The Oracle LMS Collection Tool, also known as Oracle License Compliance Scripts, is used for:
- Audit and ULA Certification: Assisting in Oracle audits and ULA (Unlimited Licensing Agreement) certification.
- License Verification: Verifying the number and types of Oracle licenses in use.
- Cost Reduction: Identifying cost-saving opportunities in licensing.
- Compliance Assurance: Ensuring Oracle software is used according to its licensing agreements.
- Usage Monitoring: Collecting information on both current and past usage of Oracle software
Oracle License Compliance Scripts
Introduction to Oracle LMS Collection Tool
The Oracle LMS Collection Tool, or Oracle License Compliance Scripts, is a crucial resource for organizations using Oracle software. These scripts are designed to help businesses ensure compliance with Oracle’s complex licensing agreements, which can be challenging to manage without specialized tools.
Overview of Oracle License Compliance Scripts (Oracle LMS Collection Tool)
The Oracle License Compliance Scripts are a set of diagnostic tools developed by Oracle to collect data on software usage. These scripts offer a thorough and automated method for gathering information about how Oracle software is deployed and utilized across an organization.
By running these scripts, companies can better understand their licensing needs and avoid costly compliance issues.
Uses of the Tool: Audit, ULA Certification, Cost Reduction, Compliance Assurance
- Audit Support: Oracle uses these scripts during audits to verify licensing compliance and check for potential gaps in license coverage.
- ULA Certification: Companies undergoing an Unlimited License Agreement (ULA) certification also use these scripts to ensure their use is within contractual limits.
- Cost Reduction: By understanding how Oracle software is deployed, organizations can identify opportunities to reduce costs by eliminating unused licenses.
- Compliance Assurance: These scripts help ensure that Oracle software is used by license agreements, reducing the risk of penalties during audits.
Importance of Using License Compliance Scripts for Organizations Using Oracle Products
Using Oracle License Compliance Scripts is essential for organizations aiming to maintain compliance and reduce risk. The data these scripts provide ensures that businesses can make informed decisions about their software usage, avoid compliance gaps, and confidently handle Oracle audits.
Read Interpreting Oracle LMS Database Script Output: A Guide for SAM Managers.
What Are Oracle LMS Scripts?
Oracle LMS scripts are data-collection tools provided by Oracle’s License Management Services (LMS) team (now part of Oracle’s Global Licensing and Advisory Services, or GLAS).
These scripts are designed to capture detailed information about your Oracle software deployment for a license audit or review. In practice, an Oracle LMS script is a bundle of SQL queries, shell scripts, and utilities that run on your servers to extract information about Oracle products installed, their usage, and their configuration.
During an audit, a director from Oracle’s LMS (License Management Services) might introduce these scripts as the standard method to measure your usage. The primary purpose of LMS scripts is to identify any usage of Oracle software that might not be fully licensed – essentially to find compliance gaps.
Oracle’s license audits are not neutral fact-finding missions; they are designed to give Oracle maximum leverage over customers and drive revenue. The data collected by LMS scripts feeds into that process by highlighting areas where you may be using more licenses or more expensive product options than you’ve paid for.
In summary, Oracle LMS scripts are the official audit scripts used by Oracle’s compliance teams to scan your databases, middleware, and Java installations. They reveal exactly what Oracle will see in an audit.
Understanding these scripts is crucial for SAM managers—it’s like knowing the rules of an exam before taking it. They ran LMS scripts six months in advance and discovered several instances of Oracle software being over-provisioned. By taking corrective action before the audit, they avoided substantial penalty fees.
Technical Behavior of Oracle LMS Scripts
Oracle LMS scripts queried system and product-specific data across your Oracle environments. They are typically provided as a compressed file with multiple script components targeting different Oracle products (Database, Middleware, Java, etc.).
When executed (usually by your DBAs or system administrators), they gather a wide array of information about your installations.
