Oracle licensing is a complex subject. A complete policy guide for the database alone runs over 130 pages, and contains a lot of details which are easily misconstrued by even the most experienced users.
The Cintra team often come across new customers who have unknowingly created a license compliance issue, either due to being unaware that certain functionality comes at an additional cost, or even completely oblivious to the fact that an extra-cost option is enabled and used in their systems.
Many of the functions are easily accessible or even enabled by default, and unless a user performs a deliberate opt-out, they might be putting themselves and their organisation in a financially-dangerous position.
License options that carry additional costs can be found in a number of database functional areas, but here a few most commonly seen:
Compression
Oracle “Advanced Compression” is a licensable option of Oracle Database. It is commonly used when running backups using RMAN or DataPump. In fact compression performed by these tools requires purchasing an extra licensable option, although the functionality is available out of the box. Other areas where Advanced Compression comes into play are with SecureFiles compression. Finally, even compressing redo traffic with Data Guard requires an additional license. This list is not exhaustive and in fact, almost every compression operation conceivable in Oracle is subject to additional licensing costs.
Encryption
“Advanced Security” is another licensable option. It is popular with clients who require an extra level of data protection, such as financial institutions, medical and insurance companies. Unfortunately, not all of them are aware that this functionality comes at an extra cost! This option includes functionality like Transparent Data Encryption (tablespace and column encryption), but also DataPump and RMAN backup encryption.
OEM packs
Another area where we see people frequently unwittingly using options for which they are not licensed are the OEM management packs. Many of these are enabled by default, but are by no means free! Among these packs are Diagnostics and Tuning Packs, Database Lifecycle Management Pack, Cloud Management Pack, and others. Oracle documentation explains how to check the licensing of these packs and enable or disable them, however it should be noted that this is not always as simple as unchecking a box in OEM, and may require command-line changes to the target databases.
Database 12c new features
Oracle Database 12c comes with a number of powerful new features. Unfortunately, many of them are only available as extra cost options! Many features also seem to be enabled by default on a new 12c database installation, adding to the risk that users may unwillingly violate their licensing agreement.
The most prominent new feature of 12c database is certainly multi-tenancy. Promising a number of consolidation and manageability improvements, this feature should be considered by anyone who is concerned with maintaining a large number of databases on the same server, for development purposes or otherwise. However, many users do not realize that multi-tenancy is an additional licensable option
The other paid extra of 12c, which is in fact enabled by default on all new databases, is the In-Memory Database. This feature can potentially improve the performance of database analytical queries significantly, but it also comes at extra cost, so companies should be vigilant in disabling it if they do not plan to purchase and leverage it.
Software typically installed and not used
Many users don’t realize, that creating a database with the default set of options installs a number of extra-licensable pieces of software. Although these options might not be used, it’s a good practice to keep them out of the database to prevent accidental violation of licensing agreements by the database users and developers. Examples of these options are OLAP, Partitioning and Spatial.
Cintra can help your company maintain compliance with Oracle licensing contracts, removing the risk of costly audits and maximizing the benefits from your software investment. Based on our expert knowledge of Oracle licensing Cintra have created a comprehensive process modelled on Oracles audit practices, and have developed an Oracle measurement tool that can be used to review the Oracle software options used on your database and middleware estate. By regularly comparing usage against owned licenses and highlighting areas of concern early, customers can easily take control of their Oracle license portfolio.
Written by Mikhail Timonin, Senior Oracle DBA, Cintra UK – October 2015