The Business Software Alliance maintains telephone hotlines and a web site to encourage disgruntled employees and vendors to make anonymous reports against companies of all sizes. The BSA dedicates a substantial portion of its revenue marketing to these "rats," promising them confidentiality and the ability to make an anonymous complaint. The Business Software Alliance investigates all reports of software piracy without confirming the veracity of the information provided or the motive of the person making the complaint.

Once a report is received, the Business Software Alliance makes a decision about whether to request a self-audit or to immediately file suit. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the Business Software Alliance pursues the self-audit approach. Acting either through an internal enforcement attorney or an outside law firm, the BSA will send a letter to the target company requesting a self-audit. To see samples of these letters click here. The request for an audit is a critical stage in the process, and the time when an experienced attorney can help your business the most. If your company has received an audit letter from the Business Software Alliance, you should contact a BSA Defense attorney now.