Some key technical behaviors and data points of LMS scripts include:
- Oracle Database Auditing: The scripts run SQL queries against the data dictionary and management views for Oracle Database. They collect the Oracle Database edition and version, installed options and packs (e.g., Partitioning, Advanced Compression, Tuning Pack), and whether those features have been used. For example, the script will query views like DBA_FEATURE_USAGE_STATISTICS to see if features like Oracle Partitioning or Spatial have been activated. It also checks server hardware details (CPU cores, processor type) and database parameters that indicate how the database is configured. This information helps determine if Enterprise Edition features were used on a Standard Edition license or if extra-cost options (like RAC, Multi-tenancy, etc.) have been exercised. The output might list each option with a usage flag or usage count, alerting if an option was used without a corresponding license.
- Oracle Middleware and Applications: LMS scripts cover middleware products like WebLogic Server, Oracle Fusion Middleware components, and even E-Business Suite or other Oracle applications. They often include WLST (WebLogic Scripting Tool) scripts or shell commands that interrogate WebLogic domains, Application Server configurations, and other middleware settings. The data collected can include which WebLogic edition is installed, how many Java EE containers are running, JMS or clustering usage (which might require WebLogic Enterprise licenses), and any deployed Oracle applications or options. For Oracle Middleware, the script might retrieve configuration files and logs to identify the use of features like Oracle HTTP Server, Oracle Coherence, or Oracle SOA Suite components – each of which could carry separate licensing requirements.
- Oracle Java: Since Oracle’s Java SE (Java Standard Edition) now has licensing implications for certain versions, Oracle’s audit toolkit often includes scripts to discover Java installations. These scripts can scan servers for installed JDK/JRE versions, patch levels, and usage. For example, the script may search common file system paths and registry entries (on Windows) to find all Java installations and run the java -version command to identify editions. The script collects data like the number of installed Java instances, versions in use, and whether they’re Oracle or third-party builds. This helps Oracle determine if you need a Java SE subscription. (Java audits have become more frequent as Oracle recently changed Java licensing.)
- System and Environment Data: LMS scripts gather general system data besides product-specific info. This includes hostnames, operating system details, partitioning or virtualization info, and network configuration. The aim is to understand the deployment context, e.g., is the Oracle software running in a virtual machine cluster? On a physical server? Oracle will use this to apply its licensing rules (for instance, Oracle’s partitioning policy on VMware). The scripts might run uname -a on Unix or use system calls to list hardware specs. However, these scripts may not fully account for certain virtualization configurations. For instance, Oracle’s LMS presentation itself has admitted some info is “not applicable in a virtualized environment,” leading to confusion if your environment uses virtualization. The scripts might assume physical hardware licensing unless additional data is provided.
Examples of data collected: After running an LMS script, you might get output files (often text or CSV) listing details such as: all Oracle Database instances with their versions/editions; a table of database options (like Partitioning, OLAP, Advanced Security) with columns indicating “USED/NOT USED”; counts of named user accounts in each database; list of installed Oracle client software; for WebLogic, a list of domains and whether WebLogic Standard or Enterprise features are enabled; for Java, a list of installations with version numbers (e.g., Java SE 8 Update 281) on each server. This rich technical data provides a snapshot of your Oracle software footprint.
Importantly, the scripts are read-only diagnostics – they should not change anything on your systems. Oracle typically assures that the LMS scripts only collect information. As a SAM manager, you might still want to validate this (perhaps by code review or running in a test environment first) to ensure they don’t perform any intrusive actions.
Lastly, Oracle updates these scripts periodically. Newer versions incorporate changes for new Oracle versions or products.
For example, when Oracle made Oracle Spatial a free feature in 2019, subsequent script updates would no longer flag Spatial usage as a license gap (Oracle Spatial, once a paid database option, was made free with all editions in Dec 2019.) Staying up to date on script versions ensures you’re measuring against current license rules.
Read Analyzing Oracle Middleware with the LMS Collection Tool.
How Oracle Uses LMS Scripts in Audits
When Oracle decides to audit a customer, it typically has its LMS/GLAS team send over the LMS scripts and instructions for running them. Oracle uses these scripts as the primary data collection mechanism during audits.
Here’s how the process usually works and who is involved:
- Audit Initiation: Oracle (often via a formal audit letter) invokes its contractual right to audit. The audit might be conducted by Oracle’s internal team (LMS/GLAS) or a certified third-party auditor working on Oracle’s behalf. In either case, the audit team will request information about your environment – and almost always request that you run the official LMS scripts on all relevant systems (databases, middleware servers, etc.).
