I am reading this ComputerWorld story about Microsoft's clumsy attempts at license audits. When cops are under quota, they issue more tickets - often frivolous. When airlines get desperate they tack on change and other silly fees. It is a bad way to make revenues.
Microsoft must be really hurting to want to piss off some of its best and largest customers. It goes the other way too - there are generally more unused software licenses in the industry than unpaid ones. Keep annoying customers and they will more aggressively seek credits too.
Update: Here's one reason Microsoft needs the money - the large EU fine. In a leaked internal memo, Microsoft feels "in our view, the issue here is not about lack of compliance, it's about a lack of clarity". Hmm, wonder how many audited customers feel that about Microsoft?
