Cloud leaves firms in dark over licensing

Cloud and virtualisation are next big concern for end users attempting to get their software estates in order, according to FAST

End users are in the dark when it comes to how virtualisation and cloud will affect their licensing requirements, according to FAST Ltd.

The software asset management (SAM) and compliance specialist has launched a new SAM & License compliance package featuring an updated standard designed to cater to new technology such as SaaS and virtualisation.

It is the first time FAST has updated the standard since 2007.

Talking to ChannelWeb, Phil Heap, head of products and services at FAST, said the firm was doing more to help customers clarify with publishers what moving applications off-site would mean from a licensing standpoint.

"The latest buzz is virtualisation and the move to cloud, and how it will affect license agreements and existing SLAs," he said. "There are no standards out there, but we want to work with the publishers to get clarity."

As well as the FSSC-1:2011 standard, FAST's new package also features the new FAST Software Lifecycle Management Programme.

Finally, the firm has added a new software tool to its portfolio through a partnership with Express Metrix. It is designed to provide organisations with IT asset reporting.

Managing director Matt Barnes said FAST has about 2,000 members but hoped the revamp would lead to a rapid growth in new business.