Key considerations for Oracle ULAs on AWS
Oracle ULA (Unlimited License Agreement) offers a flexible, yet complex, licensing model for deploying Oracle software. Understanding the intricacies of ULA deployment on AWS is crucial for maximizing benefits and minimizing risks.
How Oracle ULA Works
Deploying Oracle ULA on AWS requires careful contract management and strategic planning to maximize benefits and mitigate risks. Regularly review your contract terms and plan your deployments accordingly to ensure compliance and optimize your Oracle investments.
Initial Setup: One-time license fee plus 22% support fee.
Existing Licenses: Included in the ULA contract.
ULA Term: 1-5 years of unlimited software deployment on processors.
End of ULA Term: Renew with a new fee or exit with annual support.
Certification: Report deployment numbers to Oracle for verification to determine granted licenses.
Deployment on AWS: Deployments on AWS might not receive licenses, necessitating ULA renewal or new licenses.
Benefits of Oracle ULA on AWS
Scalability: Unlimited deployment capability during the ULA term.
Flexibility: Potential to optimize costs and infrastructure.
Challenges of Oracle ULA on AWS
Certification Complexity: Navigating the certification process to ensure accurate license counting.
Compliance Issues: Managing deployment within the terms of the ULA to avoid penalties.
Unlimited Deployment
During the ULA term, unlimited Oracle software deployment is allowed.
Territory Clause
Check which countries your software can be deployed in and select an AWS region accordingly.
End-of-Term Concerns
AWS deployments may not count towards ULA exit numbers, posing a risk of zero licenses if deployed 100% on AWS.
Variations of Oracle ULA on AWS
No Public Cloud - Standard Option
Deployments in third-party clouds do not count towards exit numbers.
Standard in 90% of Oracle ULA contracts.
Last 365 Average - Option
Certification counts the average number of deployments over the last 365 days.
Potential compliance challenges with recent high deployment rates.
Restricted Use Option
Certifications split into public cloud and on-premises licenses.
Complexity in managing Oracle software post-ULA.
Strategic Recommendations
Before you decide to utilise your ULA on AWS it is recommended to complete these steps to avoid getting caught out by licensing compliance issues.
Contract Review: Carefully review and negotiate the certification clause in your Oracle ULA or PULA contract.
Deployment Planning: Plan deployments to optimize licensing benefits and reduce compliance risks.