Case Study – Oracle Licensing Assessment – Sixt (German Retailer) – $4M Saved
Background
Sixt is an automotive rental company based in Germany. Its IT systems rely on Oracle Database to manage core operations and use Oracle Java SE in many applications.
Due to this reliance on Oracle, maintaining license compliance is crucial for controlling costs and preventing disruptions.
Challenges
Sixt’s Oracle licensing troubles surfaced when the company received an audit notice from Oracle. The audit focused on Sixt’s extensive Oracle Database deployments and its widespread use of Java SE.
Oracle claimed Sixt’s database environment – spanning on-premises and VMware servers – was under-licensed.
It insisted every host in Sixt’s virtual clusters needed licensing, inflating the requirements. It also scrutinized Sixt’s Java SE installations on workstations and servers, noting many instances might require paid subscriptions under Oracle’s newer rules.
Oracle presented a daunting compliance report.
The findings suggested millions in license shortfalls. Oracle’s sales representatives quickly followed up, pressuring Sixt to immediately purchase a large license-and-subscription bundle to “settle” the issues. They claimed this would be cheaper than formal penalties.
Facing a nearly $4 million unbudgeted expense and heavy pressure from Oracle, Sixt’s management sought an independent perspective.
They engaged Redress Compliance to verify Oracle’s claims and reduce the company’s exposure.
How Redress Compliance Helped
Redress Compliance conducted a systematic review of Sixt’s Oracle usage. The team analyzed every Oracle Database instance, documenting the physical or virtual servers on which it ran and any Oracle features in use, then compared this information to Sixt’s license entitlements.
Redress found multiple overestimations in Oracle’s audit – Oracle had assumed the peak capacity of Sixt’s virtual environments rather than actual usage. By providing contract evidence and technical proof, they significantly reduced the number of database licenses Oracle claimed Sixt needed to purchase.
Next, Redress addressed the Java SE issue. They inventoried all Oracle Java installations across the organization and evaluated which ones truly required a subscription.
Many installations were older versions or used in ways that did not require a paid license.
For the few cases where Oracle Java was needed, the team helped Sixt prioritize which systems required a subscription and advised removing Oracle Java where it wasn’t essential.
They also guided Sixt’s IT team in deploying OpenJDK as an alternative for certain applications. These efforts dramatically cut Oracle’s proposed Java license count.
Throughout the engagement, Redress represented Sixt in communications with Oracle. They prepared a detailed license reconciliation report that challenged Oracle’s audit findings with clear evidence.
Armed with this analysis, Sixt pushed back with confidence. Redress helped Sixt negotiate a resolution without the multi-million-dollar spend Oracle initially demanded.
Outcome and Impact
With Redress’s expertise, Sixt avoided approximately $4 million in costs.
Oracle’s initial compliance claims were nullified – in the end, Sixt only needed to acquire a few additional licenses for minor issues, and no broad Java purchase was required.
The audit concluded with no penalties, and the looming $4 million expense was averted.
Beyond the immediate savings, Sixt greatly improved its understanding of Oracle licensing. The company implemented stricter controls on how Oracle Databases are deployed on VMware, ensuring future deployments stay within licensed bounds.
It also adopted better governance for Java usage – including the use of OpenJDK – to minimize reliance on Oracle’s paid Java.
Oracle’s audit posture was defused once Sixt presented verified data, and Oracle retreated from its expensive demands. Sixt emerged with its Oracle licensing under control, a stronger negotiating stance for the future, and confidence that it will not overpay for Oracle software.
Client Testimonial
Head of IT, Sixt: “When Oracle auditors reported massive compliance gaps, we sought expert help. Redress Compliance came in and changed the outcome.
Their in-depth knowledge of Oracle Database licensing in virtualized environments and Java licensing rules enabled us to demonstrate that we weren’t under-licensed, as Oracle had claimed.
Redress showed us what we needed to license—and what we didn’t.
Ultimately, we saved approximately $4 million in costs. We also learned how to better manage our Oracle usage. Redress’s independent advice and negotiation support were invaluable – we ended the audit on our terms and saved a fortune.”
Call-to-Action
Oracle licensing audits can hit any company, but you don’t have to go it alone. Redress Compliance specializes in Oracle Licensing Assessments that verify your compliance, defend against Oracle’s claims, and minimize costs.
To reduce Oracle expenses and successfully navigate an audit, contact Redress Compliance. We provide the facts and strategy to protect your business.
Further:
- Read about other Oracle Licensing Assessment Case Studies.
- Read more about our Oracle License Management Services.
