Introduction to Oracle Standard Edition RAC Licensing
This article provides a comprehensive understanding of Oracle Standard Edition RAC licensing, particularly the significant changes introduced in Oracle 19c. The key takeaways include:
- Major Change in Oracle 19c: Starting with Oracle version 19c, Oracle Standard Edition 2 (SE2) will no longer support Real Application Cluster (RAC).
- History and Changes in SE2: SE2, released in December 2015, replaced the previous Standard Edition (SE) and Standard Edition One (SE1) releases. SE2 introduced limitations in the total number of CPU sockets and the maximum number of 16 CPU threads per database instance.
- Options for Companies: If an upgrade is imminent, companies using RAC today need to evaluate their requirements and decide whether to switch to Oracle Enterprise Edition (EE) with the RAC option or to switch to the public cloud.
Oracle Standard Edition RAC Licensing – The Major Change in Oracle 19c
Suppose you are running Oracle Standard Edition 2 (SE2) and using Real Application Cluster (RAC).
In that case, there is an essential change in Oracle Standard Edition RAC licensing that you need to know about. Starting with Oracle version 19c, SE2 will no longer support RAC.
In this article, we’ll discuss the history of SE2, what has changed, and advise on what your company should do if an upgrade is imminent.
Oracle Database Standard Edition Licensing
The History of SE2.
In December 2015, Oracle released SE2, replacing the previous Standard Edition (SE) and Standard Edition One (SE1) releases. Customers on versions before 12.1.0.2 who want to upgrade to a more recent version must switch to SE2. Besides installing SE2, existing SE and SE1 licenses must be upgraded, although this process is free. The only increase is in the support fee for SE1 customers.
Changes in SE2.
The major changes from SE to SE2 are the limitation in the total number of CPU sockets and the maximum number of 16 CPU threads per database instance that can be used. SE allowed four sockets (2 sockets for SE1) without limiting the number of CPU threads. In SE2, the number of sockets was reduced to 2. This means that a RAC can still be set up, but with only one CPU socket per server, and only 8 CPU threads can be used by each database instance.
Oracle DB SE 19c and onwards
From Oracle version 19c, RAC usage will no longer be allowed within SE2. This can be found in the “Database Licensing Information User Manual” (see Table 1.9 Scalability).
If an upgrade is imminent, evaluating why your company is using RAC today is important. Are there certain business requirements, such as no downtime or online patching? Or is load balancing one reason why your company should run on RAC? Once you clearly understand your company’s requirements and desires, you can choose from the following options:
- Option 1- Switch to Oracle Enterprise Edition (EE) with the RAC option.
Redress Compliance can offer advice about the number of Enterprise Edition and RAC licenses needed (without loss of performance and functionality used), which licensing metric would be the best option for you, and an offer to upgrade your existing SE, SE1, or SE2 licenses to Enterprise Edition (EE).
- Option 2- Switch to the public cloud.
Depending on the chosen cloud solution, RAC will also be available. Note that all necessary licenses must be present or purchased within the cloud. The big advantage of the cloud is that it can spread the costs, and you only pay for the system’s running period. Our certified Oracle licensing specialists can help your organization switch to the cloud.
It’s important to note that if your company is still running Oracle version 18c or below, you are safe for now. This version still allows SE2 to run perfectly in addition to RAC.
The change in Oracle 19c means that SE2 will no longer support RAC, so it’s important to evaluate why your company is using RAC today and determine which option is best for you; our team of experts can provide the necessary advice and guidance to help you make the best decision for your company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Changes in Oracle 19c Licensing.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the major change in Oracle 19c that affects the usage of RAC in Standard Edition Two (SE2):
What is Standard Edition Two (SE2)?
SE2 is a version of the Oracle Database software designed for small to medium-sized businesses needing a cost-effective and reliable database solution.
What is RAC?
RAC (Real Application Clusters) is a feature of the Oracle Database that allows multiple instances to access a single database.
What has changed in Oracle 19c?
Starting with Oracle version 19c, SE2 will no longer support RAC. This means companies using SE2 can no longer use RAC in their database environment.
Can I still use RAC with Oracle SE2 in earlier versions of Oracle?
Companies running Oracle version 18c or below can still use RAC with SE2.
Redress Compliance Services
Redress Compliance offers a range of services to help your company navigate the changes in Oracle Standard Edition RAC licensing:
- Oracle Licensing Advice: We advise on the number of Enterprise Edition and RAC licenses needed or your options..
- Oracle Licensing Compliance: We ensure your company remains compliant with Oracle licensing terms, minimizing the risk of legal action or fines.
Call to Action (CTA)
Are you considering an upgrade or concerned about the changes in Oracle Standard Edition RAC licensing? Let Redress Compliance guide you through the transition safely and effectively.
Our expert team is ready to provide advice and guidance tailored to your needs. Contact us today to ensure your company remains compliant with Oracle licensing terms and conditions and to minimize the risk of legal action or fines.
