Licensing Oracle Software in the Cloud Computing Environment

What is Licensing Oracle Software in the Cloud Computing Environment

  • Policy Document: Non-contractual guide from Oracle
  • Purpose: Explains Oracle software licensing in AWS and Azure
  • Scope: AWS (EC2, RDS) and Microsoft Azure only
  • vCPU Counting: Details on how to count vCPUs for licensing
  • Exclusions: Not applicable to Google Cloud or other providers

Licensing Oracle Software in the Cloud Computing Environment

Licensing Oracle Software in the Cloud Computing Environment

Overview

This guide explains Oracle’s policy for licensing its software in cloud environments. It focuses on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. It doesn’t cover Google Cloud or other providers.

Key Points

  • Scope: AWS and Azure only.
  • Policy Type: Non-contractual.
  • vCPU Counting: Critical for pricing.

Oracle Cloud Licensing Policy

Who Needs to Know?

  • Organizations using Oracle software on AWS or Azure.
  • IT managers and procurement teams.

Key Concepts

  • vCPU Counting: Different for AWS and Azure.
  • Standard Editions: Limited by instance size.

vCPU Counting Rules

vCPU Counting Rules

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

  • Multi-threading Enabled:
    • 2 vCPUs = 1 Oracle CPU license
  • Multi-threading Disabled:
    • 1 vCPU = 1 Oracle CPU license

Microsoft Azure

  • Multi-threading Enabled:
    • 2 vCPUs = 1 Oracle CPU license
  • Multi-threading Disabled:
    • 1 vCPU = 1 Oracle CPU license

Oracle SE Licensing

Standard Editions:

  • Instances ≤ 4 vCPUs: 1 socket (1 Oracle processor license)
  • Instances > 4 vCPUs: 1 socket for every 4 vCPUs

Limits:

  • Oracle Database SE: Up to 16 vCPUs
  • Oracle SE1 and SE2: Up to 8 vCPUs

Practical Examples

Licensing Oracle Database Enterprise Edition on Azure

Scenario: Azure instance with 32 vCPUs

  • With Multi-threading: 16 Oracle CPU licenses
  • Without Multi-threading: 32 Oracle CPU licenses

Licensing Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 on Azure

Scenario: Azure instance with 8 vCPUs

  • Instance ≤ 4 vCPUs: 1 Oracle CPU license
  • Instance > 4 vCPUs: 2 Oracle CPU licenses (8 vCPUs)

Special Notes

  • Unlimited License Agreements (ULAs): Usable in AWS and Azure, but not in ULA term certification.
  • Named User Plus Metric: Requires a minimum of 10 NUP licenses per 8 vCPUs.

FAQs

Q: Which cloud environments does this policy cover?

  • A: AWS and Azure only.

Q: Does this apply to Google Cloud?

  • A: No, Google Cloud uses on-premise licensing rules.

Q: How do I license Oracle Database Enterprise Edition on a large instance?

  • A: Count vCPUs as per the policy. Multi-threading rules apply.

Conclusion

Understanding Oracle’s licensing policy for AWS and Azure is crucial. It ensures compliance and optimal cost management. Review the guidelines regularly and consult with Oracle licensing experts if needed.

Author
  • Fredrik Filipsson

    Fredrik Filipsson is an Oracle licensing expert with over 20 years of experience in Oracle license management. He spent 10 years working for Oracle corporation and then 10 years at a consultant leading engagements on Oracle license assessments, audits, ULAs. He is a public speaker and author

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