- LMS/GLAS Role: Oracle’s License Management Services (LMS), now folded into Global Licensing and Advisory Services (GLAS), is the organization that oversees compliance audits. They provide the scripts and support to run them. GLAS positions itself as an “advisory” service, but make no mistake – their goal is to find and report compliance issues. If Oracle LMS is auditing you, you’re likely unsure of the process, worried about the outcome, and at risk of large financial exposure. The LMS team will analyze the script outputs to identify any usage beyond what your licenses allow.
- Data Analysis and LMS Findings: Once you return the script outputs to Oracle, the LMS/GLAS analysts parse the data. They compile a report of findings, which often highlights any unlicensed usage. For example, the report might say: “Database XYZ is using Partitioning option without a license,” or “WebLogic instance ABC is an Enterprise Edition feature (Java Mission Control) being used without proper licensing.” They will tally the shortfalls – e.g., number of processors under-licensed or options used – and often calculate a financial exposure (list price of licenses/ back support fees owed).
- Involvement of Oracle Sales: It’s important to understand that Oracle’s audit findings are usually handed over to Oracle’s sales/licensing division to seek a resolution. Ultimately, the audit’s purpose is revenue generation. Typically, Oracle will propose that you purchase additional licenses or subscriptions to resolve the compliance gap. The GLAS team (though branded as advisory) works hand-in-hand with Oracle’s sales reps. If the audit reveals a large shortfall, Oracle might sometimes push you toward signing an Unlimited License Agreement (ULA) or migrating to Oracle Cloud as a solution – aligning with their strategic goals (like pushing cloud adoption).
- Business Units and Partners: Historically, LMS (License Management Services) was the audit arm. Around 2019, Oracle rebranded much of LMS into GLAS (Global License and Advisory Services) to emphasize a friendlier, advisory approach. Despite the name change, the function is similar – ensuring customers are compliant (and capturing revenue from gaps). Oracle’s audit clauses also sometimes allow them to use third-party firms (so-called Oracle Approved License Management partners) to conduct audits. These partners also use Oracle’s LMS scripts under Oracle’s authorization. So, you might interact with an audit firm (like one of the big consultancies) that runs the scripts, but they are following Oracle’s playbook and reporting back to Oracle/GLAS.
In short, Oracle deploys LMS scripts to get a detailed picture of your usage and then uses that information to enforce compliance. The scripts’ output is the evidence backing Oracle’s compliance claims.
Gartner and industry analysts have observed that Oracle often interprets any gray areas in its favor—for instance, treating Oracle’s internal policies as contractual obligations. That means Oracle will use the script results aggressively; if the data gives it “leverage” to claim you need more licenses, it likely will. SAM managers should anticipate this and prepare accordingly.
Read the Oracle E-Business Suite Usage Analysis Guide (Using Oracle LMS Collection Tool).
How Customers Can Use LMS Scripts Proactively
While LMS scripts are Oracle’s auditing tools, savvy customers can use them proactively to manage their compliance before Oracle ever comes knocking.
Running these scripts internally (on your terms) can provide an “inside view” of your Oracle license position, enabling you to fix issues in advance. Here’s how SAM managers can leverage LMS scripts for their benefit:
- Internal License Assessments: Treat the LMS scripts as an internal audit tool. You can perform your compliance check by running the same scripts Oracle would use. This allows you to see exactly what Oracle would see during an audit. For example, run the database LMS scripts across all your Oracle databases and review the output for any “surprises” – such as an option usage you didn’t expect or databases installed on unlicensed servers. An internal assessment might reveal that an admin unknowingly enabled the Advanced Security option on a database, triggering usage flags. You can then take corrective action (disable that option) long before Oracle’s auditors arrive. Think of it as doing a mock audit on yourself to preempt issues.
- Identifying Compliance Risks Early: By using LMS scripts proactively, you can spot red flags in advance. Common risks to look for include: extra database options in use, more Oracle users than you have licenses for (e.g., Named User Plus count overruns), deployments of Enterprise Edition software on servers only licensed for Standard Edition, use of features like Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) without licenses, or Java installations that require a subscription. Finding these internally is invaluable. If you discover, for instance, that a particular Oracle database has been using Partitioning and you have no licenses for it, you can decide how to address that (perhaps purchase the licenses or consolidate to avoid using that feature). Catching these issues proactively can save millions, as one large enterprise found by resolving compliance gaps before an official audit demand.
