Oracle Multitenant Licensing works like this:
- Oracle Multitenant Licensing: Oracle Multitenant architecture allows a database to function as a Container Database (CDB), containing Pluggable Databases (PDBs).
- Licensing Options: Oracle Multitenant supports two types of licensing: Named User Plus and Per Processor.
- Changes in Oracle 19c: Starting from Oracle Database 19c, a license is required if you need four or more Pluggable Databases (PDBs) within one Container Database (CDB).
- Costs: Multi-tenant licensing must match the quantity and metric of the database enterprise edition.
Oracle Multitenant Licensing
Overview of Oracle Multitenant Licensing
Oracle Multitenant Licensing allows organizations to consolidate multiple physical databases into a single database environment.
This feature, part of Oracle Database’s broader functionality, enables efficient management and operation of numerous databases within one framework.
By using Oracle Multitenant, businesses can reduce overhead, improve performance, and simplify administrative tasks.
Benefits for Database Practitioners
Oracle Multitenant provides significant benefits for database practitioners:
- Simplified Management: Consolidation reduces the complexity of managing multiple databases, making it easier to administer and maintain.
- Resource Optimization: Efficiently allocates resources across databases, leading to better utilization and performance.
- Scalability: Facilitates scaling of database environments without proportional increases in complexity.
Importance in Cloud Infrastructure and Consolidation Strategies
In cloud infrastructure, Oracle Multitenant plays a critical role by supporting database consolidation strategies. It helps in:
- Cost Reduction: Consolidating databases can lower hardware and maintenance costs.
- Improved Performance: Enhances performance through optimized resource usage and streamlined management.
- Cloud Readiness: Simplifies migration to cloud environments by managing multiple databases within a single container, aligning with cloud-native principles.
What is Oracle Multitenant Licensing?
Definition and Purpose
Oracle Multitenant Licensing is a feature that allows multiple databases to reside within a single Oracle Database instance.
This capability is designed to optimize and simplify database management and operation by consolidating multiple databases into a single, manageable entity.
Key Features and Benefits
- Container Database (CDB): A database that can contain multiple Pluggable Databases (PDBs), allowing centralized management.
- Pluggable Databases (PDBs): Independently functioning databases that share the same CDB resources.
- Resource Allocation: Prioritize and allocate resources efficiently among different PDBs.
- Isolation and Security: Each PDB operates independently, ensuring data isolation and security.
- Scalability: Easily add or remove PDBs based on requirements without affecting the overall system performance.
Importance in Modern Database Management
In modern database management, Oracle Multitenant is crucial for:
- Streamlining Operations: Reduces the complexity of managing multiple databases by centralizing control.
- Enhancing Security: Provides robust isolation between databases, enhancing security and compliance.
- Facilitating Growth: Supports scalability, making it easier to expand database environments as business needs grow.
What is Oracle’s Multitenant Option?
Explanation of Multitenant Architecture
The Oracle Multitenant architecture allows multiple databases to coexist within a single Oracle Database instance. This is achieved through a Container Database (CDB) that houses multiple Pluggable Databases (PDBs).
Container Database (CDB) and Pluggable Databases (PDBs)
- Container Database (CDB): The core database with metadata and common resources for managing multiple PDBs.
- Pluggable Databases (PDBs): Individual databases that operate within the CDB. Each PDB is self-contained and functions independently while sharing the CDB’s resources.
Use Cases and Scenarios
- Development and Testing: Ideal for environments where multiple versions or instances of databases are needed for development and testing.
- Consolidation Projects: Helps organizations consolidate their database infrastructure, reducing physical database sprawl and improving manageability.
- Resource Prioritization: Allows businesses to prioritize resources for critical applications while maintaining other less critical databases within the same CDB.
Integration with Other Oracle Features
- Real Application Clusters (RAC): Multitenant works seamlessly with RAC, providing high availability and scalability for PDBs within a CDB.
- Data Guard: Enhances disaster recovery capabilities by protecting PDBs with Data Guard configurations, ensuring data availability and resilience.
