gartner: Enterprises opt for open-source and cloud middleware alternatives
Gartner has reported a bigger focus on subscription-based licensing and open-source platforms in the middleware market Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
26 Jan 2015
Why we need cyber war games
In this week’s Computer Weekly, the UK and US are starting a cyber war on each other – all in the name of testing each other’s defences. We look at why the cyber war games are needed. We examine what IT managers can learn from the car industry to improve supplier relationship management. And we find out why innovation should be top of the IT agenda in 2015. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jan 2015
Oracle will lose out unless it changes its software licensing
In an open letter, Campaign for Clear Licensing highlights the risk to Oracle’s future earnings due to aggressive licensing Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
19 Nov 2014
Oracle: Five guaranteed cost-saving initiatives
There are plenty of pitfalls when dealing with Oracle licensing. here are five money-saving tips from The ITAM Review Continue Reading
-
News
11 Nov 2014
Qantas puts Oracle ERP in the cloud with Tata Consultancy Services
Airline Qantas signs IT outsourcing services firm TCS to upgrade its Oracle ERP platform and move it into the cloud Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
07 Nov 2014
CW Europe - November 2014 Edition
In this issue of CW Europe find out the winners of our Best of VMworld Europe 2014 user awards, which were recently unveiled at an awards ceremony in Barcelona. Find out why all of our five winners were crowned champions at VMworld Europe 2014, along with two honorable mentions due to a high number of quality projects. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Nov 2014
Government open standards - the curious case of Microsoft and the minister
What role, if any, did science minister David Willetts take in helping Microsoft try to overturn government IT policy? Continue Reading
-
News
04 Nov 2014
Airbus interview: research, innovation and the future of aviation
IT plays a substantial role in creating the aircraft of the future, with research and innovation at the core of the Airbus business strategy Continue Reading
-
News
28 Oct 2014
Government replaces Becta education IT procurement framework
Government seeks up to 20 suppliers to form a £300m procurement framework for ICT services to public-sector education organisations Continue Reading
-
News
29 Sep 2014
Case study: Deutsche Post DHL develops software contract templates to reduce costs
Deutsche Post DHL has created contract templates to manage software costs. Computer Weekly speaks to the people leading the initiative Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
26 Aug 2014
Can national security and privacy co-exist?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to NSA whistleblower Bill Binney about the often-conflicting needs of security and privacy. We find out how Google is using artificial intelligence to improve datacentre energy efficiency. And we look at a project to use wearable technology and big data to help tackle Parkinson’s disease. Read the issue now Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 Aug 2014
What ingredients go into the successful app store?
An enterprise app store should provide the controlled availability of apps for employees.We look at what is available for organisations to use Continue Reading
-
News
13 Aug 2014
Home Office pours £3.8m into shared service for biometric cards
The Home Office has awarded a £3.8m contract to Thales for a service to support the production of Biometric Residence Permit cards Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jul 2014
Oracle in-memory option creates licensing pain and audit risk
A former Oracle employee has highlighted a major issue in the way the new Oracle Database 12c Release 12.1.0.2 is licensed Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jul 2014
Bank of America: When software relationships turn sour
Tibco has filed a lawsuit alleging the Merrill Lynch division of Bank of America illegally used $300m of its software for a major IT project Continue Reading
-
News
24 Jul 2014
Citrix SaaS revenue rises 12% while overall revenue grows 7% YoY
Citrix has reported a 7% revenue increase in its second quarter of fiscal year 2014 . But it reported double-digit revenue growth in SaaS Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jul 2014
Microsoft attacks UK government decision to adopt ODF for document formats
Microsoft has questioned the merits of the UK government’s decision to adopt ODF - but meeting minutes show OOXML was given due consideration Continue Reading
-
News
10 Jun 2014
Engineering firm fined for using unlicensed Autodesk software
Project Options has been fined £16,000 by the Business Software Alliance, following an online tip-off Continue Reading
-
News
30 Apr 2014
Oracle updates Solaris, but is its server strategy sound?
Oracle has released a beta versdion of Solaris 11.2. But does Solaris and the Sparc server platform have a future? Continue Reading
-
News
02 Apr 2014
Government signs £5.5m Microsoft deal to extend Windows XP support
The government has signed a deal with Microsoft to support Windows XP across the UK public sector for 12 months after 8 April deadline Continue Reading
-
News
19 Mar 2014
Oracle finally sees revenue growth from hardware business
Oracle has finally seen a boost from its server business, with hardware sales up 8% in its latest financial results Continue Reading
-
News
18 Feb 2014
Is second-hand software illegal?
