Assess Oracle's Role in the Enterprise Database Strategy

Over 90% of Oracle users own at least one other database platform. Database “sprawl” can be expensive and increase management difficulty; cross-platform database management is the biggest database challenge that our clients face.
Oracle Database costs more than other platforms. Many organizations have their hands tied when it comes to choice in databases, but they still miss opportunities for cutting down to less expensive versions of Oracle.
Many businesses have no strategy in place for dealing with the top database-related challenges that they are sure to face.

Our Advice

Critical Insight

Calculation of TCO is critical when making changes to the database collection. There are specific numbers of users and processors at which the right Oracle choice becomes the wrong one.
TCO calculations can reveal surprises. Running Oracle on initially expensive (but powerful) Sun hardware can actually cost less over six years than running the same software on initially inexpensive (and less powerful) Windows systems.

Impact and Result

Lower costs and complexity. Oracle is expensive, and brings challenges with it, especially as only one part of a heterogeneous database collection. Use our advice and decision tool to determine if Oracle is necessary at all. If it is, learn about its complex licensing options and try to scale it back to a version that is just good enough to meet business needs.
Prepare for the top database challenges by making use of Oracle's advanced features, and taking advantage of the experiences of the organizations who have successfully managed their databases.
Develop a strategy that will not only make the most of Oracle now, but prepare for the future as well.

Assess Oracle's Role in the Enterprise Database Strategy Research & Tools

1. Learn about Oracle's features and costs, and develop a DB strategy

Reduce TCO, management complexity, and unexpected DB complications.

2. Inventory applications, hardware, and contacts

Identify opportunities for consolidation and simplification of DBs, operating systems, or both.

3. Decide if Oracle Database is necessary

Lower costs by eliminating the most expensive DB platform whenever possible.

4. Calculate the six-year cost of owning Oracle

Know which choices to make about DB modifications. Choose the platform, operating system, and hardware that costs the least while still meeting business needs.