Certero Tool for Oracle License Management:
- Automates Oracle license discovery and inventory.
- Ensures compliance with Oracle’s licensing rules.
- Provides optimization recommendations based on usage data.
- Integrates with other IT management tools.
- Verified by Oracle LMS/GLAS for trusted audit data.
Certero Tool for Oracle License Management
Managing Oracle licenses can be complex, with various products, editions, and metrics to consider. Effective license management is crucial for maintaining compliance, avoiding costly audits, and optimizing software spend.
Certero, an IT asset management solutions provider, offers a comprehensive Oracle license management tool specifically designed for Oracle license management.
Below, we’ll explore Certero’s capabilities, the Oracle products it covers, and the pros and cons of using Certero for Oracle license management.
Overview of Certero’s Oracle License Management Solution
Certero for Oracle is an automated software asset management solution that helps organizations maintain compliance, mitigate risks, optimize licenses, and prevent unauthorized usage of Oracle products.
The tool is part of Certero’s unified platform, providing a single-pane-of-glass view of an organization’s entire IT estate, including hardware, software, and cloud assets.
Oracle Verification:
Certero for Oracle is verified by Oracle License Management Services (LMS) and Global Licensing and Advisory Services (GLAS). This verification ensures that Oracle accepts the data collected and analyzed by the tool during audits or compliance reviews.
Oracle Products Covered by Certero
Oracle Database:
- Comprehensive Discovery: Certero discovers and inventories Oracle Database instances, editions, and options across platforms like Windows, Linux, and Unix.
- Accurate License Positioning: The tool calculates an accurate license position by applying Oracle’s licensing rules, such as core factors and virtualization policies.
Oracle Fusion Middleware:
- License Management: Manages licenses for Oracle Fusion Middleware products, including WebLogic Server, SOA Suite, and Identity and Access Management.
- Visibility: Provides insights into middleware installations and usage, enabling organizations to optimize licensing and maintain compliance.
Oracle E-Business Suite:
- ERP and CRM Management: As an Oracle LMS/GLAS-verified solution, Certero accurately collects deployment information.
Oracle Java SE:
- Java Licensing: This component supports the management of Java SE licenses, which is crucial due to Oracle’s recent changes to Java licensing.
- Compliance: Helps organizations make informed decisions and ensures compliance with new licensing terms.
Other Oracle Products:
- Broad Coverage: Certero also manages licenses for Oracle GoldenGate, Oracle Coherence, and Oracle Tuxedo, providing a comprehensive solution for managing an organization’s entire Oracle estate.
Key Features and Benefits
Automated Discovery and Inventory:
- Efficiency: Automatically discovers and inventories Oracle installations across the IT environment, providing an accurate picture of the Oracle estate.
- Error Reduction: Saves time and reduces the risk of manual errors.
Compliance Analysis:
- Effective License Positioning (ELP): This method applies Oracle’s licensing rules and calculates an ELP, highlighting any areas of non-compliance or over-licensing.
- Proactive Management: Enables organizations to address licensing issues proactively and avoid costly audit penalties.
Optimization Recommendations:
- Cost Savings: Analyzes usage data and licensing metrics, recommending optimizing Oracle licenses.
- Strategic Decisions: Identifies opportunities for consolidation, re-harvesting, and cost savings.
Reporting and Analytics:
- Comprehensive Reports: This company offers customizable dashboards and pre-built reports that provide valuable insights into Oracle usage trends, compliance status, and optimization opportunities.
Integration with Other IT Management Tools:
- Unified Platform: This platform allows seamless integration with other IT management tools, such as IT service management (ITSM) and configuration management databases (CMDB), providing a holistic view of the IT estate.
Pros of Using Certero for Oracle License Management
- Oracle LMS/GLAS Verification: This process ensures that Oracle trusts and accepts data collected by Certero.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Manages a wide range of Oracle products, simplifying license management processes across the entire Oracle estate.
- Automation and Efficiency: Automates tasks like discovery, inventory, and compliance analysis, saving time and reducing manual effort.
- Optimization Opportunities: Provides insights for cost savings and better ROI through license optimization recommendations.
- Unified Platform: Offers a single-pane-of-glass view of the entire IT estate, enhancing overall IT asset management.
Cons of Using Certero for Oracle License Management
- Integration Effort: Integrating Certero with existing IT management tools may require effort and resources, which organizations must consider.
- Cost: Pricing information is not publicly available, making it difficult to assess the cost-benefit ratio upfront. The tool’s features and verification may come at a higher price point.
- Complexity: Oracle licensing is complex, and while Certero simplifies it, the tool may require expertise to fully leverage its capabilities.
- Dependency on Accurate Data: Effectiveness relies on the accuracy of the data collected. Inaccuracies in discovery and inventory processes can impact compliance analysis and optimization recommendations.
- Limited Customization: While offering extensive reporting and analytics, some organizations may require more customization options to meet specific needs.
How Certero Compares to Other Oracle License Management Tools
When evaluating Oracle license management tools, it’s important to consider how Certero stands against its competitors.
Below, we explore the key areas where Certero differentiates itself and how it compares to other tools in the market.
1. Oracle LMS/GLAS Verification
- Certero:
Certero is verified by Oracle License Management Services (LMS) and Global Licensing and Advisory Services (GLAS). This verification ensures that the data collected and analyzed by Certero is trusted during Oracle audits. - Other Tools:
Like Certero, other tools such as Flexera and USU Software Asset Management also carry Oracle verification, making them equally reliable during audits. However, the scope and depth of verification may vary, with some tools being verified for fewer Oracle product categories.
