Oracle Tool Verification
Oracle announced back in 2010 that it would begin to verify the data provided by ITAM tools.
Oracle is notoriously difficult to manage from an ITAM perspective because Oracle products don’t install like most other publishers (no .exes to track in your inventory tool) and the configuration of Oracle technology is just as important as the existence itself.
The verification process is designed to see if ITAM tools can provide data of sufficient quality to manage Oracle effectively.
At the time of writing, there are now seven suppliers which have been through the verification process:
- BDNA
- Easyteam
- Flexera Software
- Hewlett-Packard
- iQuate
- Lime Software
- Nova Ratio
Notes on the verification process:
- Oracle state that this is a verification of data rather than a certification of technology. i.e. They are just looking at the output not the tool itself.
- The verification process is limited to one product group: Enterprise Edition databases and associated options. This excludes an enormous amount of Oracle products.
- The goal of the verification process is to benchmark the output from suppliers against the data Oracle would provide using their own internal tools and scripts. Tools are verified when output is consistent or exceeds what Oracle would produce.
- Data is used to supplement the Oracle License Management Services (LMS) review process.
- Installing one of these tools is not a shield of steel against future Oracle audits: “Please note that the installation and usage of a tool from a verified vendor does not replace an Oracle License Review or Audit or revoke Oracle’s contractual right to perform a License Review or Audit.”
Oracle tool verification is provided by Oracle LMS, the same team that coordinates Oracle audits. Oracle LMS also offer help to assist companies with their broader ITAM strategy. From my experience speaking with organizations, most people would rather poke themselves in the eye than deal with Oracle LMS to help with strategy – but I would be delighted to hear from any organization happy testify otherwise.
More info here.
Related articles:
About Martin Thompson
Martin is also the founder of ITAM Forum, a not-for-profit trade body for the ITAM industry created to raise the profile of the profession and bring an organisational certification to market. On a voluntary basis Martin is a contributor to ISO WG21 which develops the ITAM International Standard ISO/IEC 19770.
He is also the author of the book "Practical ITAM - The essential guide for IT Asset Managers", a book that describes how to get started and make a difference in the field of IT Asset Management. In addition, Martin developed the PITAM training course and certification.
Prior to founding the ITAM Review in 2008 Martin worked for Centennial Software (Ivanti), Silicon Graphics, CA Technologies and Computer 2000 (Tech Data).
When not working, Martin likes to Ski, Hike, Motorbike and spend time with his young family.
Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.
As many people will know, iQuate was the first tool “Verified” by Oracle. As such, we helped them develop the program (or programme, depending on where you live). I led this from the iQuate side. I’d make 2 comments here…
1. The verification is against inventory/measurement data only – it states that the verified tool outputs the same data when pointed at a database as Oracle’s own scripts/tools. This means that:
a) Verification does not encompass entitlement assessment or compliance functions of tools – only the inventory side.
b) Verification does not encompass the process of discovering the databases in the first place. Different tools have different capabilities to discover databases on servers.
c) Verification does not encompass other inventory/measurement data which may be required – for example virtual:physical configurations, Veritas clusters, etc.
2. Of course Oracle maintain the right to audit a customer who has these tools running! Why would they give up that right?! What running a Verified tool generally does is set the stage so that both Oracle and the customer have a clear baseline for inventory/measurement at the start of an audit. Customers with this data can be better prepared for audit and audits themselves typically take less time. I can’t speak for other verified tools – but Oracle LMS have always accepted the data from iQSonar during an audit or ULA certification process. Why would they go through the pain of running their own scripts when the customer can provide the same data out of the box? The Entitlement, compliance position, etc. are still going to be audited though.
An alternative view on the Oracle verification process:
http://www.licenseconsulting.eu/2014/04/08/about-oracle-certified-lms-licensing-tools-yet-again/
Hi Martin,
Would you be kind enough to share your source on the list of seven suppliers who have been through the verification process? Thank you!
Anu,
It’s in the link above at the end of the article.
Martin