Licensing Oracle Internet Developer Suite (iDS) and Its Costs
- Includes Oracle Forms, Reports, Analytics Publisher tools
- Restricted-use licenses for Oracle Database, iAS, WebLogic
- Named User Plus license: $5,800 per user
- Annual support: $1,276 per user
- Restricted to development, testing, and debugging purposes
- Cost varies based on user count
- Full production use requires additional licenses
Licensing Oracle Internet Developer Suite (iDS) and Its Costs
Oracle Internet Developer Suite (iDS) provides developers the tools to create, test, and maintain applications built with Oracle Forms, Oracle Reports, and Oracle Analytics Publisher (formerly BI-Publisher). It is primarily used for developing Forms, Reports, and related applications in enterprise environments.
Components Included in Oracle iDS
Oracle iDS is a comprehensive suite of development tools, including:
- Oracle Forms Developer
- Forms Builder
- Forms Compiler
- Forms Java Development API (JDAPI)
- Forms C API
- Forms XML Converter
- WebUtil add-on
- Oracle Reports Developer
- Reports Builder
- Reports Converter
- Reports Client
- Reports Runtime
- SQL*Plus: A command-line tool for database management.
Restricted-Use Licenses in Oracle iDS
The Oracle iDS license includes several restricted-use components specifically for developing, testing, and debugging applications within the iDS environment.
These restrictions are important to note, as they limit the full use of the following products:
- Oracle Internet Application Server (iAS) Enterprise Edition: Use is restricted to testing and debugging applications developed with iDS.
- Oracle Database Enterprise Edition: This license is strictly limited to installing, testing, and debugging applications built using iDS.
- Oracle Analytics Publisher: Formerly Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher, its use is limited to development and testing.
- Oracle WebLogic Server Basic/Oracle Containers for J2EE (OC4J): Can only be used to run, test, and debug applications developed with iDS.
- Oracle Web Services Manager: Restricted to testing and debugging applications built within the iDS environment, specifically for Forms Application Deployment Services (FADS).
Licensing Costs for Oracle iDS
Oracle iDS is available under the Named User Plus licensing model, which charges based on the number of users or developers accessing the suite. Below is the breakdown of costs:
- Named User Plus (NUP) License: $5,800 per Named User Plus
- Annual Support: $1,276 per Named User Plus
This cost increases proportionally for developers or businesses with more users based on the number of Named User Plus licenses purchased.
Example Licensing Scenario
If an organization has a team of five developers using Oracle iDS, the licensing costs would be as follows:
- License Cost: 5 developers × $5,800 per developer = $29,000
- Annual Support Cost: 5 developers × $1,276 per developer = $6,380
The initial cost would be $29,000 for licensing, with an ongoing annual support fee of $6,380.
Read about how to license Oracle service bus.
Key Licensing Considerations
- Restricted Use: Many of the tools included in the Oracle iDS package are restricted to development, testing, and debugging. Additional licenses for full production may be required for Oracle iAS, Oracle WebLogic Server, and Oracle Database Enterprise Edition.
- Scalability: The Named User Plus model can become costly as the number of users increases. However, it is ideal for development teams that require access to multiple Oracle tools within a non-production environment.
- Enterprise Focus: Oracle iDS is tailored for larger enterprises that need a comprehensive suite of development tools to support their Oracle-based application development projects.
Reducing Oracle iDS Licensing Costs
- User Limitation: Restricting the number of users to only those directly involved in development can reduce overall costs.
- Third-Party Support: Some companies consider moving to third-party support providers for ongoing maintenance, which can offer significant savings.
Oracle iDS is a valuable tool for developers within the Oracle middleware ecosystem. Still, its costs and licensing restrictions must be carefully managed to align with your organization’s needs.
Read about how to license Oracle BPEL Option.
FAQ for Licensing Oracle Internet Developer Suite (iDS) and Its Costs
What is Oracle Internet Developer Suite (iDS)?
Oracle iDS is a development suite that provides tools for building and maintaining Forms, Reports, and Analytics applications.
What components are included in Oracle iDS?
Oracle iDS includes Oracle Forms Developer, Oracle Reports Developer, SQL*Plus, and Oracle Analytics Publisher, among others.
What is the cost of a Named User Plus license for Oracle iDS?
The cost is $5,800 per Named User Plus license.
How much is the annual support fee for Oracle iDS?
The annual support fee is $1,276 per Named User Plus.
Is Oracle iDS licensed for production use?
No, Oracle iDS licenses are restricted to development, testing, and debugging. Production use requires additional licenses.
What is the restricted-use license for Oracle Database in iDS?
Oracle Database Enterprise Edition can only be used for testing and debugging applications built with iDS.
Can I use Oracle WebLogic Server with Oracle iDS?
Yes, but it is restricted to running, testing, and debugging applications developed with iDS.
What are the prerequisites for licensing Oracle iDS?
A license for Oracle WebLogic Server Basic or Oracle Containers for J2EE, including restricted-use licenses with iDS, is required.
Can Oracle Analytics Publisher be used for production with iDS?
No, Oracle Analytics Publisher is limited to development and testing purposes only.
What is the licensing model for Oracle iDS?
Oracle iDS is licensed using the Named User Plus model, meaning each user requires a separate license.
How do restricted-use licenses affect iDS?
Restricted-use licenses limit the tools to non-production environments, specifically for developing, testing, and debugging applications.
What happens if I exceed the number of Named User Plus licenses?
You will need to purchase additional licenses to ensure compliance.
Can Oracle iDS licenses be shared among users?
No, Oracle licenses are specific to each Named User and cannot be shared.
How can I reduce Oracle iDS licensing costs?
Limiting the number of users and leveraging third-party support can help reduce costs.
Are there any third-party support options for Oracle iDS?
Yes, companies like Rimini Street offer support services at a lower cost than Oracle’s own support fees.
Read about our Oracle License Management Services.
