Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Database Licensing and Costs
Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Database is a specialized relational database designed to deliver ultra-fast performance for online transaction processing (OLTP).
By keeping data entirely in memory, TimesTen achieves microsecond-level response times and significantly higher throughput than traditional disk-based databases.
In this article, you’ll gain a clear understanding of:
- Oracle TimesTen Database overview
- Licensing models, metrics, and associated costs
- Key features and performance capabilities
- Practical examples and ideal use cases
- Licensing compliance and cost management recommendations
Read more about the Oracle price list.
Overview of Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Database
Oracle TimesTen is a fully persistent and highly available relational database management system (RDBMS) optimized for extremely low-latency transactions.
It supports standalone operations and an integrated caching layer for Oracle Database, helping organizations accelerate performance for high-volume, read-intensive workloads.
Core capabilities include:
- In-Memory Data Management: All data resides entirely in memory, delivering microsecond response times.
- Persistent Storage: Ensures data durability by continuously persisting in-memory data to disk.
- High Availability: Built-in replication for redundancy, fault tolerance, and minimal downtime.
- Integration with Oracle Database: Functions seamlessly as a caching tier to speed up Oracle Database workloads.
Common use cases:
- Financial services trading systems
- Telecommunications billing systems
- Real-time reservation systems (travel, hospitality)
- IoT and real-time analytics environments
Oracle TimesTen Licensing Models and Costs
Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Database can be licensed in two main ways:
- Processor-Based Licensing: $47,500 per processor
- Named User Plus (NUP) Licensing: $950 per Named User Plus
Below are detailed explanations of each licensing approach, along with practical examples.
Processor-Based Licensing
Processor-based licensing is based on the number of physical processor cores within the server hosting TimesTen. Oracle applies its standard core factor calculation, depending on the processor type.
- Cost: $47,500 per processor
- The Oracle Core Factor Table adjusts processor counts based on CPU type and architecture (Intel, AMD, IBM Power, etc.).
Processor Licensing Example:
- Your organization deploys TimesTen on a server with two Intel Xeon processors (8 cores each, totaling 16 cores).
- Intel Xeon processors typically have a core factor of 0.5.
- Licensing calculation:
- 16 cores × 0.5 (core factor) = 8 processor licenses
- Total Cost = 8 processor licenses × $47,500 each = $380,000
- Optional but recommended annual support (~22%): ~$83,600/year.
Named User Plus (NUP) Licensing
Named User Plus licensing calculates costs based on the number of named users or devices authorized to access Oracle TimesTen.
- Cost: $950 per Named User Plus
- Oracle imposes a minimum of 25 Named User Plus licenses per processor, adjusted with core factors.
Named User Plus Licensing Example:
- Suppose TimesTen runs on a single processor (8 Intel cores):
- Processor count: 8 cores × 0.5 (core factor) = 4 processors
- Minimum NUP licenses required: 4 processors × 25 NUP each = 100 Named User Plus licenses
- Total Cost = 100 NUP licenses × $950 each = $95,000
- Ideal for scenarios with clearly defined, limited user populations.
Read Oracle NoSQL Database Enterprise Edition Licensing and Costs.
Key Features and Performance Capabilities
Oracle TimesTen provides advanced features specifically optimized for real-time, mission-critical applications.
In-Memory Architecture for Ultra-Fast Transactions
- Achieves microsecond-level latency for transactions.
- Suitable for systems requiring rapid transaction processing, such as financial trading, telecom billing, or high-speed reservations.
Data Persistence and Durability
- Data continuously persists in the disk, ensuring durability and recoverability.
- Protects against data loss during hardware or software failures.
High Availability and Fault Tolerance
- Supports replication and high-availability clustering.
- Offers near-instantaneous failover, minimizing downtime.
Caching Integration with Oracle Database
- Seamlessly integrates as a caching tier for Oracle Database.
- Accelerates read-intensive workloads and significantly reduces latency and database load.
Robust SQL and Transactional Support
- Provides complete SQL support, enabling existing SQL-based applications to leverage TimesTen’s performance without significant redesign.
- Supports ACID transactions, maintaining data consistency and integrity at extremely high speeds.
