Jul
03
2008
Just like Oracle software licensing, Microsoft has its complexities as well.
When using a Microsoft application, you must license each device in which you will access the software (locally and remotely). You can install any version of the application you prefer, for example many users currently will use Office 2003 instead of the newer 2007 version, but if both are installed, 2007 must be licensed. The same goes for a server installation - if computers in your office are using 2007, the server in which may house a remote connection must also be licensed for 2007.
For Operating Systems, you will need a license for each device that accesses the software but can only install one copy on each device (versus however many copies of Microsoft applications you want you may install). When we look at Volume licensing however, these are considered by Microsoft as an upgrade license. More information on that can be found here, along with a list of qualifying operating systems, which you must already have licensed in order to acquire an upgrade license.
Jul
01
2008
Here are some quick and helpful tips for software asset management (SAM).
• Set Goals for your company’s SAM
• Take an inventory
• Match Software with Licenses
• Organize licensing documentation (create a repository)
• Plan for the Long-Term
• Develop a set of rules and procedures to promote good SAM practices
• Create a SAM plan to keep licensing in line moving forward
Software licensing and compliance are extremely complex. We specialize in Oracle licensing and software asset management (Microsoft, too). Having a good software asset management program has prevented millions of dollars during surprise audits and during licensing re-negotiations.
Jun
30
2008
Okay, remember how we have been warning about the BSA and how they are after companies that have pirated software? Well…here is a prime example. They have just filed to court orders again RedPR Services and Overclockers in the UK, which could cost them thousands of dollars - all because they failed to complete an audit required by the BSA.
You’ll see a lot of these court orders in the coming year - and there will be many unheard of as well, those who have settled out of court and spent a pretty penny!
Keep your Oracle licensing, Microsoft, Adobe, etc in check people!
Jun
30
2008
Partitioned servers are commonly found in the corporate IT environment today due to cost savings and simplified management of running multiple operating systems — such as UNIX or Windows NT — on the same server. Partitioned servers also improve the work load balancing and distribution.
In the case of partitioning servers, Oracle licensing recognizes hardware partitioning for licensing purposes. Meaning ….Oracle customers can license “only those processors that have been purchased from the hardware vendors.” As more processor rights are bought, additional Oracle licenses must be purchased.
Note: Oracle Database Standard Edition can only be licensed under server with four sockets. Customers cannot partition a larger server into four sockets and then license the database Standard Edition for that partition.
Jun
26
2008
Enterprise Subscription Agreements are typically for businesses with a need to standardize their Microsoft software and with a minimum of 250 PCs. What are the benefits? Some of the benefits include: savings for a 3-year agreement and included software assurance.
The drawbacks? Software available is limited to: Office Professional Plus, Office Enterprise, Windows Vista Business Upgrade, Core Client Access License, and Enterprise CAL Suite, which includes the Core CAL plus seven additional CALs: Office SharePoint Enterprise CAL, Office Communications Server Standard and Enterprise CALs, Exchange Enterprise CAL, Forefront™ Security Suite, Operations Manager Client OML, and Windows Rights Management Server CAL.
The Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreements are ideal for companies that are only looking to subscribe to software licenses versus acquiring them on their own. And, the SA benefits are quite comprehensive. Obviously, not available to all business as there is a minimum PC requirement, subscription agreements make sense for those who only require basic Microsoft software applications and don’t plan to make significant changes over the course of three years.
If you fit the bill, it’s a smart move and a great way to keep software licensing compliance inline.
Jun
24
2008
The number of Oracle license is required is based on the usage and business environment. Take for example, Oracle database EE during the testing, staging and production phase. Depending on the type of license being used, their number of different Oracle licenses required.
If you’re licensing by processor, the number of Oracle licenses would be dependent on where the database is installed or running must be licensed. So, you have 6 processors, you need 6 licenses. If you have 20 processors installed, but only five of them are actually running, you still need 20 licenses.
If you’re using the Named User Plus scenario, there is a formula that can be used to compute how many Oracle licenses are needed. The formula would be Named User Plus — meaning 25 Named User Plus licenses per processor — multiplied by the number of actual users accessing the database. Now, the actual users mean the number of users and developers.
Jun
20
2008
We’re getting ready for our Summer Blockbuster hit – the June 25 Oracle licensing strategies webinar (it starts at 1 p.m. ET LIVE). I and Eliot Colon, president of Miro Consulting, will both be giving tips on how to best work with Oracle licensing and the best way to further optimized your total cost of ownership. We’ll also be answering questions from the audience and hope to get to all the questions this time (as we almost always run out of time even with 30 minutes-plus allotted for audience questions).
Go to our home page at www.miroconsulting.com and register for the event. There will also be a live twitter feed at www.Twitter.com/yinchang.
For more information on upcoming events, go to http://www.miroconsulting.com/news-cal.html.
Jun
19
2008
If you’re using Oracle Database Standard Edition, be aware that Oracle licensing rules only allows it to be licensed on servers that have a maximum capacity of 4 sockets. Oracle Standard Edition One has a maximum capacity of 2 sockets, according to Oracle licensing.
With the release of Oracle 10g, the Oracle Database Standard Edition product includes the Real Applications Clusters database option. Also, Oracle Cluster Ready Services must be used as the clusterware AND use Oracle’s Automatic Storage Management. Third-party clusterware is not supported.
If you’ve been following Oracle licensing updates, you’ll note that these licensing tips were part of a footnote reminder in the latest software investment guide.
Like I’ve said before, Oracle licensing can be complex.
Jun
18
2008
Oracle licensing is offered either as a perpetual license – which is a one-time fee – or a term license – which allows software usages for a specified period of time. Which is better?
Oracle licensing can be complex based on the environment factors. Aside from the changing software licensing rules and regulations, the added complexity comes from the companies using Oracle. Interpretation of Oracle licensing depends upon a number of factors –including usage (from number of users to HOW it’s being used) and deployment to multiple platforms.
Because companies are constantly moving with the ebb and flow of business – whether changes are made within a division/group or through M&A activities – it is important to have the right software to support these adjustments. Therefore, for many companies, we would recommend term license to work with your company’s needs.
However, there are a few companies that experience very little change within their industry and other market factors don’t alter the course of business. In this very rare case, we would propose perpetual licensing. Though, there are very few companies that fit that mold.
Oracle licensing is complex and needs to be actively managed to grow with your business. By governing Oracle licensing usage, your company will be able to streamline operational efficiencies.