The action by Federation Against Software Theft to suspend one of its members confuses users over legal second-hand user licences Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
17 Feb 2014
UK IT spending will outpace rest of Europe in 2014
Computer Weekly research reveals the IT spending priorities for UK and European organisations in 2014. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Feb 2014
Met Police releases ‘Total Technology’ IT strategy
The Metropolitan Police Service has released a three to four-year plan on how to transform the use of technology in the organisation Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jan 2014
BBC failed to get "sufficient grip” over failed DMI project, says NAO
The National Audit Office has slammed the BBC over its failed Digital Media Initiative (DMI), project saying the broadcaster was “too optimistic” and the BBC executive “did not have sufficient grip of the programme" Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
23 Dec 2013
IT at the WWF Living Planet Centre
WWF’s Living Planet Centre is one of the greenest buildings in the UK and aims to demonstrate to the public using technology how it is possible for people to live in harmony with nature Continue Reading
-
Opinion
19 Dec 2013
User acceptance testing needs real training, not just a short course
In spite of its importance, user acceptance testing (UAT) is often chaotic, problematic and ineffective Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
16 Dec 2013
System Mechanic 12 Review
Computer Weekly reviews the System Mechanic 12 designed to keep your PC running at top speed and free from unwanted files. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Dec 2013
700,000 benefit claimants miss out on Universal Credit deadline
The secretary for work and pensions has admitted the Universal Credit benefit scheme will miss its 2017 deadline Continue Reading
-
News
04 Dec 2013
Microsoft changes its licensing terms
Microsoft is offering a single Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA) to simplify its volume licensing agreements. But what does it mean to SAM? Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
11 Nov 2013
Software testing and code quality
In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest buyer’s guide looks at software testing and code quality, and examines how to test effectively when using agile development. We find out about the latest techniques to defeat SQL injection attacks – a method of hacking that has remained undefeated for 15 years. And we talk to two European financial services firms about how they have used data analytics to improve customer response. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Oct 2013
Software licensing: SAP terms and conditions are not above European law
The district court of Hamburg has ruled against SAP over its case against a German second-user software reseller Continue Reading
-
News
19 Sep 2013
Software licences drive Oracle revenue, but hardware takes a hit
A drop in hardware sales dragged down Oracle’s revenue in its Q1 financial results, but software revenue increased Continue Reading
-
News
10 Sep 2013
CW Enterprise Software case studies
Brian McKenna presents 6 case studies on enterprise software drawn from the winners of Computer Weekly's European User Awards. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Sep 2013
A CW buyer's guide to software asset management
Computer Weekly looks at best practice for software asset management in this 10-page buyer's guide. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Aug 2013
SAP user groups welcome 'partial termination' licensing changes
SAP customers can now partially terminate licenses and will not be required to pay maintenance on unused licenses Continue Reading
-
Feature
03 Jul 2013
Best practices in software asset management for a flexible, resilient IT
Managing software assets is vital in order to maintain a highly flexible and up-to-date IT platform and more importantly remain compliant Continue Reading
-
News
23 May 2013
Interview: Government CTO Liam Maxwell
Government CTO Liam Maxwell has driven Whitehall’s IT agenda for years, previously as deputy government CIO and director of ICT futures Continue Reading
-
News
08 May 2013
Adobe moves to cloud-based subscription model
Adobe has announced that it is to introduce a cloud-based subscription model for popular applications, including Photoshop Continue Reading
-
News
19 Apr 2013
Microsoft reports strong quarterly results for all divisions
Microsoft reported profit of $6bn for the past quarter, up 17% from a year ago, despite a mixed response to Windows 8 and a decline in PC sales Continue Reading
-
News
18 Apr 2013
IT rationalisation must be combined with layoffs for long-term savings
Long-term IT cost reduction requires more than just server consolidation and cuts to software licences, says Gartner Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Apr 2013
Windows XP end of support: What to do next
CIOs may not wish to carry on running a 12-year-old desktop OS, but thousands of incompatible applications leave many with no choice Continue Reading
-
News
11 Feb 2013
World-Class EA: The Agile Enterprise
Agile is about more than software development, it's a mindset. This report from the Open Group explains how to apply agile techniques and best practices to the enterprise. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jan 2013
Are software audits good for your health?
