PCMS Finds Software Licensing Gap, Debuts LASSO(TM) to Simplify Licensing Management for Mid-Market Companies.

CINCINNATI -- PCMS, a Cincinnati-based technology services provider, announced today a new service dubbed LASSO[TM] that helps companies root out unlicensed and incompatible business software while streamlining overall software license management.

"Many companies -- especially small and mid-sized companies -- are not aware that they possess business software -- even their Microsoft Windows -- that may be illegal, outdated or incompatible," said Matt Scherocman, vice president, at PCMS. "LASSO -- the License Acquisition Strategy Services Offer -- finds, identifies and confirms the software assets being used, clarifies the licensing and version status of the software, and more. LASSO simplifies, organizes and validates corporate software and eliminates potential liabilities that exist for companies using software they don't own."

Historically, large companies have dedicated software asset management initiatives led by an in-house technology department. For small- and mid-sized companies managing software is often an afterthought. It was for Kim Poff, a corporate manager for LaRosa's Pizzeria, Cincinnati's premier pizza place since 1954.

"Pizza and pasta is our focus, so when it comes to software and what we own, don't own, need to update and upgrade, it was like having another full-time job," said Poff. LaRosa's dilemma: An array of computers -- more than 200 in total -- bought from different vendors, even retail stores, all using different versions of Microsoft Windows and more.

"There was no way to know who was using what software, whether it needed to be updated and when," said Poff. "PCMS took on the challenge and thoroughly assessed every computer and piece of software we had installed. Then, they worked with the different software vendors to get licensing agreement pricing. Now, we know our software licenses comply, file sharing is much easier and we know exactly what we have and where it is. PCMS makes sure that we're up to date, informed and software compliant."

Software licensing management is an increasing concern for small and large companies alike, according to the Business Software Alliance, a watchdog group representing the nation's leading software manufacturers. This summer, BSA announced that 19 companies paid more than $2 million to settle software compliance issues. In addition to making payments, each company agreed to delete any unlicensed copies, purchase any needed replacement software and strengthen its software management practices.

LASSO, which is designed for small- and mid-sized businesses that have limited technology expertise on site, is also a complementary service supporting large companies. "While we primarily serve the mid-market in the greater Cincinnati area and Dayton, we extend our licensing compliance service and IT advisory services to larger companies as well," said Scherocman. PCMS LASSO pricing varies, depending on a company's size, number of computers, types of software and level of analysis and diagnostics, but typically starts at $20 per desktop.

PCMS delivers technology consulting and services to companies in the greater Cincinnati area and Dayton. PCMS IT Advisor Group specializes in network infrastructure management, security and 24/7 tech support, and 2006 winner of Microsoft Corp's worldwide partner of the year for licensing solutions. The company, based in Cincinnati since 1993, is the North American headquarters for PCMS Group Plc, based in Coventry, United Kingdom. The company also provides application development, business analytics and technology services and support for retailers and other North American customers.

For more information, visit PCMS IT Advisor Group at http://www.itadvisorgroup.com, or call 513-587-5123. For media inquiries, contact Roy Miller at 972-717-3500, ext. 235, or via e-mail at [e-mail].