Oracle TimesTen Application-Tier Database Cache Licensing
- Separately licensed Oracle EE option.
- Licensing is required for each server running TimesTen (cache or standalone).
- Licensing metrics (Processor or NUP) must match EE licensing.
- A minimum of 25 Named User Plus per processor applies if using NUP.
- No additional Oracle options or prerequisites are needed beyond EE on the source database (if caching).
Oracle TimesTen Application-Tier Database Cache Licensing
Oracle TimesTen Application-Tier Database Cache, commonly known as TimesTen Cache or TimesTen In-Memory Database, is a high-performance database solution designed for extreme low-latency access to critical data.
It can operate independently or as an ultra-fast cache synchronized with the Oracle Database, significantly enhancing application performance. Understanding the specifics of TimesTen licensing ensures your organization remains compliant while maximizing performance benefits.
Read more about Oracle Database Options licensing.
What is Oracle TimesTen Application-Tier Database Cache?
Oracle TimesTen is an advanced in-memory database designed for microsecond-level query response times. It serves as an application-tier cache, allowing a subset of Oracle Database tables to reside directly in the application layer, significantly improving performance and reducing backend database load.
Core Functionalities of TimesTen Cache:
- Ultra-Fast Data Access: In-memory storage delivers extremely low latency for cached queries.
- Real-Time Synchronization: Automatically syncs cached data with the Oracle Database, ensuring consistency and freshness.
- Standard SQL Support: Uses standard SQL interfaces (JDBC, ODBC) and PL/SQL, simplifying integration with existing Oracle applications.
- Flexible Deployment: It operates either standalone or as a dedicated cache layer in front of the Oracle Database.
How Oracle TimesTen Application-Tier Database Cache is Licensed
Oracle TimesTen Cache is licensed as a separately priced Oracle Database Enterprise Edition (EE) option. Despite being closely tied to Oracle EE databases, TimesTen is its distinct product with separate licensing rules, similar to RAC and In-Memory Database.
Licensing Fundamentals:
- TimesTen is licensed separately from Oracle EE and is not included free with any EE licenses.
- Licensing applies whenever TimesTen is deployed, either standalone or as a cache for Oracle Database.
- Licensing metrics must match your Oracle EE licensing by Processor or Named User Plus (NUP).
When is TimesTen Licensing Required?
Oracle requires TimesTen licensing explicitly wherever TimesTen software is installed, whether deployed as a cache or as a standalone in-memory database.
Any use of TimesTen features activates licensing requirements.
Licensing Required If:
- TimesTen is installed and configured on application-tier servers.
- TimesTen is caching Oracle Database tables.
- TimesTen is used as a standalone application database.
Licensing Metrics: Processor and Named User Plus
Oracle TimesTen licensing follows standard Oracle EE licensing metrics, requiring licenses based on the processor cores or named users accessing the TimesTen system.
Processor Licensing:
- Processor licensing is based on total cores in servers running TimesTen.
- All processor cores on each TimesTen server must be fully licensed.
Example:
- Four application-tier servers, each with eight processor cores running TimesTen.
- Licensing requirement: 4 servers × 8 cores each = 32 processor cores licensed for TimesTen.
Named User Plus (NUP) Licensing:
- Named User Plus licensing is based on the number of users accessing TimesTen.
- Oracle’s standard minimum requirement is 25 Named User Plus licenses per processor core.
Example:
- Server with four cores running TimesTen.
- Minimum Named User Plus licenses: 4 processors × 25 users each = 100 NUP licenses.
Read about Oracle Database In-Memory Licensing.
Deployment Scenarios for Oracle TimesTen Licensing
Understanding practical scenarios helps clarify licensing implications. Consider a typical usage scenario demonstrating TimesTen’s value clearly:
Scenario: Online Travel Reservation System
An online travel reservation system requires extremely fast response times for queries, especially during peak periods. Critical data (flight availability, pricing) resides in an Oracle Database, but slow response times during heavy traffic degrade user experience.
