Oracle Diagnostic Pack License Introduction:

Oracle Database customers often use Tuning and Diagnostics Packs to manage the performance of their applications. However, many customers are unaware that these packs are critical to their database performance and that licensing them can be a significant expense. The Diagnostics Pack, which includes the Automatic Database Diagnostic Monitor (ADDM), Automatic Workload Repository (AWR), and Active Session History (ASH), is a prerequisite for licensing the Tuning Pack. The Tuning Pack includes the SQL Access Advisor, SQL Tuning Advisor, and Real-Time SQL Monitoring. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about Oracle Diagnostic Pack licensing requirements, benefits, and how to determine if you are using the packs.

How to Determine Usage of Tuning and Diagnostics Packs

Check Control Management Pack Access Parameter In Oracle Database 11g and higher, determining whether the Tuning and Diagnostics Packs are enabled in your database is as easy as reviewing the control_management_pack_access parameter in v$parameters.

Check DBA Feature Usage Statistics View To determine whether AWR is actually in use, you would need to run a query on the dba_feature_usage_statistics view. Oracle provides both the option_usage.sql and used_options_details.sql scripts to determine which packs and features are being used.

Ask Your DBA for Help If you are unsure whether you are using the packs, ask your DBA to check for you. Then reconcile that information against your latest Oracle Support renewal.

Benefits of Tuning and Diagnostics Packs

Diagnostics Pack Benefits The Diagnostics Pack includes the Automatic Database Diagnostic Monitor (ADDM), Automatic Workload Repository (AWR), Active Session History (ASH), and data dictionary views beginning with dba_addm, dba_hist, or dba_advisor. These packs are helpful in managing the performance of your applications.

Tuning Pack Benefits The Tuning Pack includes the SQL Access Advisor, SQL Tuning Advisor, Real-Time SQL Monitoring, and data dictionary views such as sql_monitor and sql_plan_monitor.

Licensing Requirements for the Diagnostic Pack

Here are some key licensing requirements for the Oracle Diagnostic Pack that you should be aware of:

1. Only available with the Enterprise Edition: The Diagnostic Pack is only available with the Enterprise Edition of the Oracle Database. If you’re using the Standard Edition or any other edition of the database, you won’t be able to use the Diagnostic Pack.
2. Counts must match database licenses: The counts for all optional packs, including the Diagnostic Pack, must match the metrics and counts of Oracle Database licenses for each database in which the packs are being used. Make sure you have the appropriate number of licenses to cover the use of the Diagnostic Pack in all of your databases.
3. Accessing data structures may trigger a license event: Simply accessing the underlying data structures that are part of the Diagnostic Pack may trigger a license event. This means that you may need to be licensed for the pack even if you’re not actively using its tools.
4. Enterprise Manager use may require licensing: If you’re using Enterprise Manager (EM) to manage your databases, you may be using the tools in the Diagnostic Pack even if you’re not aware of it. In some versions of EM, using the AWR data collection feature may trigger a license event. Make sure to review your EM configuration and take the necessary steps to remove any links that could trigger a license event.
5. Data Dictionary Views may require licensing: Many of the data dictionary views that are used for performance analysis and tuning are part of the Diagnostic Pack. Accessing these views may trigger a license event, so make sure that you’re licensed for the pack if you’re using these views.

FAQ:

Q1: Is the Oracle Diagnostic Pack required for performance tuning in Oracle Database? A1: No, the Diagnostic Pack is not required for performance tuning, but it does provide a set of powerful tools for performance analysis and tuning that can be very helpful.

Q2: Can I use the Diagnostic Pack with the Standard Edition of the Oracle Database? A2: No, the Diagnostic Pack is only available with the Enterprise Edition of the Oracle Database.

Q3: Are there any exceptions to the licensing requirements for the Diagnostic Pack? A3: Yes, there are some exceptions to the licensing requirements. For example, some views can be accessed without licensing the pack, and the legacy “statspack” utility can be used for performance analysis.

Q4: How can I determine if I’m using the Diagnostic Pack in my databases? A4: You can review the control_management_pack_access parameter in v$parameters to see if the pack is enabled, and you can run queries on the dba_feature_usage_statistics view to see if the pack is in use.

Q5: What should I do if I don’t have licenses for the Diagnostic Pack but need to perform performance tuning? A5: You can use the legacy “statspack” utility, but it may