oracle database licensing / Oracle licensing

Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 Licensing Guide

Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 (SE2) licensing is characterized by the following key points:

  • Licensing Options: SE2 can be licensed per socket on the server or based on the number of named users accessing the database. There’s also a cloud option for per-hour or per-usage licensing.
  • Features and Limitations: Supports up to 16 CPU threads; from Oracle Database 19c onwards, SE2 RAC is not allowed or supported.
  • Costs: Pricing varies, with a Named User Plus License around $350, and a Processor License approximately $17,500.
  • Server Capacity: SE2 can be licensed on servers with a maximum of two sockets.

Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 Licensing Guide

What is Oracle DB SE2, and how does Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 licensing work?

Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 (SE2) is a popular database management system many organizations use to manage their data. However, licensing SE2 can be complicated and confusing.

Oracle Database Standard Edition 2: A Licensing Overview

Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 is a cost-effective version of Oracle’s enterprise-grade database management system.

SE2 is designed for small and medium-sized businesses requiring a robust database system without the advanced features in Oracle Database Enterprise Edition.

SE2 provides many features, including real-time data compression, automatic storage management, and online index reorganization. It also supports up to 16 CPU threads

Oracle Database Standard Edition Versions and Licensing

Oracle Database Standard Edition  Licensing
  • Oracle Database Standard Edition (SE) and Standard Edition One (SE1) were replaced by Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 (SE2) with the release of version 12.1.0.2.
  • SE2 includes RAC but is restricted to 2 sockets across the cluster, which means each server must be a single socket.
  • It’s important to note that one socket occupied in a two-socket server for RAC is not recognized.
  • With Oracle Database 19c, Standard Edition 2 (SE2), RAC will no longer be allowed or supported.

What Are the Rules and Requirements of Oracle Database Standard Licensing?

Licensing SE2 can be complex and confusing, especially for organizations new to Oracle products.

The following are some of the fundamental rules and requirements to consider when licensing SE2:

  • SE2 can only be licensed on servers with a maximum capacity of two sockets. You must purchase Enterprise Edition licenses if your server has more than two sockets.
  • SE2 can only be licensed for use on servers with a maximum capacity of 16 CPU threads. This is a technical limitation and not a licensing limitation.
  • SE2 user minimums are ten named users plus per server (not processor and or core, but per server).

How much does the Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 License Cost?

oracle database se2 license cost

Oracle Price List:

ProductNamed User Plus LicenseSoftware Update License & Support (Named User Plus)Processor LicenseSoftware Update License & Support (Processor)
Oracle Database Standard Edition 2$350$77.00$17,500$3,850.00

What Licensing Options are there for SE2?

licensing options se2

There are several licensing options available for SE2, including:

  • Per Socket.
    This option licenses SE2 per socket on the server. You will need to purchase a license for each socket on your server.
  • Named User Plus.
    This option licenses SE2 based on the number of named users that access the database. You must purchase a license for each named user that accesses the database.
  • Cloud.
    This option allows you to license SE2 on a per-hour or per-usage basis in the cloud. This is a good option for organizations that want to use SE2 without making a long-term commitment.

Best Practices for Licensing SE2


To ensure that you are licensing SE2 correctly and minimizing the risk of non-compliance, consider the following best practices:

  • Work with an Oracle licensing expert to understand your licensing requirements and options.
  • Keep accurate records of your licensing agreements and usage.
  • Regularly review your licensing agreements and usage to ensure compliance.
  • Purchase additional licenses as needed to cover any server capacity or usage changes.

FAQs – Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 Licensing

Can SE2 be used in a virtualized environment?

Yes, SE2 can be used in a virtual environment. However, you must ensure that you are properly licensing all correctly following Oracle licensing policies.

Can I downgrade from Oracle Database Enterprise Edition to SE2?

No, you can not downgrade.

How do I calculate the number of licenses required for my server?

To calculate the number of licenses required for your server, consider the number of occupied processor sockets. You can work with an Oracle licensing expert to calculate your needed licenses.

Can I use Enterprise Edition features on SE2?

No, you cannot use Oracle Database Enterprise Edition features from a licensing perspective. From a technical perspective, you can, but if Oracle finds out, you must purchase an enterprise edition and license per core.

Do I have the right to upgrade to later versions of Oracle Database?

Yes, if you purchased a perpetual license and have remained on active support, you can upgrade to any Oracle database version.

Can Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 only licensed on servers with a maximum capacity of 2 sockets?

Yes, Oracle Database Standard Edition 2 is designed to be licensed on servers with a maximum capacity of 2 sockets. This restriction is in place to make Standard Edition 2 a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized businesses.

What are the limitations of Oracle Database 12c Standard Edition 2?

Oracle Database 12c Standard Edition 2 has some limitations compared to the Enterprise Edition. These include a maximum of 2 sockets, no access to advanced compression and partitioning features, and limitations on some high availability and security features.

What is the difference between Oracle Standard Edition and Enterprise Edition?

Oracle Standard Edition is a lower-cost option that offers a subset of the features found in the Enterprise Edition. It’s designed for small to medium-sized businesses and has limitations on the maximum processing power. The Enterprise Edition, on the other hand, is a full-featured database product with no restrictions on processing power and additional features like advanced compression, partitioning, and Real Application Testing.

Is Oracle 12c Standard Edition free?

No, Oracle 12c Standard Edition is not free. It’s a commercial product, and licenses must be purchased.

What are the limitations of RAC in Oracle Standard Edition 2?

In Oracle Standard Edition 2, Real Application Clusters (RAC) are available but have certain limitations. The most significant is that RAC can only be implemented on a server with a maximum of 2 sockets. Remember that from 19c and onwards, RAC is no longer available in DB SE.

How do I know if Oracle is enterprise or standard?

You can determine your Oracle version by executing the following SQL command: u0022SELECT * FROM V$VERSIONu0022. The output will tell you whether you are running the Standard or Enterprise edition.

What is the difference between Oracle Cloud Standard and Enterprise?

Oracle Cloud offers both Standard and Enterprise service tiers. The Standard tier is a cost-effective solution for smaller workloads, offering core features and capabilities. The Enterprise tier offers advanced features designed for larger, more complex workloads. It provides higher performance, greater flexibility, and increased control over your cloud environment.

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Author

  • Fredrik Filipsson

    Fredrik Filipsson brings two decades of Oracle license management experience, including a nine-year tenure at Oracle and 11 years in Oracle license consulting. His expertise extends across leading IT corporations like IBM, enriching his profile with a broad spectrum of software and cloud projects. Filipsson's proficiency encompasses IBM, SAP, Microsoft, and Salesforce platforms, alongside significant involvement in Microsoft Copilot and AI initiatives, enhancing organizational efficiency.