Oracle ULA renewal means signing a new Unlimited License Agreement term when the current one ends, for the same or a different set of products. The alternative is certification: you count what you deployed during the term, declare it to Oracle, and keep those licenses as perpetual ones. Either way, the choice needs planning well before the end date, and this 12-step process is how we run it.
What is Oracle ULA renewal, and what is certification?
- Oracle ULA Certification is the process to be followed at the end of the ULA contract term to count the number of Oracle licenses deployed, send this count as a declaration to Oracle and obtain a certified grant of perpetual licenses.
- Oracle ULA renewal is when you want to enter a fresh term for the same or different set of products.
Both these events require detailed planning and internal due-diligence. We help you get the most from the ULA and limit compliance risk after it ends.
Sheshagiri Anegondi
How to save millions on Oracle contract renewals. Do this 30 day test 12 months before renewal
A 30-day risk test to run 9 to 12 months before an Oracle renewal, for a ULA, SaaS, Java or OCI, so you go into the negotiation with leverage.
Video · 7:13Watch on YouTube
Background to Oracle ULA Certification or Renewal
Many companies have entered into an Unlimited License Agreement (ULA) with Oracle. If you are one of these companies, you may be wondering what your options are at the end of the agreement.
While the name “unlimited” may suggest that you can deploy Oracle software programs without restriction, a ULA actually provides you with the unlimited deployment right for a specific set of Oracle programs, for a limited number of legal entities, and for a limited period of time.
At the end of the ULA term (typically 1-5 years after the signature date), you will have two main options:
- Renew the ULA: You can renew the ULA for another period of time (e.g., 1-5 years or perpetual), for a different or the same number of legal entities, and for less, the same, or more Oracle programs than the original ULA.
- Certify the ULA: You can certify the ULA, which means that you will provide Oracle with a signed certification of your usage of Oracle software products during the ULA term. Once you have certified your usage, the Oracle software products you have deployed will become perpetual licenses.
You must notify Oracle whether you intend to renew or certify the ULA.
Oracle ULA renewal or certification: which is right for you?
The best option for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. If you expect your usage of Oracle software products to increase significantly, then renewing the ULA may be the best option. However, if your usage is expected to remain relatively stable, then certifying the ULA may be a more cost-effective option.
It is also important to consider the terms of your ULA renewal offer. Oracle may offer you a discount on your renewal fees, but they may also try to lock you into a longer contract term. Be sure to carefully review the renewal offer before making a decision.
If you are unsure which option is right for you, it is a good idea to consult with an Oracle licensing expert. They can help you to understand your options and choose the best option for your needs.
The details of the 12 Step Oracle ULA Certification or Renewal Process are described in the diagram below:
Read the details in our Oracle ULA certification guide.
You can read some testimonials from our customers here
Apart from ULAs, Java is another very complex license management bugbear from Oracle. Go here if you want to learn about our Java License Analyzer and Java License Review services.
Read more about our Managing Partner, Sheshagiri Anegondi, who worked at Oracle from 1998 to 2015 and wrote the book Licensing Oracle.
ULA end of term phases
Whether you certify or renew, the work follows three phases:
- Planning and objectives analysis
- Deployment, compliance and financial analysis
- Decision and negotiation
Our article on ULA certification value realization explains why these phases matter. Some steps can run in parallel to give you clarity before the next one.
Define your end of term objectives
Decide what you want from the end of the ULA term, then plan to get it. The objectives to look at are:
- Compliance
- Certification or renewal
- Cost reduction
- Simpler license management
Define the rules of engagement with Oracle
Many customers underrate this, but it may be the most important decision in the process. Settle these points:
- Who is the internal sponsor for the ULA end of term?
- Who speaks to Oracle, and who does not?
- What information can you share, and what do you hold back during negotiation?
- When should you speak to Oracle, and who is your point of contact there?
Analyze the ULA contract
Review the terms and conditions for pitfalls and hidden costs. Do this before you act on deployments or start talks with Oracle. The key terms for certification or renewal are:
- Product list and certification process
- Environments included or excluded
- Legal entity, merger, acquisition and divestiture definitions
- Virtualization and cloud terms
- License metrics, product dependencies and license restrictions
- Support costs
Document your future Oracle requirements
Assess what you will need from Oracle and write it down. Well-documented license needs are your core asset when you negotiate. They also support new terms, such as adding or removing products, changing metrics or changing your support level.
For exiting a ULA, see our ULA exit service. Our Managing Partner, Sheshagiri Anegondi, leads this work.
Questions about Oracle ULA renewal
What happens at the end of an Oracle ULA?
You either renew the ULA for a new term or certify it. Certifying means declaring what you deployed during the term, which then becomes your perpetual license count.
Can an Oracle ULA be renewed with different products?
Yes. A renewal can cover fewer, the same or more products than the original ULA, for a different number of legal entities and a different term.
Is renewing an Oracle ULA cheaper than certifying?
It depends on how your use will change. If you expect it to grow a lot, a renewal can be the better choice. If it will stay stable, certification usually costs less. Read the renewal offer closely: a discount can come with a longer term.
Sheshagiri Anegondi
Managing Partner of Rythium Technologies. Seventeen years at Oracle, from 1998 to 2015, in leadership roles including Vice President Sales, after Compaq and Digital Equipment Corporation.
Author of “Licensing Oracle: The Reference Manual for Managing Oracle License Compliance & Procuring Oracle Software, Hardware, Cloud & Services” (2021, ISBN 10: 1639046887).
See more of our analysis in Google: add Rythium as a preferred source