The Business Software Alliance's claim that 90% of all audit letters sent in 2012 were the result of tips from whistle-blowers is a wake-up call to CIOs Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jan 2013
Barclays' Linux programme not a snub to suppliers
Barclays says it is not snubbing any supplier by developing a private cloud infrastructure and using Linux to cut software development costs by 90%. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Dec 2012
Mott MacDonald rolls out Microsoft software globally
Engineering firm Mott MacDonald is rolling out Microsoft products globally over the next year as it moves towards a Microsoft-centric business strategy Continue Reading
-
News
07 Dec 2012
Citrix buys corporate MDM tool company Zenprise
Citrix has bought mobile device management (MDM) company Zenprise for an undisclosed sum to boost its corporate mobile tools portfolio Continue Reading
-
News
31 Oct 2012
Government dips toe in water for single ERP
The government is to test the feasibility of moving to a single enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform across Whitehall Continue Reading
-
News
10 Oct 2012
Case study: End of BMC sponsorship a blessing for Toyota Motorsport IT
Toyota Motorsport went to the market for a new ITSM system when a sponsorship deal with BMC came to an end, and has been reaping the benefits ever since Continue Reading
-
News
11 Sep 2012
Ten killer questions for choosing an HR IT system
Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) chose a cloud-based HR system, to manage its 3,700 disparate global staff, on the basis of 10 killer questions Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
04 Sep 2012
Windows Server 2012: inside Microsoft's Enterprise Server OS
Tim Anderson takes a look at Microsoft Server 2012, to see whether it is worth upgrading Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Aug 2012
Outsourcing IT services: goals and negotiations
Tactical and strategic negotiations are important to businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to the largest enterprises Continue Reading
-
Opinion
16 Jul 2012
EU court legalises second-hand software
In a landmark decision, the European Union Court of Justice ruled that the reselling of used software licences is legal. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jul 2012
The future of software development: The FT's view.
Jagdeep Singh Bhambra, head of software development at the FT, gives his views on the future of software development, in this presentation for Computer Weekly's 500 Club for IT leaders. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jun 2012
Government slashes SAP and Microsoft spend by £150m
The government expects to slash licence and maintenance spend with Microsoft and SAP up to £150m by 2015, via a framework renegotiation. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jun 2012
Oracle reports strong profit growth
Oracle reported an 8% increase in profits on a 1% increase in sales for the fourth quarter of its 2012 financial year Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jun 2012
Microsoft publishes its response to government open standards consultation
Microsoft has become the first major IT supplier to publish its submission to the government's consultation on the use of open standards. Continue Reading
-
News
01 Jun 2012
Microsoft softens July licence blow
Microsoft has lowered the price hike planned for July, but businesses still face paying up to 25% more for their software. Continue Reading
-
News
21 May 2012
Global software piracy increasing rapidly, study shows
Global software piracy is increasing rapidly in the absence of any effective deterrence, a survey has revealed. Continue Reading
-
News
18 May 2012
CW Buyer's Guide: IT Tools
This Computer Weekly buyer’s guide to IT tools shows how you can use software and systems to improve the running of your IT department. Continue Reading
-
News
03 May 2012
European copyright ruling good for IT innovation, say lawyers
The top European court's ruling on copyright is good news for innovation, say lawyers Continue Reading
-
Opinion
19 Apr 2012
Open standards are about the business model, not the technology
Software companies, abuzz with lobbyists and patent lawyers over government open standards, are similar to the record industry 10 years ago. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Apr 2012
Government unaware how much it pays for e-mail services
Government departments do not know how much they are spending on e-mail services, according to research by Computer Weekly. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Mar 2012
BSA fines Coverteam UK £6,000 for unlicensed Microsoft and Adobe software
The BSA has fined power conversion company Converteam UK £6,000 for using unlicensed copies of Microsoft and Adobe software Continue Reading
-
News
05 Mar 2012
NHS trusts to be freed from CSC contract commitments
The Department of Health has proposed a deal with CSC to release trusts in the National Programme for IT from their contractual obligations to use software from the troubled supplier. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Feb 2012
Government launches CloudStore and names G-Cloud suppliers
The government has launched its CloudStore, a catalogue of 1,700 cloud-based, pre-approved IT services now available for the public sector to buy. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Feb 2012
Government takes on proprietary software lobby in open standards battle
The government wants to push through open standards against vested interests keen to maintain the dominance of proprietary systems. Continue Reading
-
Feature
01 Feb 2012
When X.509 security certificates fail, servers break
Why are X.509 certificates causing computers to stop dead? Continue Reading
-
News
30 Jan 2012
Oracle and SAP worst for government ERP cost differences
Oracle and SAP have been singled out as having the most inconsistent prices for ERP systems across government departments. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jan 2012
Software licensing and subscription
This research from Freeform Dynamics identifies the challenges faced by IT departments and suppliers on software licensing, and offers advice. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jul 2010
Government scraps £80m Microsoft licensing deal with NHS
The government has scrapped the long-running NHS Connecting for Health (CfH) enterprise agreement (EA) software licensing deal with Microsoft after deciding there was no business case or budget to renew it. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Mar 2007
Symantec says fixing licensing portal top priority
Company officials say help is on the way as fallout continues from the merger of Symantec and Veritas ordering systems last November. Continue Reading