Real-World Performance Example:
- A global investment bank leverages TimesTen to handle real-time stock transactions and trading algorithms.
- TimesTen achieves sub-millisecond responses even under extremely high transaction volumes, ensuring competitive trading performance.
Ideal Use Cases for Oracle TimesTen Database
Oracle TimesTen excels in situations where ultra-low latency and extreme transaction performance are essential:
1. Financial Services and Trading
- Supports real-time trading applications, high-frequency transactions, and risk management.
- Provides rapid processing needed for trading platforms and algorithmic trading.
2. Telecommunications Billing and Rating
- Quickly processes high volumes of call detail records (CDRs) and billing information.
- Enables real-time usage rating and billing cycles.
3. Real-Time Reservation and Booking Systems
- Powers real-time availability checks and reservations for airlines, hotels, or event ticketing.
- Minimizes wait times and enhances customer experience.
4. IoT and Real-Time Data Analytics
- Supports instantaneous analysis and decision-making from IoT device streams.
- Allows businesses to immediately respond to sensor-generated events.
Practical Example:
- A large telecommunications provider implements Oracle TimesTen for real-time customer usage billing.
- TimesTen instantly handles millions of customer records, enabling accurate, real-time billing and immediate customer account updates.
Licensing Compliance and Cost Management Best Practices
To effectively manage Oracle TimesTen licensing costs and maintain compliance, consider these best practices:
1. Accurately Apply the Oracle Core Factor Table
- Correctly calculating processor licensing costs is critical.
- Verify processor type against Oracle’s Core Factor Table to avoid under- or over-licensing.
2. Select the Right Licensing Model
- Processor licensing often makes sense for large-scale or public-facing deployments with high or unpredictable user counts.
- Named User Plus licenses are typically cost-effective for smaller, well-defined user populations.
3. Monitor Your Infrastructure Regularly
- Keep detailed records of server configurations, core counts, and hardware changes.
- Regularly validate that license counts match actual deployment to prevent costly compliance errors.
4. Centralize and Optimize Deployments
- Consolidate Oracle TimesTen onto fewer servers to simplify licensing management and minimize overall costs.
- Avoid fragmented, distributed deployments across multiple servers where possible.
5. Include Annual Support in Budgeting
- Oracle’s annual support (approx.. 22% of license cost) provides essential product updates, security patches, and expert assistance.
- Factor this cost into your annual operating budgets for predictable financial planning.
Common Licensing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are frequent licensing errors and recommendations to mitigate risks:
- Incorrect Processor Core Calculations:
- Always double-check core counts and core factors to ensure correct processor license calculations.
- Underestimating Named User Counts:
- If choosing NUP licensing, accurately forecast future user growth to avoid exceeding licensed user limits.
- Unauthorized Expansion of Environments:
- Adding TimesTen deployments without adjusting licenses can lead to severe audit penalties. Always license new servers upfront.
- Failing to Track Infrastructure Changes:
- Regularly audit hardware and server configuration changes. Document thoroughly and maintain compliance records proactively.
Example Licensing Mistake:
- A company initially licenses Oracle TimesTen for a single, 8-core server (4 processor licenses due to core factor).
- Later, IT migrates to a more powerful 16-core server without updating licensing.
- Oracle discovers the discrepancy in an audit, leading to retroactive licensing charges, support fees, and penalties. Proactively tracking infrastructure changes prevents this costly mistake.
Read Licensing Oracle Audit Vault and Database Firewall & Oracle Key Vault.
Summary of Oracle TimesTen Licensing Essentials
Key Licensing Insights:
- Processor Licensing: $47,500 per processor (core factor applies)
- Named User Plus Licensing: $950 per NUP (25 minimum per processor)
- Key Capabilities: Ultra-low latency, data persistence, high availability, integration with Oracle Database
- Ideal Applications: Real-time financial trading, telecom billing, reservations, IoT analytics
- Annual Support Cost: Approximately 22% of initial license fees, recommended for ongoing stability and compliance
Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Database provides unmatched performance for transaction-intensive applications. Clearly understanding the licensing options, accurately calculating license requirements, and implementing solid compliance and monitoring practices help maximize the value of your TimesTen investment.
