How does Oracle licensing work on Google Cloud?
- Treated as On-Premises: Oracle considers Google Cloud deployments as on-premises.
- BYOL (Bring Your Own License): Customers must bring or purchase their own Oracle licenses.
- Processor/Core Licensing: Customers must license per core or processor based on hardware specifications.
- No Special Rights: Google Cloud lacks the special licensing rights provided to AWS and Azure.
Introduction to Oracle Licensing on Google Cloud
Understanding Oracle licensing on Google Cloud is essential for ensuring compliance and managing costs effectively. Oracle’s licensing policies are complex, especially when applied to cloud environments.
For Google Cloud, the licensing rules differ significantly from those of other public cloud providers, making it crucial for organizations to grasp these distinctions to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.
Google Cloud Oracle Licensing
Oracle treats Google Cloud deployments similarly to on-premises environments, unlike AWS and Azure, which have special licensing arrangements.
For Google Cloud, Oracle’s licensing requirements are stricter, primarily following the hardware specifications of the deployment environment.
Key Differences with AWS and Azure:
- AWS and Azure: Oracle recognizes AWS and Azure as authorized public cloud platforms, allowing more flexible licensing options.
- Google Cloud: Not recognized as an authorized public cloud provider, thus requiring traditional on-premises licensing models.
Licensing Oracle Technology Products on Google Cloud
Oracle licensing for technology products on Google Cloud is based on hardware specifications, specifically focusing on processor and core counts. Customers need to license all physical cores of the physical machines, regardless of the actual usage or virtualization technologies employed.
Processor Metric Licensing:
- Based on the number of cores.
- Requires adherence to Oracle’s core factor table for calculating the licenses needed.
Named User Plus Licensing:
- Applicable for environments with fewer users or sporadic usage.
- Each user, regardless of the level of access or frequency, must be licensed.
Conclusion
For Oracle licensing on Google Cloud, organizations must navigate the complexities of traditional on-premises licensing models and ensure compliance with Oracle’s stringent policies. Understanding these requirements and seeking expert advice can help mitigate risks and optimize costs.
Google Cloud Oracle Licensing – Public Cloud
Definition of Authorized Public Cloud Environments (Azure, AWS): Oracle recognizes Microsoft Azure and AWS as authorized public cloud environments, providing them with unique licensing calculations and flexibility. These environments allow customers to license specific vCPUs assigned to Oracle instances, simplifying the licensing process and often reducing costs.
Limitations for Google Cloud: Google Cloud does not benefit from the same authorized public cloud status. As a result, Oracle treats deployments on Google Cloud similarly to on-premises environments, requiring more stringent licensing compliance.
Application of Oracle Licensing Policies: When using Oracle on Google Cloud, customers must adhere to on-premises licensing rules. This involves licensing all physical cores in the environment, regardless of usage. Virtualization technologies accepted on Azure and AWS are not recognized by Oracle for Google Cloud, necessitating full hardware licensing.
Licensing Oracle on Google Bare Metal
Explanation of BYOL (Bring Your Own License) for Google Bare Metal: Google Bare Metal Solution allows customers to bring their existing Oracle licenses (BYOL). This approach means customers must purchase or use their own Oracle licenses and adhere to traditional licensing metrics, similar to an on-premises deployment.
Calculation Method for Licensing Based on Core Usage: Oracle’s licensing on Google Bare Metal is based on the number of cores used. The formula involves counting the physical cores and applying Oracle’s core factor table to determine the required licenses.
Example Scenario for Licensing Oracle Database on Google Bare Metal: Suppose an organization needs to deploy Oracle Database Enterprise Edition on a Google Bare Metal server with 32 cores. Using Intel Xeon processors, the core factor table might indicate that each processor counts as one core. Therefore, the organization would need 32 Oracle Enterprise Database processor licenses.
Organizations can ensure compliance and optimize their Oracle deployments on Google Cloud and Bare Metal solutions by understanding these licensing requirements and applying the correct calculations.
FAQ: Oracle Licensing on Google Cloud
How does Oracle licensing work on Google Cloud?
Oracle treats Google Cloud as on-premises, requiring licensing for all physical cores where Oracle software runs.
Is Google Cloud recognized as an authorized public cloud environment by Oracle?
No, Oracle does not recognize Google Cloud as an authorized public cloud provider.
What is the impact of Google Cloud not being an authorized public cloud provider?
Deployments on Google Cloud are subject to more stringent licensing rules, similar to those in on-premises environments.
How is Oracle licensing calculated on Google Cloud?
Licensing is based on hardware specifications, requiring licenses for each core or processor.
What is the difference between Oracle licensing on Google Cloud and on AWS/Azure?
AWS and Azure benefit from special licensing rights, allowing vCPU-based licensing, which is unavailable for Google Cloud.
Can I use virtualization technologies to limit Oracle licensing on Google Cloud?
No, Oracle does not recognize many virtualization technologies for limiting licensing on Google Cloud.
How does Oracle’s soft partitioning policy apply to Google Cloud?
The policy requires licensing all physical cores in virtualized clusters, similar to on-premises environments.
What does BYOL mean for Oracle licensing on Google Bare Metal?
BYOL stands for “Bring Your Own License,” allowing customers to use their existing Oracle licenses.
How do I calculate Oracle licensing for Google Bare Metal?
Calculate based on the number of physical cores, applying Oracle’s core factor table to determine required licenses.
Is there a “license included” option for Oracle on Google Bare Metal?
No, customers must bring or purchase their own Oracle licenses for Google Bare Metal.
What should I consider when licensing Oracle Database on Google Bare Metal?
Consider the number of cores needed and the corresponding processor licenses based on the core factor table.
What are the benefits of working with a licensing expert for Oracle on Google Cloud?
Experts provide insights into compliance, accurate licensing calculations, and strategies to optimize costs.
Are there any special considerations for using Oracle on Google Cloud?
Yes, you must follow on-premises licensing rules and consider the limitations imposed by Oracle’s policies.
How can I ensure compliance with Oracle licensing on Google Cloud?
Work with legal and licensing experts, document compliance efforts, and regularly review Oracle’s policies.
What services do licensing experts offer for Oracle on Google Cloud?
They offer licensing reports, compliance audits, cost optimization strategies, and ongoing support.
