Oracle audits – how should you get ready?

Every business is aware of the fact that they use software, and an audit might just be around the corner. We all know it’s coming, we just don’t know exactly when. Are the correct licenses in place? Is every software user allowed to use this software and is this registered? These are example questions than can be addressed during an audit regardless of which vendor it is. When it comes to Oracle as a vendor however, is well known to be fairly hostile at times. That’s why we will give you tips how you should get ready to face an Oracle audit and feel like you are really in control and prepared.

When should you expect one of these audits?

You probably might think: I have everything in order and under control, I will not be the target of an audit. Unfortunately however, you are wrong about this and are a target as well. The main reason is that Oracle wants to make sure that all is indeed as it is supposed to be and all users are sticking to what they signed up for. There are also a certain number of events that can set off an audit. A few examples are a merger, an acquisition or a large expansion of people working in your company. It could also be however that an agreement has expired or that there have been alterations in infrastructure. The final reason they could have is that the end of the fiscal year is approaching and they are pushing for more sales through, obviously, through extra software audits.       

How and when to prepare If you have not started to get ready for an audit yet, a good time to start is right now. It is always best to be as prepared as possible at all times so that when the dreaded letter arrives on your desk you will not start to panic.

How to prepare?

• Keep track of all the document that you got when you bought the software. Not only will this be your go-to point in an upcoming audit, it also gives you structure in an otherwise messy situation
• Be aware of the amount of software deployed and used, as well as by who. If you have a small company you can easily think an overview is easy. Once you start to grow however, it will become messy and unclear. Keep track form the very beginning.  

It is actually quite uncommon for companies to have this in order. Another thing that happens regularly is that companies are over licensed because they would be rather safe than sorry. In the end, these costs can lead to larger costs that then cost of failing an audit.