Oracle RAC Licensing
- Add-On License: For Oracle Database Enterprise Edition (DB EE).
- Licensing Options: Processor or Named User Plus (NUP).
- Processor Cost: $23,000 per processor.
- NUP Cost: $460 per user.
- Example Costs:
- 16 processors = 16 x $23,000 = $368,000.
- 500 users = 500 x $460 = $230,000.
- Cluster Requirement: All nodes must be licensed.
Oracle RAC Licensing
Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) is a high-availability add-on for Oracle Database Enterprise Edition (DB EE). Oracle RAC licensing must align with the core licensing model of the Oracle Database EE. Businesses must carefully assess metrics, nodes, and user counts to remain compliant and accurately estimate costs.
Licensing Metrics for Oracle RAC
Oracle RAC is licensed using two main metrics: Processor Licensing and Named User Plus (NUP) Licensing. Both approaches ensure Oracle RAC aligns with the broader Oracle Database EE licensing requirements.
Processor Licensing
Definition:
Processor Licensing is based on the total number of processors used across all nodes in the cluster.
Key Points:
- Licenses are calculated using the Oracle Core Factor Table, which accounts for the type of hardware and its core multiplier.
- All processors on each node in the Oracle RAC cluster must be licensed.
Example Calculation:
Scenario: A cluster with eight nodes, each equipped with two processors.
- Total Processors = 8 nodes × 2 processors = 16 processors
- Cost per Processor = $23,000
- Total Cost = 16 processors × $23,000 = $368,000
This method works best for organizations running large-scale clusters with multiple processors and fewer user restrictions.
Named User Plus (NUP) Licensing
Definition:
NUP Licensing assigns licenses to individual named users accessing the Oracle RAC-enabled database.
Key Points:
- NUP licenses must equal or exceed the number of unique Oracle Database users.
- NUP licensing works well for environments with limited user access but requires careful tracking to avoid compliance issues.
Example Calculation:
Scenario: A clustered Oracle Database is accessed by 500 users.
- Cost per NUP License = $460
- Total Cost = 500 users × $460 = $230,000
All Nodes Must Be Licensed
Oracle mandates that all nodes in a cluster must be licensed for Oracle RAC. This requirement applies to both licensing models (Processor or NUP). Even if a node acts as a failover or standby, it must hold a valid Oracle RAC license.
Comparison: Processor vs. Named User Plus
| Criteria | Processor Licensing | Named User Plus Licensing |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Based on the total number of processors. | Based on the number of unique users. |
| Ideal For | Large-scale deployments with many processors. | Smaller environments with limited users. |
| Calculation | Total Processors × Core Factor × Price. | Total Users × Cost per NUP License. |
| Cost Example | $23,000 per processor. | $460 per user. |
| Compliance Note | All nodes in the cluster must be licensed. | All users accessing the database require licenses. |
Why Oracle RAC Licensing Matters
Oracle RAC offers unmatched availability and performance for mission-critical systems. However, its licensing requirements are strict, and the costs can escalate quickly. Businesses must:
- Accurately Count Processors or Users: Miscalculations can lead to significant compliance risks.
- Refer to the Core Factor Table: Properly account for hardware core multipliers when calculating processor licenses.
- Audit All Nodes: Ensure failover or standby nodes are fully licensed.
FAQ on Oracle RAC Licensing and Costs
What is Oracle RAC?
Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) allow multiple computers to run Oracle RDBMS software simultaneously, providing high availability and scalability.
Is Oracle RAC an add-on license?
Oracle RAC is an add-on license for Oracle Database Enterprise Edition (DB EE).
How is Oracle RAC licensed?
Oracle RAC can be licensed by Processor or Named User Plus (NUP).
What is Processor Licensing?
Processor Licensing is based on the total number of processors used. The number of licenses required is determined using the Oracle Core Factor Table.
What is Named User Plus (NUP) Licensing?
NUP Licensing is based on the number of users accessing the Oracle Database. Each user requires a license.
How do I calculate the number of processor licenses needed?
Count the total processors across all nodes in the cluster. Multiply the number of processors by $23,000.
Example: How do I calculate costs for 16 processors?
16 processors x $23,000 per processor = $368,000.
How do I calculate the number of NUP licenses needed?
Count the total users accessing the Oracle Database. Multiply the number of users by $460.
Example: How do I calculate costs for 500 users?
500 users x $460 per NUP = $230,000.
Do all nodes in a cluster need Oracle RAC licenses?
Yes, all nodes in the cluster must have Oracle RAC licenses.
Is the licensing model for Oracle RAC required to match the primary Oracle Database license?
Yes, the licensing model for Oracle RAC must match the primary Oracle Database Enterprise Edition license.
Are there additional costs for Oracle RAC?
Consider potential additional costs for support and maintenance. Consult Oracle for detailed pricing.
Can Oracle RAC be used in cloud environments?
Yes, but always confirm specific cloud licensing terms with Oracle.
Can I switch from a NUP license to a Processor license?
Yes, but ensure the new licensing model aligns with your Oracle Database Enterprise Edition license.
How does Oracle RAC support high availability?
Allowing multiple nodes to run Oracle RDBMS simultaneously ensures system availability in case of node failure.
