Software licences 'must be observed by small businesses'

Many small businesses, particularly in the capital, are not observing the importance of software licences and could be exposing themselves to problems in an upcoming IT audit, it has been stated.

Julian Swan, the director of compliance marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at the Business Software Alliance (BSA), said that many of these organisations are particularly susceptible to using software without the necessary documentation due to small or inexperienced IT departments.

He explained that many companies, particularly in London, may only employ ten to 20 people and many will not prioritise what is necessary for a business to function.

Mr Swan added: "It's quite clear that not everyone who has unlicensed software … it's not necessarily a deliberate act by any means. The trouble is that doesn't mean that it's not illegal."

The BSA is a non-profit trade association created to advance the software industry and promote a safe and legal digital environment.