[Nick Oscar]

Waiting for a renewal notice can leave too little time to review usage, performance, risks, and alternatives. What should the team review before the decision becomes urgent?

[Nick Oscar]

Accepted editorial answer

Start early enough to use every contract option, including notice periods, data export, negotiation, and any possible transition. Work backward from those dates and assign one owner for the decision record.

Review actual usage, license inventory, service levels, incidents, support, unresolved defects, security and accessibility changes, total cost, user outcomes, and planned needs. Distinguish the effort required to switch from the evidence that the current service still delivers value.

GAO’s cloud review recommends continuous monitoring and periodic performance reviews to inform renewal. GAO’s software-license review supports using inventories, contract terms, usage, costs, benefits, and trends to guide investment decisions.

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