- Feeding Results into SAM Tools: Many organizations use dedicated SAM or license management tools (like FlexNet Manager, Snow License Manager, or ServiceNow SAM) to track software compliance. The data from Oracle LMS scripts can be fed into these tools for ongoing management. Some SAM tools have specific Oracle license management modules that understand Oracle’s metrics. By importing LMS script results into your SAM tool, you ensure your internal license repository is up-to-date with actual usage data. This can help in continuously monitoring compliance. For example, if the LMS script output shows 120 Named Users on Database X and your SAM tool knows you have 100 NUP licenses, it will flag a 20-user deficit. You can then manage that via the tool’s workflows (true-up, re-harvest licenses, etc.). In some cases, SAM tools can automate parts of data collection, but using Oracle’s scripts as a data source adds credibility to the numbers since they are Oracle-approved measurements.
- Baseline for Optimization: Proactive runs of LMS scripts help in compliance and optimization. They provide a clear picture of what features you’re using. Perhaps you’re paying for options that aren’t used in production – the scripts might show zero usage for certain packs, which could inform decision-making (e.g., to drop support for an unused product or to remove that feature to avoid future risk). Conversely, they might reveal heavy usage of a currently unlicensed feature – giving you a chance to budget for it properly. A regular internal audit regimen using the scripts – say, semi-annually – can become part of your SAM governance, ensuring no nasty surprises. As one SAM consultancy emphasizes, don’t wait for audit results; proactively review compliance before the audit to minimize riskmiroconsulting.com. In other words, audit tools should be used to avoid audit outcomes.
By using LMS scripts proactively, customers essentially take control of the narrative. Instead of waiting for Oracle to tell you what’s wrong, you already know your exposure and can address it or prepare justification.
This approach turns the LMS scripts into a defensive asset rather than just an Oracle offensive weapon, if necessary. Before doing so, it’s highly advisable to have a third-party expert review the data.
The Need for Expert Help
Without years of experience in Oracle licensing, interpreting the output from Oracle LMS scripts can be challenging. Misreading the data could result in costly non-compliance issues.
Here’s why working with an expert like Redress Compliance is critical:
- Accurate Analysis: We interpret the output to ensure your organization complies with Oracle’s licensing terms.
- Identifying Compliance Gaps: We can spot potential compliance gaps and help you address them before Oracle sees the data.
- Pre-Audit Preparation: By working with us, you can fix any compliance issues before Oracle audits your data, giving you control over the situation and reducing financial risk.
Audit Defense Strategy Using LMS Script Insights
Even with the best preparation, you may still undergo an Oracle audit. When that happens, having a solid defense strategy is key. LMS scripts will likely be central to the audit, so your strategy should revolve around handling those scripts and their results carefully.
Here are crucial considerations and steps for audit defense:
- Run LMS Scripts Only Under the Right Conditions (Risks of Unilateral Execution): Never run Oracle’s official LMS scripts for Oracle’s benefit without proper legal context. If Oracle informally asks you to run a “license review” using their scripts (outside the formal audit clause), involve your legal team. There are risks to running the scripts without a formal audit agreement or NDA in place. Why? Because any data you give Oracle can and will be used against you. In other words, if you hand over script results voluntarily, you might inadvertently trigger a formal audit or give Oracle leverage without any protections. The best practice is to wait for an official audit notice or sign a written agreement stating how the script data will be used, who can see it, and that it’s for advisory purposes only (if you engage Oracle’s GLAS in a voluntary assessment). Running the scripts internally for your insight is fine (and advisable), but sharing results with Oracle should be done only when required and with safeguards. Remember, Oracle audits aren’t random – if they suspect non-compliance, even sharing information can trigger an audit.
