May 28, 2002 [Number 223]     Printable version (492k PDF)

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Oracle Licenses—New Way to Get Software, Upgrades and Maintenance

In 1997, CIT negotiated an NIH-wide Oracle network license that permits the purchase of concurrent user rights and server software for Oracle databases on the various platforms at the NIH Computer Center. This enabled CIT to provide NIH users with low costs for Oracle database software, upgrades and Oracle support.

On April 30, 2002, CIT's Oracle network license expired, and software obtained through it is no longer supported. Since Oracle has changed the way it licenses server software—that is, it no longer uses "concurrent devices" connecting to a server as a measure of pricing—CIT will not be acquiring any new licenses for NIH-wide use.

CIT has already notified NIH users who have purchased Oracle database concurrent-user rights for use on their own servers. These users can choose to continue use of the rights after April 30, but without upgrades or support from either CIT or Oracle. An arrangement must be made directly with Oracle to continue maintenance for these concurrent-user rights after April 30.

Obtaining Licenses and Software

To buy new Oracle database licenses or other Oracle software, all organizations within HHS can purchase them at a discount through HHS, which has negotiated a contract with Oracle to facilitate purchases of Oracle products at a significant discount. Product pricing under the HHS contract is based on the size of the server running the software. An Oracle sales representative can assist you in making use of this contract.

If you need more information or have any questions about Oracle licensing, please contact TASC at (301) 594-6248.