Understanding Oracle Perpetual Unlimited License Agreement

If you’re an organization considering using Oracle software, you may be wondering about the best licensing agreement for your needs. One option to consider is the Oracle Perpetual Unlimited License Agreement (PULA). This agreement allows for unlimited deployment rights for a set of Oracle software products for an indefinite period of time. In exchange, the customer gives up the ability to partially terminate unused licenses.

So, what are the benefits of Oracle PULA?

Simplified Software Asset Management: With PULA, you won’t have to worry about managing and keeping track of individual licenses for each Oracle product. Instead, you have unlimited deployment rights for a fixed set of products, which simplifies software asset management and reduces the administrative burden of managing multiple licenses.

No License Fees for Included Products: Once you sign a PULA agreement, you won’t have to pay additional license fees for the included products. This can be a cost-effective option for companies with high Oracle usage.

Deployment in Virtual Environments: With PULA, you have the freedom to deploy Oracle software in virtual environments. This can be a huge benefit for organizations that utilize virtualization to optimize their infrastructure.

Reduced Risk of an Oracle Audit: Since PULA is an unlimited agreement, you won’t have to worry about license compliance during the agreement term. This can reduce the risk of an Oracle audit and the associated costs of non-compliance.

It’s important to note that PULA differs from Oracle’s Unlimited License Agreement (ULA). A ULA has a set end date, whereas PULA has an unlimited deployment period. However, there are three ways to exit or certify a PULA: if your company is acquired by another company, if non-compliance is found, or if you fail to maintain total technical support stream.

Before signing an Oracle PULA, there are several factors to consider. For example, it’s essential to negotiate which legal entities can use and access the software, as well as which countries you can physically deploy your servers. Additionally, you should consider the risk of vendor lock-in, as well as the pricing differences between a ULA and PULA.

In conclusion, Oracle PULA is an excellent option for organizations that require unlimited deployment rights for a fixed set of products. The benefits of simplified software asset management, no license fees for included products, and deployment in virtual environments can be incredibly cost-effective for organizations with high Oracle usage. However, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your needs and negotiate the terms and conditions of the agreement before signing to ensure that it meets your specific requirements.