- Verify Script Authenticity and Scope: When you run Oracle’s scripts for an audit, verify that the scripts are genuine and unaltered. Oracle typically provides the scripts via an official email or a secure portal. If provided, check digital signatures or hashes, or confirm the file name and size match what Oracle documents describe. This ensures you’re not running any rogue or tampered script. Also, verify you’ve been given the correct scripts for the products in scope – no more, no less. For example, if the audit is for Oracle Database and Java, you shouldn’t need to run middleware scripts on unrelated servers. Limit the scope to only the environments under audit. It’s reasonable to ask Oracle/GLAS to confirm the script version and that it’s current. An outdated script might flag things that are no longer license issues (as in the Oracle Spatial example). Verifying authenticity and scope protects you from running unnecessary or malicious code and over-collecting data beyond the audit’s intent.
- Alternative Data Collection Methods: You are not always obligated to use Oracle’s scripts if you can provide the required data by other means. Some organizations choose to collect data themselves to maintain more control. For instance, instead of running the full script package, you might offer to execute specific SQL queries (provided by Oracle), return the output, or fill in Oracle’s official audit questionnaires (Oracle sometimes has spreadsheets for certain products). The advantage is that you see exactly what’s being gathered. However, Oracle usually prefers their automated scripts for completeness. If you pursue an alternative, ensure the data you provide is accurate and comprehensive, or Oracle might insist on running the scripts anyway. As an audit defense tactic, providing data manually can sometimes limit over-collection – you give Oracle only what you agreed to. It can also be necessary in cases where the script cannot be run (perhaps due to security policies or technical issues in your environment). Always communicate with the auditors: “We can’t run this script on production without risk, but we will extract the necessary information with our tools and provide it to you.” In some cases, Oracle may accept this if it’s equivalent data.
- Review Script Output Before Submission: When you do run the LMS scripts, always review the results internally before handing them to Oracle. Treat it like a compliance test: identify what the script flagged. This allows you to clarify any misunderstandings before Oracle sees it. For example, if the script output shows that an option was “USED” on a database, gather evidence of its use. Maybe it was enabled mistakenly and never utilized for business, or it was used during a short-term test. Document these details. If possible, fix easy issues immediately – e.g., if a feature is enabled but not needed, disable it and note that you’ve addressed it (though Oracle may still count past usage, it demonstrates good faith and mitigation). Do not simply forward raw data to Oracle without scrutiny. You might catch false positives or misinterpretations this way.
- Understand the Red Flags and Address Them: LMS scripts commonly reveal specific red flag issues. You should be prepared to address each of these in discussions with Oracle:
- Unlicensed Database Options: If the script uses options like Partitioning, Tuning Pack, Advanced Security, etc., without licenses, you have a few defense angles. You could argue that the usage was accidental or minimal (some features register “usage” even if a single command was run once). Oracle’s audit team might still levy a finding, but you can negotiate, especially if you promptly disabled the feature. In some cases, Oracle might waive a minor or incidental usage if you commit not to use it again (this is not guaranteed, but it’s a discussion point).
- Processor and Core Counts: Ensure the script’s hardware info is interpreted correctly. In a virtual environment, clarify how many physical hosts Oracle claims need licensing. Oracle has made aggressive claims in virtualized contexts that aren’t in the contract (e.g., requiring licenses for an entire VMware cluster). If a script doesn’t capture something like Oracle VM hard partitioning configurations you have, be ready to provide that info to counter any assumption of a larger footprint.
- Named User Plus (NUP) counts: The scripts may list all user accounts in the Oracle databases, but not all of those are “users” in licensing terms (some are schemas or service accounts). Be ready to explain your user counts. If the number exceeds your licenses, you might trim unused accounts or argue that certain accounts are not active human users. Oracle’s audit report might simply compare the raw count to your license entitlement, so you must contextualize it.
- Java installations: If the Java discovery script found many installations, determine which ones need a paid Java SE subscription. Oracle might flag all Oracle Java installations as non-compliant if you have no subscription. However, remember that certain uses (e.g., non-commercial or older versions) might not require licenses under Oracle’s policies. Be prepared to discuss Java usage cases.
- Middleware Enterprise Features: For WebLogic, if an LMS script indicates usage of Oracle WebLogic Enterprise Edition features (like Oracle JMS persistent store or clustering). Still, you only own Standard licenses; you should either show that this was not used in production or prepare to license it. Sometimes, having a certain jar or library present can flag a feature and clarify if that feature was truly in use.
