Oracle is to allow users to extend software maintenance
contracts to enable them to run supported software for more than
five years.
At this month's International Oracle User Group Live 2005
database user event, Oracle said each release of its database and
Oracle Application Server would be supported for five years.
The offer only applies to users running version 9.2 of the
relational database and version 10.1.2 of the application server.
Users can purchase additional maintenance for an indefinite period,
but are required to apply for this two years prior to the date when
support ends.
Ronan Miles, chairman of the UK Oracle User Group, said a real
benefit to users was Oracle's decision to provide paid-for support
extension to allow users to run supported software beyond five
years.
"This allows customers to plan the maintenance of their IT
estate in a cash-predictive manner that aligns with their business
priorities," he said. "Basically, this is good news. Oracle is
increasing the amount of time products are supported for, which
gives customers more opportunities to plan upgrades into their
schedules."
According to Miles, the extension of support means users will
be able to manage their cost base better and arrange upgrades and
migrations in a manner that fits in with business needs.