- Based on Cores: Licenses are determined by the number of processor cores.
- Core Factor: Multiply total cores by Oracle’s core factor.
- No User Tracking: Eliminates the need to count individual users.
Understanding Oracle Processor Licensing
Oracle Processor Licensing is crucial for ensuring compliance and optimizing costs in environments where tracking individual users is challenging.
This license model applies to scenarios with high user volume or where user counts fluctuate frequently.
When It’s Used:
- Ideal for web-based applications with many users.
- Suitable for environments where user identification and counting are difficult.
Key Points:
- Licensing is based on the number of processor cores.
- Ensures all processors are accounted for, regardless of user activity.
Calculating Oracle Processor Licenses
Accurate license calculation is essential to maintain compliance and control costs. The calculation involves multiplying the total number of processor cores by the core processor licensing factors outlined in the Oracle Processor Table.
License Determination:
- Multiply the number of cores by the core factor from the Oracle Processor Table.
- Refer to your specific Oracle contract for detailed terms.
Example:
| Cores | Core Factor | Required Licenses |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0.5 | 4 |
Contractual Reference:
- Always consult your Oracle contract for precise definitions and requirements.
Standard Edition Licensing
For Oracle Standard Edition and Standard Edition 2, licensing is based on sockets rather than cores. In multi-chip modules, each chip is considered as one socket.
Licensing Model:
- Based on the number of sockets.
- Multi-chip modules: each chip counts as one socket.
Example:
| Sockets | Required Licenses |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2 |
Unique Conditions:
- Oracle Database Standard Edition equates a processor to an occupied slot.
Licensing All Processors
Every server where Oracle software is installed or running must be fully licensed, including all cluster members and remote mirroring or standby machines.
Comprehensive Licensing Requirement:
- License all processors in any server running Oracle software.
- Applies to production, test, development, and disaster recovery environments.
Example Scenario:
| Environment | Processors | Required Licenses |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 4 | 4 |
| Test | 2 | 2 |
| Development | 2 | 2 |
| Disaster Recovery | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 10 | 10 |
Multi-core Consideration
For multi-core chips, each core must be accounted for in the licensing. Fractional numbers are rounded up before multiplying by the core-licensing factor.
Calculation Method:
- Total cores * Core factor = Processor license count.
Example:
| Cores | Core Factor | Rounded Up | Required Licenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0.5 | 3 | 3 |
Product-Specific Nuances
Each Oracle product may have specific licensing nuances. For instance, licensing Oracle Database Standard Edition equates a processor to an occupied slot, and in multi-chip modules, each chip counts as a single socket.
Example:
| Product | Licensing Nuance |
|---|---|
| Oracle Database Standard Edition | Processor = Occupied slot |
| Multi-chip Modules | Each chip counts as one socket |
Key Considerations:
- Understand unique licensing terms for each Oracle product.
- Ensure compliance by reviewing specific product requirements.
Virtualization Software & Partitioning
Oracle differentiates between hard and soft partitioning. If partitioning methods, including virtualization, are part of hard partitioning, only partitions created with Oracle software must be licensed.
Soft partitioned all servers must be fully licensed, including third-party software like VMWare.
Partitioning Types:
- Hard Partitioning: Only partitions created with Oracle software need licensing.
- Soft Partitioning: The entire server or all servers in the cluster must be licensed.
Example:
| Partitioning Type | Licensing Requirement |
|---|---|
| Hard | Only Oracle partitions |
| Soft | Entire server |
When to Consider Oracle Processor Licensing
Oracle Processor Licensing is beneficial in scenarios with large user bases or fluctuating user numbers. This model can be more cost-effective and flexible compared to user-based licensing.
Scenarios:
- Large User Base: Ideal for systems accessed by thousands of users.
- Fluctuating User Base: Suitable for environments with variable user numbers, such as retail websites during sales.
Example Benefits:
- Avoids the complexity of tracking individual users.
- Simplifies licensing in high-traffic environments.
Typical Use Case: Web-Based Applications
Oracle Processor Licensing is commonly used for web-based applications. This model allows businesses to run applications on Oracle Database without counting individual users or devices.
Benefits:
- Eliminates the need to count users.
- Focuses on the number of processors, simplifying management.
Example:
| Application Type | Licensing Model |
|---|---|
| Web-based Application | Processor Licensing |
Simplifying Licensing in Virtualized Environments
Processor Licensing simplifies licensing in virtualized environments. Instead of tracking users for each virtual machine, you can license based on the processors allocated to run the Oracle Software
Advantages:
- Reduces complexity in virtualized setups.
- Ensures processor licenses cover all virtual machines.
Example:
| Virtual Environment | Licensing Model |
|---|---|
| Virtual Machines | Processor Licensing |
The Advantage of Processor Licensing
One of the main advantages of Oracle Processor Licensing is that it eliminates the need to count or track users. This can save significant time and effort, especially in large organizations with many users.
Key Advantages:
- Time-Saving: Avoids the complexity of user tracking.
- Manageability: Focuses on processor count, which is stable and easier to manage.