- Legal and Negotiation Strategy: Align the technical findings with your legal and negotiation strategy. If Oracle’s LMS report (based on the script data) claims you owe licenses, review your contracts line by line. Oracle LMS often presents Oracle policy as contractual, which is not always true. For example, they might say, “You need to license all virtual hosts because of our policy,” whereas your contract doesn’t include that policy. Knowing this, you can push back. Use the data in your favor: if you know from the script analysis that only one feature is an issue, keep the scope of discussion narrow and resolve that. Don’t let Oracle extrapolate beyond the script evidence. Also, involve experienced licensing advisors if possible – as Palisade Compliance notes, Oracle has done tens of thousands of audits and “have generated billions of dollars” through this process, so having expert help is wise.
- Maintain Documentation: Throughout the audit, document every communication and finding. Having your internal analysis notes is invaluable if there is a dispute on what the script data means. For instance, if Oracle claims an LMS script shows 10 installations of Oracle Database Enterprise, but you know 2 were decommissioned and are just artifacts in the output, document that and inform them. Use the script results to tell your story, not just Oracle’s story. Your goal in audit defense is to resolve any genuine compliance issues and refute any overreaching claims. Being well-versed in the LMS script output puts you on a stronger footing when negotiating the outcome.
In summary, Oracle’s LMS scripts should be treated as diagnostic tools and negotiation instruments. Handle them carefully—only run and share under proper conditions, double-check what they report, and be ready to address each point.
This diligence can significantly reduce the risk of Oracle’s aggressive audit tactics leading to unwarranted penalties.
Best Practices for Managing Oracle LMS Scripts and Findings
Managing Oracle LMS scripts effectively can turn a potential audit liability into a well-controlled process.
Here are the best practices SAM managers should implement regarding these scripts and the compliance data they produce:
- Run LMS Scripts Periodically in Non-Audit Situations: Don’t wait for Oracle to demand the script – make it a routine to run them internally. For instance, some organizations run the database LMS scripts quarterly or semi-annually on all production databases. This regular cadence ensures you catch any licensing drift early. It also familiarizes your team with the process so that you’re not scrambling to figure out how the scripts work in the event of an official audit. You ensure continuous compliance monitoring by incorporating script runs into your change management or annual IT audit cycle. (If you have strict change control, you might run them in read-only mode or during maintenance windows to avoid any performance impact.)
- Establish Internal Review Processes for Script Outputs: Treat the output of an LMS script as actionable data. Set up a review committee (DBA lead, SAM manager, perhaps an architect) to examine the results each time you run them. Create an internal report of any findings: e.g., “Q1 internal Oracle LMS script run – found two databases using Advanced Compression without licenses; 5 inactive user accounts that can be removed to stay within NUP counts; WebLogic instance using JMS Persistence (EE feature) identified.” Then, track the remediation of each item. This way, you always have a clear record of your compliance posture. If an item recurs in the next run, escalate it. Being proactive and organized can dramatically reduce panic if an Oracle audit happens since you’ll have already fixed or at least understood the major issues.
- Stay Informed on Oracle Licensing Changes: Oracle’s licensing rules and product policies can change (often in ways that benefit Oracle’s revenue goals). A feature that required a license yesterday might become free tomorrow – or vice versa. For example, as noted, Oracle Spatial became free in December 2019, and Oracle changed its Java SE licensing model in 2019 and again in 2023. The best practice is to continuously update your knowledge and LMS script toolkit. When Oracle announces a change (through its support notes or press releases), consider its impact on script findings. If a previously licensable feature is free, document the change date so that if an audit covers past usage, you can argue for leniency or no impact beyond that date. Maintain a “licensing rule updates” checklist and cross-reference it with any script flags. This ensures you don’t overreact to findings that Oracle’s policy has rendered moot. Conversely, you catch new risks (e.g., Java usage became a new risk once Java required subscriptions – something earlier scripts might not have flagged at all).
