News

• University of the Sunshine Coast streamlines software licensing, reduces excess certificates

  By Lisa Banks | 07 June, 2011 12:38

  The University of the Sunshine Coast has moved to streamline its software licensing, reducing thousands of unwanted certifications for its software applications.

• How to pick the best licensing model

  By David Downie | 02 November, 2010 11:33

  My clients often find themselves frustrated with the default model offered in IT suppliers’ standard terms and conditions for software licensing. Taking some time to select the model that is best suited to your organisation when you negotiate the contract can pay dividends when your circumstances change and you want to adjust your usage of the software.

• How to get tough with your tech vendors

  By Robert L. Scheier | 28 September, 2010 01:45

  Planning a purchase from a major IT vendor? In this still-tough economy, negotiating pros recommend being aggressive and creative, as well as analyzing your requirements first so that you don't buy more than you need and know where you can compromise.

• Users advised to be careful with Oracle ULAs

  By Chris Kanaracus | 29 April, 2010 06:42

  Oracle's unlimited license agreements (ULAs) can make great sense for companies that want to use a lot of the vendor's software, but a number of potential pitfalls can get buried in the fine print, according to a new report from Forrester Research.

• Oracle revenue up, but charges drag down profit

  By Chris Kanaracus | 26 March, 2010 08:01

  Fueled by growth in new software licenses, Oracle revenue for its fiscal third quarter, ended Feb. 28, increased 17 percent from the same period last year, hitting US$6.4 billion, though earnings declined due in part to restructuring charges incurred by the company's purchase of Sun Microsystems.

• Multiple consumer electronics companies hit with GPL lawsuit

  By Joab Jackson | 15 December, 2009 07:06

  The Software Freedom Law Center (SFLC) has brought a copyright lawsuit against 14 consumer electronics companies for allegedly violating GNU General Public License (GPL) in the use of GPL-licensed software in their products. Among those named in the suit are Best Buy, JVC, Western Digital Technologies and Westinghouse.

• Software license audits come in multiple flavors

  By Chris Kanaracus | 21 September, 2009 06:03

  There are several types of software license audits, each with their own risks and variables, experts say.

• License audits: Preparing now can ease the pain

  By Chris Kanaracus | 21 September, 2009 06:03

  Oracle licensing consultant Eliot Arlo Colon still remembers the enormous global publishing company that was "so darn confident" it would breeze through an upcoming software license audit unscathed.