New job, iffy software [duplicate]

Question

I took an interview as IT Manager last week and was offered the job.

-yay-

However during the 1st stage interview someone slipped in the fact that a GOOD proportion of the software on-site is probably unlicensed.

Obviously in my initial induction and investigations I will try to find out exactly what is what etc.

So my question is, as the new IT manager, would I have to accept any blame should there be some sort of audit etc? Particularly if I highlight the issue to the management (which they probably already know)?

And would they be able to "let me go" just for telling them that they knowingly have unlicensed software?

(UK based)

Answer 1

I think this may still be the case in the UK, and is true in other jurisdictions - the nominated IT manager in an organisation is the fall guy for licence violations (the CEO, MD or whatever, are deemed "not qualified" - a CIO or CTO, on the other hand, would be) and other things like improper or illegal use of IT resources.

If you're aware of infringement and don't do anything about it, you can be thrown under the bus. Worst case - you become liable for the penalties.

That may seem hard - but there is a get-out clause: by being pro-active and alerting your C-level management to the issue, clearly stating what the infringements are and what the outcomes of non-compliance would be (and maintain copies of all communications), then you have some cover. Unfortunately, you may still be thrown under the bus, but you should be able to drag someone else with you to take the brunt. Worst case - you lose your job.

If you alert the company management and they don't do anything - get the hell out of there!

Answer 2

This might be something you'd want to discuss during a 2nd interview. I know I would.

Even if you decide that you don't formally have to accept the blame, wouldn't you want to know the kind of budget pressure you'll be under such that you might be forced to continue using unlicensed software?

And one line of thought is that if they are willing to "cut corners" regarding the legality of the software they are using, where else might they follow less-than-ethical standards?

Discussing the situation might help you decide if this is the kind of company you would want to work for.

Answer 3

Your first role as an IT Manager should be to find out what software and hardware you have in the company. The easiest way to do this is by auditing - a good audit software will install silently, and tell you everything you need to know. You can then come up with a set of proposals to make the company legal - purchase some licences, remove some software, etc.

You should then document this proposal and keep a personal copy it with some method to date it, just be careful not to breach any data-copying restrictions in place by your organization.