- Remediate and Optimize: Use the insights from the LMS scripts to remediate compliance gaps and optimize costs. Remediation means addressing the immediate compliance issue – for example, uninstalling unused options or purchasing additional licenses if necessary. Optimization goes a step further: ask if we need this Oracle feature. If an LMS script shows that a certain database uses a high-cost option that provides marginal benefit, it might be more cost-effective to turn it off and use a standard feature instead. Similarly, if scripts show dozens of Oracle databases across the enterprise, perhaps it’s an opportunity to consolidate and reduce the overall license footprint. Many companies have saved money by rightsizing their Oracle deployments after seeing a holistic view from the script results. Every finding is both a risk and an opportunity – fix the risk and consider if there’s an opportunity to streamline.
- Maintain Communication Discipline with Oracle: When communicating with Oracle about script findings (either in an audit or a voluntary license review), have a clear strategy. Centralize communication through a single point of contact (often the SAM manager or a legal counsel). This ensures consistent messaging. If Oracle asks questions about the data, you don’t want various IT staff responding ad-hoc. Instead, funnel those questions to the SAM team, get the answers internally, and reply officially. Also, get everything in writing. If Oracle’s GLAS “advisor” makes an oral claim like “these scripts are mandatory” or “this feature is not allowed under your license”, ask them politely to send that in an email. This helps avoid misunderstandings and holds Oracle accountable for what it states. It also provides you documentation if there’s a disagreement later. As a best practice, do not volunteer information beyond what is asked. For example, suppose you fixed an issue after the scripts were run. In that case, you might choose to inform Oracle of the remediation, but be cautious in how you frame it (you don’t want to confess to unlicensed use in writing in a way that could be held against you later; instead, you might say you have “addressed the configuration” of that feature).
- Leverage Expert Help When Needed: Managing Oracle compliance is complex, even for seasoned SAM professionals. Recognize when to bring in outside expertise. Whether it’s a third-party firm that specializes in Oracle license management or legal counsel experienced in software contracts, expert help can be invaluable, especially during an actual audit defense. These experts often know Oracle’s tactics (some are former Oracle auditors) and can interpret script outputs with a trained eye. They can also communicate with Oracle on a peer level. Gartner-esque advice would be to weigh the cost of advisory services against the potential financial exposure of an audit. Often, paying for a few hours of an expert’s time can save you from millions in fees or unnecessary purchases. As one example, Gartner research has noted Oracle’s tendency to blur the line between contractual terms and policy – an expert can help you draw that line clearly in negotiations.
- Document Everything Internally: Maintain an internal knowledge base for Oracle audits. Every time you run LMS scripts, archive the output and your analysis. If you ever engage with Oracle (audit or otherwise), document the scripts, the date they were run, and the findings. Over the years, this builds a story of your compliance. If a new SAM manager inherits the role, this documentation ensures continuity. It is also useful to show improvement – if Oracle ever accuses you of a long-standing compliance issue, you might have evidence that as of last year’s internal check, that issue did not exist (implying it’s recent or an error). A well-documented compliance history can be a strong defense.
SAM managers can significantly reduce the chaos and uncertainty associated with Oracle LMS scripts and audits by following these best practices. Instead of dreading Oracle’s script deployment, you’ll be prepared and even one step ahead.
In essence, you transform Oracle LMS scripts from a dreaded audit tool into a regular part of your SAM toolkit – providing visibility, control, and confidence in managing Oracle licenses.
As a result, when Oracle’s audit team comes with their scripts, you’ll already know what they will find and how to handle it, just as a seasoned analyst would recommend.
FAQs
When are the Oracle license compliance scripts used?
Oracle license compliance scripts are used during Oracle audits, ULA (Unlimited License Agreement) certifications, and internal Oracle license audits.
What are Oracle License compliance scripts?
Oracle License compliance scripts, also called Oracle LMS scripts or Oracle LMS Collection tools, ensure that your organization complies with Oracle’s licensing agreements.
Who created the Oracle LMS Collection Tool Scripts?
Oracle License Management Services (LMS) created the Oracle LMS Collection Tool scripts.
What is the Oracle License Management Services Collection Tool?
The Oracle License Management Services Collection Tool is part of a set of tools Oracle uses during an audit to locate installed products and gather data on their usage.
What is Oracle LMS?
Oracle License Management Services (LMS) is the audit organization within Oracle that is responsible for verifying compliance with Oracle licensing agreements.
