Getting Audited By Oracle?
Don't Panic! Contact Remend if you’ve received the dreaded audit letter or face an unexpected and sizable license shortfall claim by Oracle.
You Did Not Intend To Use Unlicensed Software!
The vast majority of companies running Oracle software have no intention of stealing it. Nor is Remend interested in helping companies run unlicensed software. That said, license compliance is exceedingly difficult and Oracle utilizes audits to build undue financial leverage.
Such sentiments are no longer just theory for you because an Oracle auditor is either knocking at your door or has already extended a fear-inducing final audit report with “shock and awe” implications to the budget.
Remend Recommends the Following Immediate Steps
Stop Communicating With Oracle
Talk to Remend before (re)engaging Oracle, including verbally.
Do Not Send Evidence
Do not send spreadsheets, script output, questionnaires, etc., before understanding the implications of doing so.
Do Not Overreact
Do not believe lawyering up and going to court is a viable option.
Two Truths About Licensing Oracle Software
First, license compliance for Oracle software is the honor system. Second, you are empowered to determine the value of Oracle software. For these reasons, Remend is prepared to advise on the math and artwork of an honorable (i.e,. defensible) license position as well as how much to spend.
It is important to understand Oracle’s distribution model: its software is posted online and readily downloadable by anyone, doesn’t require license keys, may be installed and used at any volume, doesn’t prompt when expensive options are (or are about to be) used, etc. Additionally, public-facing policy documents may be labeled “for educational purposes only”, but Oracle expects the guidelines within to be adhered to.
Let Remend Help
The best case scenario is that an audit results in cost reduction (not just avoidance) over a longer and more strategic view of your relationship to Oracle. This is not only possible, but probable, given a well-choreographed negotiation and license and support strategy.