Microsoft’s SAM programme has evolved into aggressive revenue recovery. SAM findings are over-stated by 40–60%. This playbook decodes the audit methodology, identifies the 10 predictable compliance gaps, and provides the defence strategy that has saved Redress clients an average of $2.4M per engagement.
SAM methodology decoded, 10 compliance gaps mapped, step-by-step defence playbook, data control framework, resolution scripts, and negotiation tactics saving $2.4M average.
This is not a compliance checklist. It’s an independent defence playbook that gives CIOs, IT directors, and procurement leaders the methodology, counter-tactics, and negotiation scripts needed to defend against Microsoft’s SAM programme — and reduce exposure by 40–70%.
Four-phase breakdown: initiation, discovery, gap analysis, and resolution. Your rights at each stage and the specific defence actions that control scope and outcome.
Windows Server virtualisation, SQL Server core counting, Office BYOD, RDS CALs, System Center, Visual Studio, Azure Hybrid Benefit, E3/E5 features, subsidiary scope, and multiplexing.
Five-step methodology: delay response, engage advisory, self-discovery, present validated data, challenge every finding. With response scripts for SAM letter and ELP challenge.
Six principles: run your own tools, present aggregated data, scope entity boundaries, validate before sharing, control licence mapping, and document every communication.
Challenge line items, negotiate 40–70% resolution discounts, bundle with EA renewal, propose alternative remediation, request cross-product offset, and secure audit standstill.
100% independent. Zero Microsoft partnership. Former Microsoft licensing specialists on our team. Based on 85+ audit defence engagements. $2.4M average exposure reduction.
Organisations that engage independent audit defence advisory before responding to Microsoft’s SAM request reduce their final compliance exposure by an average of $2.4M. SAM findings are over-stated by 40–60%, and resolution pricing is negotiable by 40–70%.
REDRESS COMPLIANCE — ORACLE PRACTICE