How does Oracle database licensing work?
Oracle database licensing allows individuals or server instances to use specific Oracle products. Once licensed, you can operate multiple instances of the same product on different servers without extra licenses.
What is Oracle GLAS?
Oracle GLAS is the new name for Oracle LMS. It also offers services to help customers move to Oracle cloud solutions and works with Oracle’s sales teams.
Do Oracle LMS Collection Tools send data to Oracle Servers?
No, the scripts do not automatically send data to Oracle. The organization running them must manually send any script output to Oracle.
Which Oracle software products do the LMS scripts cover?
Oracle LMS scripts cover many products, including Oracle Database, Middleware, Application Server, Weblogic, E-Business Suite, Business Intelligence, Hyperion, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, and Siebel.
Who will run the scripts on the servers with Oracle software installed?
The organization that owns the servers will run the scripts. Oracle does not run them directly.
What will the Oracle License Compliance Scripts detect?
The scripts detect active and historical usage of Oracle software, often uncovering unlicensed use that may date back as much as ten years.
When should you use the LMS Scripts?
LMS scripts should be used before an Oracle license audit, ULA certification, or internal reviews. It’s wise to have an independent provider like Redress Compliance analyze the data before sharing it with Oracle to resolve potential issues.
What is the process of running Oracle License Compliance Scripts?
Running LMS scripts involves several technical steps. The scripts gather data, generate output files, and require expert analysis to determine the organization’s licensing position.
Can I read the Oracle License Audit Tool output?
No, interpreting the output requires specific training in Oracle’s licensing policies. Experts like Redress Compliance can analyze your output before you share it with Oracle.
Can these scripts be used for internal Oracle licensing assessments?
Yes, organizations can use these scripts for internal assessments to verify compliance. It’s advisable to work with a third-party expert to ensure accurate interpretation.
What should I do before handing over the LMS script output to Oracle?
Before sharing the data, an independent provider like Redress Compliance should analyze it. This will help you understand the findings and fix compliance issues before Oracle reviews them.
Can Redress Compliance provide a replica of an Oracle audit?
Yes, Redress Compliance can analyze the output and give you a replica of what Oracle would find during an audit, helping you address potential compliance gaps.
Why is it important to analyze LMS script output before sending it to Oracle?
Analyzing the data first lets you catch and fix any compliance issues before Oracle sees them. This can save you from penalties and help you manage your licensing position more effectively.
What is Oracle ULA certification, and why are LMS scripts needed?
Oracle ULA certification verifies usage under an Unlimited License Agreement. LMS scripts help confirm that your software usage is compliant before the certification process.
Do I need an expert to interpret Oracle LMS script results?
Yes, the data is complex and hard to understand without expertise in Oracle licensing rules. An expert can help you avoid compliance mistakes.
How often should I run Oracle LMS scripts?
Run the scripts before audits, ULA certifications, or any internal reviews. Regular checks help ensure ongoing compliance.
What happens if the scripts reveal unlicensed Oracle software usage?
If unlicensed usage is detected, you can address it before Oracle takes action. Experts like Redress Compliance can help you resolve the issue.
Can I fix compliance issues after running the LMS scripts but before Oracle reviews the data?
Yes, you can fix compliance issues in the script output before sending it to Oracle. This is why a third-party expert’s pre-audit analysis is important.
Can Oracle LMS scripts be used in all Oracle environments?
The scripts are designed to cover all Oracle software environments, including databases, middleware, and business applications.
How can I ensure my organization is always compliant with Oracle licensing?
Run internal assessments regularly using the Oracle LMS scripts and work with experts to analyze the output. Staying proactive helps avoid problems during formal audits.
Ready to Conduct an Independent Oracle Licensing Assessment?
If you’re preparing for an audit or a ULA certification or simply want to verify your compliance status, we can help:
- Run and interpret Oracle LMS scripts.
- Identify and resolve compliance issues.
- Ensure your Oracle software costs are optimized.
By conducting an independent licensing assessment with expert help, you can fix any issues and maintain control before sharing any data with Oracle.
This proactive approach will protect your organization from compliance risks and ensure you’re fully prepared.
Read more about our Oracle Audit Defense Service.