2. Coverage of Oracle Products
- Certero:
Certero offers comprehensive coverage across various Oracle products, including Oracle Database, Fusion Middleware, E-Business Suite, Java SE, and more. This extensive coverage allows organizations to manage their entire Oracle estate through a single tool. - Other Tools:
Competitors like Flexera and Lime Software offer broad coverage but may focus more on specific product categories or provide deeper functionality for certain Oracle products. For example, Flexera is known for its detailed scenario modeling and optimization features, while Certero provides a more balanced approach across all Oracle products.
3. Integration Capabilities
- Certero:
Certero’s unified platform integrates seamlessly with other IT management tools, such as IT Service Management (ITSM) systems and Configuration Management Databases (CMDB). This integration capability provides a holistic view of the entire IT estate, facilitating better overall IT asset management. - Other Tools:
ServiceNow is another tool known for its strong integration capabilities, particularly in environments already used as the primary IT management platform. However, Certero’s seamless integration with multiple tools can provide a more unified approach to Oracle license management, making it a strong competitor in environments with diverse IT systems.
4. Ease of Use and Implementation
- Certero:
Certero offers a user-friendly interface and straightforward deployment, which makes it accessible to organizations with varying levels of Oracle license management expertise. While it still requires some understanding of Oracle’s complex licensing rules, Certero is designed to simplify these processes as much as possible. - Other Tools:
Tools like Flexera may offer more advanced features but often have a steeper learning curve and more complex implementation processes. Certero balances functionality and ease of use, making it a suitable option for organizations looking for robust features without complexity.
5. Optimization and Cost Management
- Certero:
Certero provides valuable optimization recommendations based on actual usage data. It helps organizations identify cost-saving opportunities, such as re-harvesting unused licenses and consolidating license usage. This feature is particularly useful for organizations looking to reduce their Oracle licensing costs without compromising compliance. - Other Tools:
Flexera is known for its strong optimization features, including detailed “What If” scenario modeling that allows organizations to project the impact of various licensing strategies. While Certero offers solid optimization tools, organizations needing in-depth analysis might prefer Flexera’s more advanced capabilities.
6. Reporting and Analytics
- Certero:
Certero excels in its reporting and analytics capabilities, offering customizable dashboards and pre-built reports that provide insights into compliance, usage trends, and optimization opportunities. These features allow stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions. - Other Tools:
Competitors like USU Software Asset Management and Lime Software also provide comprehensive reporting features, but the extent and customization options vary. Certero’s reporting is designed to be both detailed and user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
7. Cost and Accessibility
- Certero:
While Certero’s pricing details are not publicly available, the tool is generally considered cost-effective for its functionality level. It balances price and features well, making it accessible to a broad range of organizations, from mid-sized businesses to large enterprises. - Other Tools:
Tools like Flexera are known to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, which might be a barrier for smaller organizations. Lime Software and USU might offer more competitive pricing but may not match the breadth of features Certero offers.
Certero Tool for Oracle License Management FAQ
What is the Certero Tool for Oracle License Management?
Certero is an automated software asset management solution designed to manage Oracle licenses, ensure compliance, and optimize usage.
How does Certero help with Oracle license compliance?
It applies Oracle’s licensing rules to calculate an Effective License Position (ELP), highlighting any areas of non-compliance or over-licensing.
What Oracle products does Certero support?
Certero supports many Oracle products, including Oracle Database, Fusion Middleware, E-Business Suite, Java SE, GoldenGate, and more.
Is Certero verified by Oracle?
Yes, Certero is verified by Oracle License Management Services (LMS) and Global Licensing and Advisory Services (GLAS), ensuring its data is trusted during audits.
Can Certero identify unused Oracle licenses?
Yes, Certero analyzes usage data to identify underutilized licenses and provides recommendations for re-harvesting or cost-saving opportunities.
Does Certero integrate with other IT management tools?
Certero’s unified platform integrates with IT service management (ITSM) systems and configuration management databases (CMDB), providing a holistic view of IT assets.
How does Certero handle Oracle Database licenses?
Certero discovers and inventories Oracle Database instances across various platforms, applying Oracle’s core factors and virtualization policies to ensure accurate license positioning.
What are the reporting capabilities of Certero?
Certero offers extensive reporting features, including customizable dashboards and pre-built reports that provide insights into compliance, usage trends, and optimization opportunities.
Is Certero difficult to implement?
While Certero offers robust features, fully leveraging its capabilities, particularly in complex Oracle environments, may require expertise and effort.
What types of organizations benefit most from Certero?
Certero benefits organizations with diverse Oracle environments that require comprehensive license management, compliance tracking, and optimization insights.
How does Certero optimize Oracle licenses?
Certero analyzes actual usage data to provide recommendations for consolidating licenses, re-harvesting unused ones, and making informed decisions to reduce costs.
What is the cost of using Certero?
Pricing for Certero is not publicly available and may vary based on the organization’s size and specific needs.
Does Certero support Oracle Java SE licensing?
Yes, Certero supports the management of Java SE licenses, helping organizations navigate Oracle’s recent changes to Java licensing.
How often should organizations use Certero for compliance checks?
Regular compliance checks, ongoing monitoring, and periodic assessments are recommended to ensure continuous alignment with Oracle’s licensing rules.
Read about our Oracle License Management Services.
