IBM software audits are expected significantly to increase for its Domino and Notes solutions ahead of the agreed sale to HCL scheduled to close later this year.

The sale announced in December covers IBM’s cognitive solutions — AppScan, BigFix, Unica, Commerce, Portal, Notes (formerly Lotus Notes), Domino and Connections — and is for a total value of US$1.775 bn.

So what does this mean for users of these products and what are the financial imperatives on IBM and HCL as the sale process continues?

Robin Fry’s article here for MEDIUM explains the jeopardy for legacy users of these products and likelihood of increased audit activity.