Implementation of TimesTen Cache:
- Deploy TimesTen Cache on four application-tier servers.
- Cache critical Oracle Database tables, such as flight inventory and pricing.
- Automatic data synchronization ensures that TimesTen stays current with Oracle Database data.
Licensing Impact:
- Each application server has eight processor cores running TimesTen.
- Total processor licensing: 4 servers × 8 cores = 32 TimesTen processor licenses.
Achieved Benefits:
- Query response times drastically reduced from milliseconds to microseconds.
- Substantially increased application scalability and user satisfaction.
- Reduced load on Oracle Database, extending its scalability and lifespan.
- Fully compliant licensing was demonstrated during Oracle audits.
Clarifying TimesTen Standalone vs. Cache Licensing
Oracle TimesTen licensing remains identical whether deployed as a cache or a standalone database:
As Oracle Cache:
- Licenses are required for each application-tier server caching Oracle tables.
- The processor/NUP licensing matches Oracle EE licenses on corresponding servers.
Standalone TimesTen:
- Identical licensing rules apply: Processor/NUP licenses are required for each server running TimesTen.
- Licensing remains independent of the Oracle EE database, though it is typically aligned for convenience.
Common Misconceptions and Licensing Mistakes
Understanding TimesTen licensing avoids compliance risks and unnecessary costs:
- Mistaken Inclusion in EE: TimesTen is always separately licensed; no free usage is included with EE.
- Partial Licensing Errors: Licensing fewer processors than deployed violates Oracle terms—each processor core on TimesTen servers must be licensed.
- Overlooking Licensing Requirements: Installing TimesTen software, even if unused, typically triggers licensing. Always license explicitly when TimesTen is deployed.
Oracle Licensing Audits and Compliance with TimesTen
Oracle conducts rigorous licensing audits, often targeting separately licensed options like TimesTen due to their specialized deployment scenarios and licensing complexity.
Recommendations for Audit Readiness:
- Document each TimesTen installation (standalone or cache mode).
- Regularly audit internally, verifying TimesTen licensing matches processor/NUP counts.
- Engage Oracle licensing specialists proactively to confirm compliance.
Cost Optimization Strategies for TimesTen Licensing
Oracle TimesTen licensing can be significant but optimized through strategic management:
- Selective TimesTen Deployment: Deploy TimesTen only on servers/applications benefiting from low-latency access, minimizing licensing footprint.
- Hardware Optimization: Consolidate on fewer servers with higher core densities, reducing the required licenses.
- Evaluate Alternative Metrics: Consider NUP licensing if user populations align with Oracle minimum requirements, potentially reducing costs.
Read about Oracle Advanced Security Licensing.
Comparing TimesTen Licensing to Alternative Oracle Features
Evaluating alternatives helps justify TimesTen’s specific value:
TimesTen vs. Oracle Database In-Memory Option:
- TimesTen: Ultra-low latency in-memory cache at application tier, separate product licensing.
- Database In-Memory Option: Accelerates analytics directly inside Oracle DB; licensed separately.
Choosing between these depends on specific performance needs (application-tier caching vs. database-tier analytics) and infrastructure preferences.
TimesTen Licensing Key Summary Points:
- Separately licensed Oracle EE option, not included by default.
- Licensing is required explicitly where TimesTen is deployed (cache or standalone).
- Licensing metrics (Processor or NUP) match Oracle EE licensing exactly.
- No additional prerequisites or dependent Oracle options are required.
- Used primarily for in-memory application-tier caching to drastically reduce response times.
Conclusion
Oracle TimesTen Application-Tier Database Cache provides unparalleled low-latency data access, substantially enhancing application performance and scalability. However, clearly understanding and managing its licensing requirements ensures your organization remains compliant and cost-effective.
By carefully documenting TimesTen deployments, matching licensing metrics precisely with Oracle EE, and proactively auditing internally, organizations can confidently leverage TimesTen’s powerful performance benefits without compliance risks.
