What is an Oracle Audit & how to deal with it
- January 19, 2023
- Posted by: Fredrik
- Category: Oracle
So, what exactly is an Oracle Audit?
An Oracle license audit is a review of an organization’s Oracle software usage to ensure that it is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the organization’s Oracle license agreements. Oracle license audits are typically conducted by Oracle or an authorized third party on behalf of Oracle, and they can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as a request for an audit by Oracle, a change in the organization’s Oracle license agreement, or a complaint or allegation of non-compliance.
There are several key elements to an Oracle License Audit
- 1. Scope of the audit: The scope of an Oracle license audit will typically include a review of all Oracle software in use by the organization, including both on-premises and cloud-based deployments. The audit may also include a review of the organization’s processes and procedures for managing and using Oracle software.
- 2. Documentation review: As part of an Oracle license audit, the auditor will typically review a variety of documentation, including Oracle license agreements, purchase orders, invoices, and other relevant documents. The auditor may also request information about the organization’s Oracle deployment, including the number and types of Oracle products in use, the number of users, and the processes and procedures for managing and using Oracle software.
- 3. Interviews and meetings: The auditor may conduct interviews with key personnel, such as IT staff and business users, to gather additional information about the organization’s Oracle deployment. The auditor may also request meetings with the organization’s Oracle license manager or other relevant staff.
- 4. Verification of compliance: The auditor will review the information gathered during the audit to determine whether the organization is in compliance with its Oracle license agreements. If the auditor identifies any discrepancies or non-compliance, the organization may be required to take corrective action, such as purchasing additional licenses or paying additional fees.
How to negotiate an oracle license audit report?
If an Oracle license audit reveals that an organization is not in compliance with its Oracle license agreements, the organization may be required to take corrective action, such as purchasing additional licenses or paying additional fees. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate the terms of the audit report and the corrective action required. Here are some tips for negotiating an Oracle license audit report:
- 1. Review the audit report thoroughly: It is important to carefully review the audit report to understand the specific issues and discrepancies identified by the auditor. This will allow the organization to better understand the basis for the audit findings and any corrective action required.
- 2. Gather supporting documentation: It may be helpful to gather supporting documentation, such as purchase orders and invoices, to demonstrate the organization’s compliance with its Oracle license agreements. This documentation may be used to negotiate the terms of the audit report.
- 3. Identify any discrepancies or errors in the audit report: If the organization believes that the audit report contains errors or discrepancies, it should be prepared to present evidence to support its position.
- 4. Engage with Oracle: It is important to engage with Oracle or the auditor to discuss the audit findings and any corrective action required. This may involve negotiating the terms of the audit report, such as the number of licenses required or the fees to be paid.
- 5. Seek expert advice: If the organization is unable to resolve the audit findings through negotiation, it may be advisable to seek help from an Oracle licensing expert.