The Future of PLM

Why Oracle Agile Customers Move to Arena

The Challenges and Risks of Remaining on Oracle Agile PLM

While Arena delivers several advantages, the drawbacks of on-premises solutions like Oracle Agile are increasingly evident:

Infrastructure Complexity

On-premises platforms demand significant IT investment: servers, firewalls, VPNs, and ongoing maintenance. Managing these systems requires dedicated resources for hardware upkeep, software updates, and network security. For organizations with a lean IT team, they typically employ a full-time PLM expert, which becomes a costly and resource-intensive commitment.

Security Risks

Without robust IT support, companies struggle to implement adequate security protocols. This exposes sensitive intellectual property (IP) to potential breaches. For businesses regulated by export controls and cybersecurity frameworks such as ITAR, EAR, and CMMC, these vulnerabilities pose serious compliance risks.

Rev-Locking and Upgrade Costs

Custom coding and version dependencies often lock organizations into outdated software versions, limiting access to new features and enhancements. Even though these companies continue to pay up to 25% in annual support fees, they operate on stagnant systems that no longer align with their business needs.

Moreover, when on-premises licenses are acquired through partners or third-party resellers, the complexity and cost of upgrades increase substantially.

Remote Access Challenges

In today’s hybrid work environment, remote accessibility is critical. On-premises systems frequently rely on VPNs and firewalls, which can hinder connectivity and slow down workflows. Employees working from home or across global offices face delays and disruptions that impact productivity.

Compliance and Operational Risks

Limited system agility makes it difficult to adapt to evolving regulatory requirements. Companies in highly regulated industries such as aerospace, medical devices, and defense, face increased exposure to compliance violations and operational inefficiencies.

The Arena Advantage