Enhancements in Database Isolation, Security, and Resource Prioritization
- Isolation: Ensures that each PDB is isolated from others, preventing data leakage and unauthorized access.
- Security: Provides robust security measures to protect data within each PDB.
- Resource Prioritization: This feature allows administrators to allocate and prioritize resources effectively, ensuring critical applications receive the necessary resources for optimal performance.
By understanding these aspects of Oracle Multitenant, organizations can leverage its capabilities to improve their database management, enhance security, and optimize resource utilization in both on-premises and cloud environments.
Oracle Multitenant Licensing Rules
Overview of Licensing Options
Oracle Multitenant offers two primary licensing options: Named User Plus and Per Processor. These options provide flexibility in how organizations license their use of the Oracle Multitenant feature, catering to different usage scenarios and business needs.
Named User Plus Licensing
Named User Plus licensing is based on the number of users and devices that access the Pluggable Databases (PDBs). This licensing model requires that each user and device accessing the database be accounted for and licensed.
- Definition and Application: Named User Plus licenses cover all users and physical devices accessing a user-created PDB. This model is suitable for environments with a known and limited number of users.
- Requirements: Each user and device that connects to the PDBs must have a license.
Per Processor Licensing
Per Processor licensing is based on the number of processor cores on the physical hosts running the PDBs. This model is often used in environments with high user counts or where user-based licensing is impractical.
- Definition and Application: Per-processor licenses are calculated based on the number of processor cores on all physical hosts running the PDBs. This model is ideal for large-scale deployments where tracking individual users is challenging.
- Requirements: Every processor core on the physical hosts running the PDBs must be licensed.
Licensing Requirements in Oracle 19c
Oracle Database version 19c introduced specific licensing requirements for the Multitenant option:
- Up to Three PDBs Without a License: In Oracle 19c, organizations can create and run up to three user-created PDBs within one Container Database (CDB) without requiring a Multitenant license.
- Licensing for Four or More PDBs: If an organization needs to run four or more PDBs within a single CDB, a Multitenant license is required for the additional PDBs.
Comparison with Previous Versions (Pre-19c)
In versions before Oracle 19c, the licensing rules were more restrictive:
- Single PDB Without a License: Before Oracle 19c, only one PDB could be created and used without a Multitenant license.
- Licensing for Multiple PDBs: Any additional PDBs beyond the first required a Multitenant license.
Oracle Multitenant Licensing Options
Detailed Explanation of Named User Plus Licensing
Definition and Application: User Plus licensing is calculated based on the number of users and devices accessing the PDBs. This type of licensing is suitable for environments where the user base is clearly defined and can be accurately counted.
Licensing All Users and Devices Accessing a PDB Every user and device that accesses a PDB must be licensed. This ensures that all potential points of access are covered and maintains compliance with Oracle’s licensing policies.
Detailed Explanation of Per Processor Licensing
Definition and Application Per Processor licensing calculates costs based on the number of processor cores on the physical hosts running the PDBs. This licensing model benefits large-scale deployments where managing user-based licenses would be cumbersome.
Licensing Processor Cores on Physical Hosts Running PDBs All processor cores on the physical servers that host the PDBs need to be licensed. This method simplifies licensing in high-volume environments and ensures that the computational resources used by the PDBs are adequately licensed.
Oracle Multitenant Licensing Costs
Cost Structure for Multitenant Licensing
Named User Plus License Cost: A Named User Plus license costs $350 per named user. This fee covers each user and device that accesses the PDBs.
Per Processor License Cost: A Per Processor license costs $17,500 per processor. This fee is calculated based on the number of processor cores on the physical hosts running the PDBs.
Cost Calculation Examples
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Total Licensing Cost
- Determine the Number of Processor Licenses or Named Users Plus: Identify the number of processor cores, users, and devices accessing the PDBs.
- Apply the Cost per License: Multiply the licenses needed by the respective cost ($350 per named user or $17,500 per processor).
