Oracle Forms and Reports are licensed as follows:
- Independently Licensed: Is Included in the Oracle Internet Application Server edition but can be separately licensed.
- Components Included: The package includes Oracle Forms, Forms Client Applet, Forms Runtime, Oracle Reports, WebLogic Server Basic, and Oracle Enterprise Manager Fusion Middleware Control.
- Restricted-Use Licenses: Includes Oracle Single Sign-On, Oracle Internet Directory, Oracle HTTP Server and its modules, and WebLogic Server Basic for running Oracle Forms and Reports applications only.
- Licensing Metrics: Named User Plus ($460 per named user plus) and Processor License ($23,000 per processor) are offered.
Oracle Forms Licensing
Oracle Forms and Reports is a comprehensive solution for creating, deploying, and managing applications and reports within an enterprise environment.
Independent licensing of Oracle Forms and Reports includes access to several components and restricted-use licenses. Below is a detailed breakdown of the licensing structure, including features and metrics.
Included Components in Oracle Forms and Reports Licensing
When licensed independently, Oracle Forms and Reports provide tools and utilities essential for application development and reporting.
1. Oracle Forms
Oracle Forms is the primary tool for building high-performance applications tailored for the web.
- Purpose: Allows developers to create interactive, data-driven applications.
- Key Capabilities:
- Rapid development of enterprise applications.
- Integration with Oracle Database and other enterprise systems.
2. Forms Client Applet
A program enabling users to interact with Oracle Forms applications via a web browser.
- Functionality: Provides a seamless user experience by delivering forms through web technologies.
- Usage: Ensures compatibility across various platforms, requiring no significant client-side installation.
3. Forms Runtime
The runtime component executes the application and handles user interactions.
- Features:
- Manages form logic and navigation.
- Processes user input and updates the database.
4. Oracle Reports
Oracle Reports is a robust tool for designing, building, and publishing data-driven reports.
- Purpose: Provides flexibility in reporting from any data source.
- Capabilities:
- Create operational, financial, and management reports.
- Publish reports in formats like PDF, HTML, and Excel.
5. WebLogic Server Basic
A lightweight Oracle WebLogic Server is included for running Oracle Forms and Reports.
- Features:
- Provides a Java-based platform for hosting applications.
- Supports scalability and performance for enterprise deployments.
6. Oracle Enterprise Manager Fusion Middleware Control
A management and monitoring tool is included with the package.
- Purpose: Simplifies administration tasks for Oracle Fusion Middleware.
- Capabilities:
- Real-time performance monitoring.
- Configuration management and troubleshooting tools.
Restricted-Use Licenses Included
Oracle Forms and Reports licensing has restricted-use licenses for additional tools supporting specific functionalities.
1. Oracle Single Sign-On
Provides authentication services for users accessing Oracle Forms and Reports applications.
- Use Case: Centralizes user authentication for secure access.
2. Oracle Internet Directory
Manages user and group security credentials and privileges.
- Key Functions:
- Synchronization with third-party directory services.
- Metadata storage for Oracle Forms and Reports.
3. Oracle HTTP Server and Modules
Supports web hosting for Oracle Forms and Reports applications.
- Restriction: Exclusively for hosting Oracle Forms and Reports applications.
4. WebLogic Server Basic
Facilitates application deployment and management.
- Restriction: Limited to hosting Oracle Forms and Reports applications only.
Licensing Metrics for Oracle Forms and Reports
Oracle offers two licensing metrics for Oracle Forms and Reports, allowing flexibility based on the organization’s needs and deployment size.
1. Named User Plus (NUP)
- Cost: $460 per Named User Plus.
- Definition: A Named User Plus is a single user authorized to access the licensed Oracle software.
- Usage Notes:
- Ideal for environments with a smaller number of users.
- All users, including non-human users like application integrations, must be licensed.
2. Processor License
- Cost: $23,000 per processor.
- Definition: A processor license covers all users accessing Oracle software on a specific server, regardless of the number.
- Usage Notes:
- Best suited for large-scale deployments with numerous users.
- Apply Oracle’s Core Factor Table to determine the required licenses based on the server’s processor type and cores.
Oracle Forms Licensing FAQ
What is Oracle Forms?
Oracle Forms is a development tool used to create enterprise-level data-driven applications. It integrates seamlessly with Oracle Database to provide robust and scalable solutions.
Are Oracle Forms included with Oracle Database?
No, Oracle Forms is licensed separately from Oracle Database. While it works closely with Oracle Database, it requires an independent license.
What components are included with Oracle Forms licensing?
Licensing includes Oracle Forms, Forms Runtime, Forms Client Applet, Oracle Reports, WebLogic Server Basic, and Oracle Enterprise Manager Fusion Middleware Control.
What are the licensing metrics for Oracle Forms?
Oracle Forms licensing is available under two metrics:
- Named User Plus (NUP), which is $460 per user.
- Processor-based licensing, which is $23,000 per processor.
How is Named User Plus licensing calculated?
User Plus licensing is based on the total number of users accessing Oracle Forms. Every individual user, including system accounts and integrations, must be counted.
How does processor-based licensing work?
Processor licensing covers all users accessing Oracle Forms on a specific server. The total number of processors is calculated using Oracle’s Core Factor Table, which accounts for the type and number of processor cores.
Can Oracle Forms be used with other application servers?
Oracle Forms must be deployed on Oracle WebLogic Server Basic, which is included in the licensing. Using another application server would require additional WebLogic licensing.
Are there restricted-use licenses included with Oracle Forms?
The license includes restricted access to Oracle Single Sign-On, Oracle Internet Directory, and Oracle HTTP Server, which can be used only with Oracle Forms and Reports.
Do I need to license Oracle Forms for all environments?
The appropriate license must be in every environment (e.g., development, testing, and production) where Oracle Forms is used.
What is the cost of Oracle Forms Processor Licensing?
Processor licensing is $23,000 per processor. If your server has multiple processors, you must use Oracle’s Core Factor Table to determine the required licenses.
What is the role of Oracle Reports in Oracle Forms licensing?
Oracle Reports is included in the license and provides tools to create and publish data-driven reports. It complements Oracle Forms for reporting functionalities.
Is WebLogic Server Basic sufficient to deploy Oracle Forms?
Yes, WebLogic Server Basic is included for deploying Oracle Forms and Reports applications. However, this version cannot be used for other purposes or applications.
Can Oracle Forms be integrated with other applications?
Oracle Forms can integrate with other applications and databases using APIs, web services, and Oracle middleware solutions.
How do I ensure compliance with Oracle Forms licensing?
Track all users and processors accessing Oracle Forms and ensure all environments (e.g., development, test, and production) are properly licensed. Use Oracle’s audit tools to verify this.
What happens if I use Oracle Forms without proper licensing?
Using Oracle Forms without the required licenses may result in penalties and backdated licensing fees if identified during an Oracle audit. Always verify your compliance to avoid unexpected costs.