Oracle Core Factor Table
- Definition: A document used to determine the number of Oracle licenses required based on processor cores.
- Usage: Multiply the core factor by the number of physical cores.
- Application: For Oracle products licensed per core.
- Exceptions: Not used for Oracle Standard Edition products or cloud environments like AWS and Azure.
What is the Oracle Core Factor Table?
The Oracle Core Factor Table is a document provided by Oracle that outlines the core-based licenses required when calculating the number of Oracle licenses needed for products licensed per core.
This table is essential for accurately determining the licensing requirements for Oracle Database Enterprise Edition and other Oracle products.
Key Points:
- Oracle Standard Edition 2 and Other Standard Edition Products: These are licensed per occupied CPU socket and do not use the core factor table for license calculations.
- Importance: The core factor table is essential for calculating Oracle licensing costs based on the hardware and processor type used.
How to Use the Oracle Core Factor Table
To use the Oracle Core Factor Table as an Oracle licensing calculator, follow these steps:
- Identify the Processor Type: Look up the processor type you plan to use in the table.
- Determine the Licensing Factor: Find the corresponding licensing factor for the processor type.
- Calculate the Required Licenses:
- Multiply the licensing factor by the number of physical cores in all the physical processors on the server.
- The formula is Core Factor x Physical Cores = Oracle Processor Licenses.
Example Calculation:
If you want to license Oracle Database Enterprise Edition on a server with an Intel ES-16XX CPU with 8 cores, follow these steps:
- Identify Processor Type: Intel ES-16XX.
- Find Licensing Factor: Suppose the factor is 0.5.
- Calculate Licenses: 8 cores x 0.5 = 4 Oracle Processor Licenses.
Oracle Licensing Calculator
To determine the number of Oracle processor licenses needed for a server:
- Check Processor Type: Refer to the Oracle core factor table.
- Identify Licensing Factor: If the factor is 0.5, multiply the number of physical cores by this factor.
- Determine Total Licenses: Multiply the number of processor licenses needed by the cost of each license from the Oracle price list.
- Calculate Total Cost: The total Oracle license cost for the server is equal to the number of processor licenses divided by the cost per license.
Important Considerations:
- Options for Oracle Database Enterprise Edition: These also require matching quantities of processor licenses.
- Review Oracle Price List: To determine the cost of each processor license for the desired edition of Oracle.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Oracle Core Factor Table
1. What is an Oracle Processor License?
An Oracle processor license is determined by applying the core factor table to the number of cores on a server. It specifies the number of licenses required for Oracle software to comply with Oracle’s licensing policies.
2. Is the Oracle Core Factor Table Used for AWS, Azure, or OCI?
No, these cloud providers do not use the Oracle core factor table. Instead, refer to the “Licensing Oracle Software in the Cloud Computing Environments” document for guidance. AWS and Azure have specific rights for sub-capacity licensing using vCPUs, which are not covered by the core factor table.
3. Is the Oracle Core Factor Table Used for Virtual Machines?
No, Oracle has different methods for licensing in virtual environments. Hard partitioning technologies allow sub-capacity licensing, while soft partitioning technologies require full server or cluster licensing. This applies to both Oracle database products and Java subscriptions.
4. How Do I Calculate Cores in an Unlimited Agreement?
Count every physical core on which Oracle is installed and running to calculate cores in an Oracle unlimited agreement. Consulting with an Oracle licensing expert is recommended for precise calculations and compliance.
5. Does Oracle Make Changes to the Core Factor Table?
Very rarely. For instance, the Intel core factor has been 0.5 for decades, demonstrating the stability of the core factor table over time.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Complexity in Calculations
Understanding and applying the core factor table can be complex, especially for organizations with diverse and large-scale IT infrastructures. It requires a thorough understanding of Oracle’s licensing policies and the specific hardware configurations.
2. Keeping Up with Policy Changes
Although changes to the core factor table are rare, organizations must stay updated with any modifications to Oracle’s licensing policies to ensure ongoing compliance.
3. Integration with Virtualization Technologies
Organizations using virtualization technologies must be cautious as Oracle’s licensing policies differ significantly between hard and soft partitioning. Ensuring proper licensing in virtual environments requires careful planning and expertise.
Best Practices for Using the Oracle Core Factor Table
1. Regular License Reviews
Review your Oracle licenses and usage patterns regularly to ensure compliance and optimize costs.
2. Consult with Experts
Engage with Oracle licensing experts to navigate the complexities of Oracle’s licensing policies and the core factor table. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your organization’s needs.
3. Leverage Licensing Tools
Utilize Oracle’s licensing tools and resources to accurately calculate your licensing requirements. These tools can streamline the process and reduce the risk of errors.
4. Stay Informed
Keep abreast of any updates to Oracle’s licensing policies and the core factor table. Regularly review Oracle’s official documentation and consult with experts to stay compliant.
Conclusion
The Oracle Core Factor Table is essential for organizations licensing Oracle databases and technology products. By understanding and applying the core factor table, organizations can accurately calculate their licensing requirements, ensure compliance, and optimize their Oracle investments.
Regular license reviews, consulting with experts, and staying informed about policy changes are crucial steps in effectively managing Oracle licenses.
For organizations looking to navigate the complexities of Oracle licensing, seeking the guidance of Oracle licensing consultants can provide significant benefits.
These experts can help identify areas of non-compliance, optimize licensing strategies, and ensure that organizations maximize the value of their Oracle investments.
