Licensing Awareness Takes Centre Stage

Last week, the BBC brought software licensing to light after pledging to review all of its licensing regularly. The move came after the broadcaster removed 780 licenses for its electronic purchasing system from staff who were not regularly using them. The development was sparked by criticism from the National Audit Office for spending money on unused licenses, which cost £150.00 each. The NAO recommended cutting 2,000 licenses, saving the licence fee payer an annual total of £300,000.

Following that episode, research group IDC revealed that there is a pervading confusion over software licenses amongst UK businesses. Despite the fact that many companies were aware that poor software management can expose them to viruses, data corruption, external hacking, and employee sabotage, nearly 40% of companies revealed that they only had the most basic grasp of software licensing law.

There was also a degree of confusion over who exactly should take responsibility for software asset management. Despite its paramount importance, software licensing was not generally believed to be the ultimate responsibility of the CIO or board members. 63% of respondents said that this responsibility lay within the remit of IT managers further down the company hierarchy.

At Inatech, we understand how complex software licensing can be, and the importance of getting it right. We feel that it is important for companies to have a comprehensive understanding of their software licensing, and a clear and cohesive software asset management best practice.

Inatech provides a comprehensive overview of Oracle Licensing and pricing practices that helps procurement and IT managers understand the optimal structure of their Oracle License agreements. As well as identifying opportunities for rationalizing license requirements, this also helps to manage any risks associated with being under licensed. Inatech is a Certified Advantage Partner of Oracle Corporation, ensuring that we are in the best position to accurately present your particular business needs and concerns and secure the discounts and financing you're entitled to.

Inatech License Management Services include; the Oracle License and Services Agreement; decoding Oracle's licensing and business practices; term and perpetual licensing options; migration of your outdated licensing metrics and excessively expensive support; license types; product and types; licensing metrics; creative financing models to meet your budget; and pricing and discounts.

"At the Oracle Partner Day rumours were going around of the potential for a price rise in Oracle Licensed products due to the deterioration of the £ against the $.

Oracle being a US company prices all products US Dollars therefore if you are in a country that sells Oracle licences in any other currency then twice a year [31^st may/30^th Nov] Oracle reviews the exchange rate and re-calibrates the price of each License.

Should such a price rise happen then this could be a compelling reason to look at bringing forward license purchases to save monies for both the upfront license costs and the ongoing annual support fess (22% of net license costs.) Many organisations will look at this option to save money and with use of financing can also spread payments to suit their business cash flow needs. "

John Ray