- Sum the Costs: Add the total costs from the processor licenses and named user plus licenses to get the overall licensing cost.
Example Scenario with Detailed Cost Breakdown If a company needs eight processor licenses and 100 named users plus:
- Processor Licensing Cost: 8 processors x $17,500 per processor = $140,000
- Named User Plus Licensing Cost: 100 users x $350 per user = $35,000
- Total Cost: $140,000 (processors) + $35,000 (users) = $175,000
Factors Influencing Total Cost
Number of Processor Licenses: The higher the licensing cost, the more processor cores are used. This model scales with the computational power of the servers running the PDBs.
Number of Named Users Plus The total number of users and devices accessing the PDBs directly influences the licensing cost. Under this licensing model, environments with many users will see higher costs.
Organizations can make informed decisions about Oracle Multitenant licensing by understanding these licensing rules and cost structures, ensuring compliance, and optimizing their database management strategies.
FAQ: Oracle Multitenant Licensing
What is Oracle Multitenant Licensing?
Oracle Multitenant Licensing allows multiple databases to operate within a single Oracle Database instance. This feature consolidates multiple databases into one entity, simplifying management and optimizing resources.
What are the main benefits of Oracle Multitenant Licensing?
The benefits include simplified management, better resource allocation, and improved scalability. Allowing multiple databases to share the same infrastructure reduces overhead and enhances performance.
How does the Container Database (CDB) and Pluggable Database (PDB) architecture work?
A Container Database (CDB) contains multiple Pluggable Databases (PDBs). The CDB holds the metadata and common resources, while each PDB operates independently but shares the CDB’s resources.
What licensing options are available for Oracle Multitenant?
Oracle Multitenant supports Named User Plus and Per Processor licensing options. Named User Plus is based on the number of users and devices accessing the databases, while Per Processor is based on the number of processor cores on the database servers.
What is Named User Plus licensing?
Named User Plus licensing charges for each user and device that accesses a PDB. This model is ideal for environments with a defined and manageable number of users.
What is Per Processor licensing?
Per Processor licensing is based on the number of processor cores on the physical hosts running the PDBs. This model suits large-scale deployments where tracking individual users is impractical.
How many PDBs can be used without requiring a license in Oracle 19c?
In Oracle 19c, you can use up to three user-created PDBs within one CDB without needing a Multitenant license. A license is required for four or more PDBs.
How did the licensing requirements change in Oracle 19c compared to earlier versions?
Before Oracle 19c, only one user-created PDB could be used without a Multitenant license. Oracle 19c allows up to three user-created PDBs without a license, providing more flexibility.
What is the cost of a Named User Plus license for Oracle Multitenant?
The cost for a Named User Plus license is $350 per named user. This covers each user and device accessing the PDBs.
What is the cost of a Per Processor license for Oracle Multitenant?
The cost for a Per Processor license is $17,500 per processor. This fee is calculated based on the number of processor cores on the physical servers running the PDBs.
How do I calculate the total cost for Oracle Multitenant licensing?
First, determine the number of processor licenses or named users plus needed. Multiply the number of licenses by their respective costs. For example, 8 processor licenses cost 8 x $17,500, and 100 named users cost 100 x $350. Add these amounts for the total cost.
What factors influence the total cost of Oracle Multitenant licensing?
The total cost is influenced by the number of processor licenses and named users plus. The specific licensing model chosen (Named User Plus or Per Processor) also impacts the overall cost.
What are the advantages of using Per Processor licensing over Named User Plus?
Per Processor licensing is advantageous for large-scale deployments where managing individual user licenses is difficult. It simplifies licensing by focusing on processor cores rather than user count.
Why might an organization choose Named User Plus licensing?
Named User Plus licensing is suitable for organizations with a well-defined user base. It allows precise cost management based on the actual number of users and devices accessing the PDBs.
Can Oracle Multitenant be used in a cloud environment?
Yes, Oracle Multitenant can be used in cloud environments. It supports cloud infrastructure, enabling efficient database consolidation and management while ensuring compliance with licensing requirements.
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