EBS / Softwarelicensing

Oracle EBS – What is a read-only user license ?

An Oracle EBS Read-Only User License is:

  • Option between Full and Read-Only: A choice for organizations managing Oracle E-Business Suite applications between Application User licenses and read-only user licenses​​.
  • Cost-Effective Access: Provides read-only access to applications at a lower cost and with fewer usage rights than full-use Application User licenses​​.
  • Avoids Licensing Mistakes: It is essential to identify read-only users to prevent all licenses from being counted as full-use, leading to higher costs​​.
  • Specific Use: Ideal for users who only need to run queries or reports without the need to modify data​

Oracle EBS – What Is a Read-Only User License?

When managing licenses for Oracle E-Business Suite applications, organizations often have to decide between Application User and Application read-on user licenses.

While both licenses allow users to access the same suite of applications, Application Read-Only User licenses are cheaper with fewer usage rights.

Organizations must ensure that all read-only responsibilities and corresponding users are identified to avoid costly mistakes in licensing.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of Application Read-Only User licenses and why organizations should distinguish between different types of users.

Oracle EBS Read-Only User Licenses

Many organizations fail to distinguish between different types of users, which can lead to significant licensing issues.

For instance, if an organization fails to identify read-only users and responsibilities, all licenses may be counted as full-use Application User licenses.

This can result in higher costs after a license review or audit. Individuals granted the right to read-only and full-use licenses will be counted only once as total Application Users, which can help avoid redundant licensing costs.

Types of Licenses for the Oracle E-Business Suite

The Oracle E-Business Suite offers two types of licenses:

Application User.

Application User licenses provide full access to the suite of applications, allowing users to view and modify data.

Application Read-Only User.

Application Read-Only User licenses are cheaper and provide users with read-only access to the applications, limiting their ability to modify data. Application Read-Only User licenses are typically used for running queries or reports against the suite of applications.

Organizations requiring read-only access to the applications can save on licensing costs by acquiring Application Read-Only User licenses.

Importance of Distinguishing Between Different Types of Users with Oracle EBS

Distinguishing between different types of users, such as Application User and Application Read-Only User licenses, is crucial for organizations to manage licensing costs effectively.

Suppose an organization fails to distinguish between its different types of users.

In that case, it may find all their licenses are counted as full-use Application Users during a license review or audit, which can result in significant costs.

So, organizations must identify all read-only responsibilities and corresponding users to avoid costly licensing mistakes.

The Risks of Not Distinguishing Between Different Types of Users with Oracle EBS

Failing to distinguish between different types of users can result in a license audit identifying over-licensed or under-licensed scenarios.

Over-licensing can result in significant licensing costs, while under-licensing can lead to legal liabilities.

Failing to identify read-only responsibilities and corresponding users can result in the organization purchasing more licenses than necessary, leading to wasted resources and additional costs.

How to Identify Read-Only Responsibilities and Corresponding Users for Oracle EBS

To identify read-only responsibilities and corresponding users, organizations must conduct an assessment of their licensing needs.

This involves identifying which users require full access to the suite of applications and which users only need read-only access to run queries or reports.

Once identified, read-only responsibilities and corresponding users should be labeled and tracked to ensure they are not inadvertently counted as full-use Application User licenses during a license review or audit.

What are the Best Practices for Managing Licenses in Oracle E-Business Suite?

To effectively manage licenses in Oracle E-Business Suite, organizations should follow these best practices:

  • Conduct regular license assessments to ensure that licensing needs are being met.
  • Distinguish between different types of users, such as Application User and Application Read-Only User licenses.
  • Ensure licensing policies and procedures are documented and communicated to all relevant parties.
  • Regularly review licensing agreements and contracts to ensure compliance with vendor requirements.

Application Read-Only User licenses provide a cheaper alternative for organizations that only require read-only access to the suite of applications.

However, failing to distinguish between different types of users can lead to costly licensing mistakes.

Organizations can meet their licensing needs by following best practices for managing licenses in Oracle E-Business Suite while avoiding unnecessary costs and legal liabilities.

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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.