Reduce Risk, Sustain Compliance

To reduce risk and realize the maximum value of software assets, organizations need to understand their license agreements and manage them appropriately. By becoming a Certified in Standards-based SAM Organization (CSS(O)), you can help your organization minimize risk and improve business efficiencies.

CSS(O) is the first and only enterprise-level certification that affirms an organization is compliant with its software license agreements and its SAM processes are aligned to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) SAM standard

By getting a CSS(O), organizations will be able to:

  • Implement and maintain effective SAM processes
  • Ensure software compliance and license optimization
  • Receive a two-year audit forbearance from major software publishers
  • Reduce the risk of being audited
  • Increase IT and business efficiencies
  • Control costs

To enable enterprise-wide certifications, BSA will also certify a group of auditors, the CSS(A), as qualified to conduct audits validating an organization's SAM process based on their knowledge and reputation in the field of SAM.

In 2010, BSA introduced the Certified in Standards-based SAM for Professionals (CSS(P)) via the first-ever ISO-aligned, online training course, SAM Advantage.

Click here to learn about how to get started.

Case Study

Symphony Services

Vijaya Shanker, the vice president of Managed Services and Global IT at Symphony Services, an India-based software innovation company, used to lose sleep worrying that unlicensed software exposed his enterprise to financial and legal risks. Even with good faith efforts, it's difficult for enterprises to prevent noncompliance.

Shanker says the certification process identified the software needs of Symphony's units and enabled it to reassess whether to use Software as a Service or buy software. As a result, Symphony restructured its licenses and negotiated appropriate agreements with vendors, which enabled it to maximize its licenses, better predict costs and increase IT efficiencies.

Read the full case study here.

To maintain the integrity of the CSS(O) audit, BSA will select few reputed and skilled firms to carry out the CSS(O) audit on its behalf. BSA will designate these firms as CSS(A)s. CSS(A)s will perform CSS(O) audits in accordance with BSA's ISO-aligned specifications.

BSA will award CSS(A) certification only to auditors with relevant knowledge and expertise. The selection criteria will include depth and breadth of licensing knowledge, expert knowledge in the ISO 19770-1 standard, experience in conducting software licensing audits, market reputation, and ability to staff to adequate levels. The CSS(A) is a limited term certification and auditors will be re-assessed at time of renewal.

BSA is in the process of evaluating suitable auditors and their names will be published on this page once they have been awarded the CSS(A).

End-user Organizations seeking to apply for CSS(O) certification will be able to select a CSS(A) of their choice provided there is no conflict of interest.

All information gathered by the CSS(A) in connection with CSS(O) audit activities will be considered confidential and shall not be shared with other parties other than as needed to assess the Organization's eligibility for the CSS(O).

Close

Thank you for inquiring further into the CSS(O) certification.

A BSA representative will be in contact with you within the next few business days.

Close

Thank you for inquiring further into the CSS(O) certification.

A BSA representative will be in contact with you within the next few business days.

Close